In Fall 2019, Michael Begley moved to Maine to help his mother start at Michael Peace, Love, and waffle-themed restaurant in rural Dover-Foxcroft. Soon after opening, the COVID pandemic had them quickly shifting their plans, and they relocated to a renovated barn on their property, what they now lovingly call "The Waffle Barn." In February 2021, they re-opened their doors as Peace, Love, Waffles, the cutest little breakfast joint in New England, specializing in gourmet waffles. They offer a robust, unique menu of sweet and savory waffles featuring local, fresh Maine ingredients.
As the business grew, the family discussed the future and concluded that Waffles from his mother. Michael needed assistance navigating the transition process, and his local Chamber recommended he contact the SBDC for assistance.
"Working with Maine SBDC is like being friends with the student teacher, you're going to be more prepared for the test."
Michael was connected with Maine SBDC Business Advisor Ann McAlhany. Together, they worked to develop a business plan and the accompanying financial projections. Ann was able to destress the process a bit and help clarify the areas Michael needed to focus on. Ultimately, traditional lending wasn't the right fit. Alternative lenders saw value in the project and the entrepreneurship abilities of this potential new owner. Michael was able to secure the funds needed to purchase the business.
Despite taking ownership during the traditionally slow winter season in Piscataquis County, the business brought in hungry customers and saw some of their busiest months on record. Michael attributes this to his willingness to pay a living wage, providing solid service jobs for locals who would otherwise need to travel for this position. In addition, Michael invests in the local community, providing extraordinary events and customer appreciation perks that prioritize year-round residents.
The business was recently featured in DownEast Magazine, and Michael has big plans for the future and hopes to continue to grow Peace Love Waffles
Michael Odokara has one of the most essential elements needed to succeed in entrepreneurship — a growth mindset! He founded ESM Global Consulting, an IT consulting and security firm, in 2017 and has grown the business over the years. When he decided to learn his native language of Igbo during the pandemic and could not find a suitable African language learning platform, he built his own — called NKENNE.
He contacte Maine SBDC primarily because he was looking for mentorship and recognized the adage, "You don't know what you don't know."
"SBDC has helped me think of ways to elevate our company that we would not have thought of. Always great to have someone who believes in you when things are great, as well as when things are difficult. You can find that with an SBDC advisor.”
Michael was connected with Center Director and Business Advisor Peter Harriman for guidance and support. Peter could answer Michael's questions and provide suggestions around market identification and navigating funding sources. Peter also recommended that Michael apply for Gorham Savings Bank's Launchpad Competition, a local small business pitch contest that helps take businesses to the next level. Ultimately, NKENNE won the Emerging Business Award, which provided them with $10,000 and ongoing and insightful guidance from Gorham Savings Bank. Michael did not stop there and has tirelessly worked to secure a future for his budding business by utilizing the Maine Technology Institute through three rounds of innovation grant funding, the Maine Center for Entrepreneur's Top Gun Program, the Maine Venture Fund, and many other resources.
NKENNE is now the most downloaded African language-learning app in the market. With over 40 thousand users, they aim to create a vibrant social 'club' for speaking African languages with language learners and native speakers. The app focuses on community building and helps connect people with their homeland. MaineBiz recognized Michael as a 2023 40 Under 40. This award acknowledges Maine's next generation of leaders and celebrates individuals changing the future of Maine's economy.
The future looks bright for Michael and NKENNE. They are aiming to connect with companies interested in providing African Languages to their employees as well as providing Maine schools with the opportunity to teach African Languages
Katie and Matt Saunders are passionate about environmental sustainability. Katie, a family nurse practitioner, and her husband Matt, a professional chef for over 20 years and stay-at-home dad to their three children, saw a need for a residential and commercial composting service in the greater Bangor, Maine area. They recognized an opportunity to combine their backgrounds and passion for farming, food, and climate sustainability into a new business.
As first-time business owners, Katie and Matt needed guidance to understand how to start and operate their new endeavor. They approached the Maine SBDC for help
"[The Maine SBDC] is a great resource that can help your small business succeed and get off the ground!"
Katie and Matt were connected with Maine SBDC Associate Center Director and Business Advisor Alison Lane. Alison helped them polish their business plan, prepare financial projections, set up their ownership structure, and time their phased approach. They also dug into finding funding, conducting market research, and creating a website. The Saunders had a lot of good ideas and understood their general trajectory but appreciated having Alison as a sounding board who guided and supported them along the way. When it came time to launch, Alison suggested they put out a press release and helped facilitate that process, significantly increasing their visibility from the get-go.
Katie and Matt Saunders successfully launched 1 Earth Composting, a composting business that offers subscriptions for curbside pickups of compostable materials. Currently, they are providing residential pick-up services in Bangor, Brewer, and Hampden, with plans to expand further by working with restaurants, events, municipalities, and schools. The Saunders are thrilled to be pursuing their passion. They are making a difference and helping their community tackle climate change through the services of their new business.
Long term, the Saunders are working on purchasing property to expand services. They aim to get food waste (kitchen scraps) out of the landfill and recycle them back into the soil to help reduce the worst impacts of climate change. They also hope to offer educational events in the future.
