In this newsletter, you'll find programs designed to improve processes through 5S and Value Stream Mapping training, explore a no-cost SBA growth education program designed to help businesses scale, and join the conversation about Maine's role in the North Atlantic space economy. You can also learn about workforce funding, training programs, and incentives available to Maine manufacturers through an upcoming Maine Community College System workforce resources webinar. And don't forget, October is Manufacturing Month! With open houses, events, and activities happening across Maine, there's still time to get involved. Explore the opportunities below and join us when you can. We look forward to seeing you there!

Center of Excellence for Manufacturing & Trades Open House

Where: York County Community College, 60 Community Drive, Sanford

When: October 27, 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Cost: Free

Explore hands-on manufacturing and trades training that can help employees and job seekers build new skills or take their next professional step. Tour the learning spaces, meet the team, and learn about certificate and short-term programs in machining, welding, quality assurance, electrical technology, computer-aided design, and more. Eligible participants in select workforce training programs may qualify for a $2,400 student award. Register in advance or drop in during the event.

Make It In Maine:

Workforce Resources for Maine Manufacturers

Where: Virtual

When: October 30, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Cost: Free

Maine manufacturers have more workforce resources available than ever before. Join this free webinar to learn about no-cost training opportunities, Workforce Development Compact funding, the Dirigo Business Incentive tax credit, the Defense & Manufacturing Training Fund, and registered apprenticeship programs that can help you recruit, train, and retain employees.

Simplified Value Stream Mapping

Where: TechPlace, Brunswick

When: November 4th, 8am - 12pm

Cost: $210/person (with potential funding reimbursement for up to 50% of the training cost through the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce.)

Learn a practical, streamlined approach to value stream mapping that helps identify process bottlenecks, pain points, and key performance metrics to uncover opportunities for improvement.



Presenter: Anne Frewin, Founder of Employee Centric Leadership, helps organizations improve performance through employee engagement, reducing turnover, enhancing safety, and strengthening workplace culture.

Maine Space Corporation - Maine Launch Summit

Where: The Roux Institute, Portland, Maine

When: November 5 (by invitation) & 6 (open to the public)

Cost: $150

The Maine Space Corporation is convening a one-day strategic summit - followed by a one-day Maine Space Supply Chain meeting - to identify the launch infrastructure, supply chains, and support services that will position Maine as a leading participant in the North Atlantic space economy. Join the conversation - registration information in the link below.

5S: A Simple Tool for

Immediate Workplace Improvements

Manufacturing companies across the state are using 5S to improve organization, reduce waste, enhance safety, and create more efficient operations. Whether you're exploring 5S for the first time or looking to reinvigorate an existing effort, this proven Lean methodology provides a strong foundation for continuous improvement.

Learn more about our 5S services and resources in the flyer below, and consider joining our upcoming public 5S workshop!

When: December 2nd

Where: TechPlace, Brunswick

Cost: $150 per person ((with potential funding reimbursement for up to 50% of the training cost through the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce.)

Practical guidance and hands-on strategies you can bring back to your organization.

SBA Grant Funds Training at CMCC, SMCC, YCCC

Receive a $2,400 student award when you take certain manufacturing-related classes in 2026-27! Thanks to a $5M U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) grant, more than 600 students can earn the student award if they take a short-term class in fabrication, machining, welding, blueprint reading, quality assurance, manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing technologies at Central Maine Community College (CMCC), Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), and York County Community College (YCCC).

Join the SBA

10,000 Small Business Program

Hello Small Businesses! The Goldman Sachs Foundation is offering small business owners an opportunity to participate in their 10,000 Small Businesses Program – a no-cost multi-week business growth education program to help you scale your business, increase revenue, and hire more employees.

You will have a chance to work with faculty, business advisors, and other growth-minded business owners, all while you work on your own personal actionable business growth plan. 

If you’re selected to participate, the cost of the program is absolutely free!  Hosted in New Hampshire, open to Maine based businesses as well!



Deadline to apply for the Spring 2027 program is December 10, 2026.

Find Maine-Based Suppliers on the

Maine Supply Chain Database

The Maine Supply Chain Database is a publicly accessible database to help you source suppliers in the state of Maine. If you are interested in being added to the database, please contact Daniel Pavitt at danielp@mainemep.org.