2025 By the Numbers: Supporting Businesses in Washington County
400 hrs.
Amount of no-cost 1:1 business advising provided to 90 + small businesses / entrepreneurs in 2025.
Loans & Grants
SCEC administers loan and grant programs to help local businesses grow, retain and create jobs, and strengthen the regional economy. In 2025, five businesses received loans. Among these, loans supported: vessel maintenance for a commercial fisherman, the expansion of a locally owned wine shop and the opening of a new café.
Maine APEX
The Maine APEX Counselor at SCEC helps local businesses find and win contracts with the U. S. government- at no cost. In 2025, active APEX clients in Washington County increased from 116 to 123, and contracts awarded to Washington County businesses exceeded 18 million dollars.
$ 276,857
Total amount of loans and grants awarded to businesses in 2025, resulting in eight jobs retained and nine jobs created.
$ 18,971,766
Total amount that Maine APEX clients in Washington County were awarded in U. S. Government contracts in 2025 for their products and services.
Above, left: SCEC staff visited businesses across Washington County in 2025, including SL Wadsworth & Son in Eastport.
From Montana to Maine: Finding New Roots with SCEC Support
Calais Powersports opened its doors in January 2024, filling a critical service gap in the region for powersports and small engine repairs, from chainsaws to ATVs. In 2025, owner Matt LaBeau was able to purchase the business building in Calais and secure a permanent home for his growing small business with the help of SCEC.
To assist in the purchase of the building, SCEC provided one-on-one business advising services to develop a comprehensive business plan. This no-cost advising service helped strengthen his loan application and is available to all entrepreneurs and business owners in Washington County.
SCEC then provided gap financing through the Sunrise Loan Fund program. The Sunrise Loan Fund helps bridge the difference between what a bank will lend and what a
Matt LaBeau, owner and operator of Calais Powersports in his newly purchased building at 334 North Street in Calais.
business owner needs to complete a project, and is available to businesses across Washington County.
For more success stories and information on grants and loans administered through SCEC, please visit sunrisecounty. org. sunrisecounty. org | 3