Elements coffee shop Biddeford

Working Waterfront

Strengthening Maine’s small business backbone

How often have we at the Island Institute said—like many others throughout Maine—that small business is the backbone of the state. That became clearer than ever in March of this year. Coronavirus hit. We paused. We stepped back. We shut down. It became clear that small businesses were going to… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

COA, Mount Desert 365 build student housing

The project will bring approximately 15 students and a guest or faculty member to live downtown, but it will be more than a simple space to house students, said COA President Darron Collins. “The center will be a catalyst for deepening COA’s mission to add to the cultural, intellectual, and… SEE MORE