Funding and General Resources for Arts-based Businesses
Maine Arts Commission
The Maine Arts Commission offers grant funding to Maine organizations, individuals, schools, and municipalities. The grant cycle opens in January each year with the majority of deadlines before the end of April, with some offerings that have additional autumn deadlines. Funding support must be used for projects between July 1 of this year and June 30 of the following year. If a project has components that fall outside of the timeframe, those components cannot be funded, although components within the timeframe are eligible for funding. Applicants are welcome to apply to multiple grants, unless it is otherwise stated in the application. All applications must be submitted through the agency online Application Portal.
See the Grants Overview page for more information.
Other funding opportunities & resources
- Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) integrates financing, industry expertise, and policy solutions to help create jobs and grow environmentally sustainable enterprises.
- Cooperative Development Institute provides support for existing and aspiring cooperatively-owned businesses.
- Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) provides access to innovative financial solutions.
- Gorham Savings Bank LaunchPad program is a small business competition and a showcase for the state’s dynamic entrepreneurial community.
- Island Institute Small Business Grant provides up to $2,500 for small businesses.
- Maine Angels are accredited private equity investors who help entrepreneurs by investing in and mentoring early stage companies.
- Maine Arts Commission aims to encourage and stimulate public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and cultural programs across the state.
- Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) is a business incubator and co-working space with online resources for startups, and includes financing, mentorship, and training.
- Maine Community Foundation offers more than 20 competitive grant programs that serve communities in Maine.
- Maine Gallery and Studio Guide is annual guide that promotes Maine artists and galleries, and to sell their art.
- Maine Made Domestic Trade Assistance Program provides grants for Maine Made members that provides funding for market expansion outside of Maine and within the United States.
- Maine Made recognized worldwide as a term for quality and integrity and features unique products from across the state.
- Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a unique resource for manufacturing and its supply chain in Maine.
- Maine Office of Tourism Directory is an index of tourism related businesses in Maine. Search for places to stay, eat, and visit, or for things to do while you’re here. Search by town or by region. List your tourism-based business for free.
- Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) helps build and strengthen small businesses through certified advising, training, and education.
- Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is an industry-led, publicly funded, nonprofit that conducts research and development in Maine.
- Maine Venture Fund invests in Maine-based companies.
- Maine Women in the Arts promotes and gives exposure to Maine artists and their work in all media.
- GOV: Starting a Business in Maine features information on everything from financing to business planning to licensing, marketing, product development and more.
- New Business Recovery Grants and Technical Assistance Program is Maine Council of Government’s new program for businesses that started 2020 or after and suffered losses as a result of the pandemic.
- New Ventures Maine (NVME) offers tuition-free programs and financial education for people across the state. Includes support for a new job, career, or business.
- Pine Tree Development Zones (PTDZ) program is sponsored by the Maine State Government and helps businesses reduce or eliminate state taxes for up to ten years.
- SBA’s Lender Match is a free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating SBA-approved lenders operating within the borrower’s county.
- SBA’s Microloan Program provides small loans to women, low-income, minority, veteran, and other small business owners.
- SCORE offers free mentorship and training for entrepreneurs and business owners.
- The Women’s Business Center at CEI offers free and confidential business counseling and workshops.
- Women Standing Together (WST) is a supportive community for women entrepreneurs & leaders.
Statewide & Regional Arts Organizations
- Boothbay Region Art Foundation (Southport)
- Center for Maine Contemporary Art (Rockland)
- Chocolate Church Arts Center (Bath)
- Collins Center for the Arts (Orono)
- Creative Portland (Portland)
- Cultural Alliance of Maine (Portland)
- Deer Isle Artists Association (Deer Isle)
- Eastport Arts Center (Eastport)
- Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown
- Five Rivers Art Alliance (Brunswick)
- Indigo Arts Alliance (Portland)
- Kittery Art Association (Kittery Point)
- L/A Arts (Lewiston and Auburn)
- Maine Alliance for Arts Education
- Maine Art Glass Studio
- Maine Arts Commission
- Maine Fiber Arts
- Maine Made
- Maine Women in the Arts
- Merrymeeting Arts Center (Bowdoinham)
- North Shore Arts Association (Gloucester)
- The Ogunquit Art Association
- River Tree Center for the Arts (Kennebunk)
- St. Lawrence Arts Center (Portland)
- SPACE Alternative Arts Venue (Portland)
- Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA)
- Waterfall Arts (Belfast & Montville)
- Waterville Creates! (Waterville)
- York Art Association