KWRED has access to a wide range of services and programs that are designed to ---
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assist new start-up business (big and small);
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help existing businesses expand; and
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provide incentives to attract new business to the region
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-- here are a few of the programs and services that KWRED can provide:
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**Business Loans**
A wide range of loans and business financing options are available through the Eastern Maine Development Corp (KWRED's parent org). From $50,000 micro loans - up to $1,300,000 of business capital, EMDC and KWRED are ready to work with you and area banks to put together the best package of lending options for your business.
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**Significant State Tax Breaks**
The Knox and Waldo county region of the state is one of only 8 Pine Tree Development Zones in Maine. The Pine Tree Zones (PTZ) were established in 2004. Eligible Businesses can qualify for significantly reduced taxes through a program of exemptions, reimbursements, and credits:
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Corporate Income Tax Credit (100%, Years 1-5; 50%, Years 6-10)
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Insurance Premiums Tax Credit (100%, Years 1-5; 50%, Years 6-10):
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Income Tax Reimbursement (80%, Years 1-10):
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Sales and Use Tax (100% Personal Property Exemption, Years 1-10)
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Sales and Use Tax (100% Real Property Reimbursement, Years 1-10):
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Property Tax Reimbursement (up to 100% and 30 years):
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Access to reduced electricity rates
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JUST Give KWRED a call - we'll do an informal assessment to see if you qualify
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**Venture Capital**
We know that for businesses to start, grow and remain in our region we must prop vide access to the business capital that is need -- KWRED works closely with three organizations that provide a ready source of venture and equity capital to qualified firms that are ready to make the leap in to the a new commercial venture - or ready to make a major expansion of their existing line of business. We may be able to help you access the capital you need through the the "Maine Small Enterprise Growth Fund"; "The Finance Authority of Maine", and the "Maine Investment Exchange" (MIX) through "Maine & Company."
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** Local Tax Breaks & Infrastructure Funding **
Municipalities in our KWRED Region can establish Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Zones in their towns. Within these zones business may qualify for direct cash reimbursement of their property tax payments to assist them with their expansion or new business development plans ---- or the municipality may spend those reserved property tax funds on infrastructure improvements that will directly benefit businesses in that TIF Zone (public parking facilities, sidewalks, street scapes, lighting, sewers, etc). Let us give you more info about how TIFs work and how the cities and towns in the Knox/Waldo County region are ready to help your business.
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**Technology and Innovation Grants**
KWRED can help you apply for and receive grants that are provided by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) to assist new and expanding technology businesses as well as companies that are planning new innovative approaches to manufacturing, agriculture and bio-science.
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**Free Assistance for Small Business**
KWRED works with a network of experts that can help you design and develop your small business from the ground up, The Business Development Counselors at the Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide high quality business planning services to small businesses throughout Maine --and it's all FREE. Let KWRED connect you with a SBDC Counselor in our region who can help you prepare a business plan, a financial analysis, cost and income projections, marketing plans, and businesses legal strategies, etc. Just give us call - we can help you get off to the right start.
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**Assistance with Permitting**
Purchasing land or buildings for a new venture can be tricky - let us help you with the permitting processes that you may be facing. We can help you work through the regulations that the local municipalities may have in our region as well as assist you with the connections to the proper units at the Maine Dept. of Environmental Protections.
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**Linking you to Federal Contracts**
The Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MPTAC) is housed in the EMDC office in Bangor - KWRED staff work closely with MPTAC and can assist you in quickly linking to Federal contracts that may be helpful to your business - just give us a call at KWRED and we'll set up a special appointment for you with the M.PTAC staff to help find those Federal contacts that may be a good fit for your business strategy.
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**State Grants for Expansion or New Business**
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are Federal grants that businesses may qualify for. The grants are administered through the Maine Dept of Economic and Community Development in Augusta. The grant application must be initiated and supported by a local municipal level of government. Let's talk about your business expansion plans to see if you may be considered for one of these significant development grant opportunities.
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**Rural Development Grants and Loans**
Maine is a rural state - in fact, all of the Knox/Waldo County region is classified as "rural" -- and as such there are a number of Business Opportunity Grants (BOGs) that may be available to your business here through the US Dept of Agriculture. Even though you may never have thought of the USDA a potential source of grant funds for your business -- give us a call and we'll explore those options with you.
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**Locating and Training your Workforce**
Skilled, reliable and talented workers are essential to the success of most businesses -- we are fortunate to have easy access to the knowledgeable staff at 2 Career Center Offices in our Region (Belfast and Rockland) -- let us put you in touch with the workforce development specialist who can post your job listings (FREE), screen and test candidates, and assist you with a number of job training grants for which your firm may qualify.
 Belfast Office -- Rockland Office
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