Midcoast Entrepreneurs: Bright Ideas, Creativity and Enterprise
Small and micro business owners around the United States are struggling to stay afloat and find a sense of normalcy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
From restaurateurs to artists, and everything in between, the Midcoast is beaming with creatives and innovators in all mediums.
Since the inception of PenBayPilot.com, a collective goal of our writers has been to spotlight entrepreneurs and their creativity. Now, we have established a hub for our stories about the Midcoast’s entrepreneurs to permanently reside.
We encourage our readers to support as many local business owners as possible across as many industries as you can. Our neighbors need our support, so please browse through this hub for potential purchases or places to eat.
Additionally, business owners will find resources in the sidebar (to the right on desktop; at the bottom on mobile).
Keep checking back as we load more stories from our archive spanning nearly a decade into this hub.
Laurel’s Dolce Vita Bakery and Café is Thomaston’s newest business
Brother Shucker serves cold fresh oysters from a food truck
Luce, a nano-distillery, is Rockland’s newest hot spot for botanical spirits
Rockland couple establish family-owned business, Reyer Landscaping
Sterlingtown Bakehouse adds a new community food hub in Union
Young female lobster boat captain shines in the Mountainfilm On Tour Festival
New Thai restaurant, Fon’s Kitchen, soon to open in downtown Belfast
Laugh Loud Smile Big’s Camden cupcake shop on track for April reopening
Hey Sailor, Searsport’s new taco cocktail restaurant opens
The ‘PC Guy’ wants your old computers to fix up and give to people who can’t afford them
Arctic Tern Books, new boutique bookstore, opens in Rockland
If there’s a mouse in the house, Kathleen Maseychik is behind it
Day Trips: Marsh River Cooperative
The story behind this stunning photo
From a bad decision to ‘Betty The Brilliant ArtVan’
A farmer just took over a mini golf course and the result is a wild new business
Knitted hats with a naughty message
Environmentally conscious Symmetree Base Camp sets up shop in Camden
Searsport gains Rio’s Spiked Café with a European flair
207 Eats is latest food truck to hit Midcoast with organic, local fare
Dominique K. Woodward ready to help Mainers create ‘empowering’ plan to live their best life
Lucky Betty’s, a boutique bar, opens in Camden
Going green with Alan Robertson of BlueWave Solar
Camden author provides insight to philanthropy, charitable volunteering
Painted Monarch, new hair salon, opens in Rockport
Going green with Alvin Chase: solar farm, electric cars, keeping community healthy and strong
Rowing with beauty, self-empowerment: DoryWoman offers Belfast on-the-water experience
Late in the season, Camden gets a new to-go taqueria
The Club Marina and Bar opens in Stockton Springs
Brodis Blueberries in Hope gears up for first Wild Blueberry Weekend
Blue Barren Distillery finds a temporary new home in Hope
Teen wins MIFF Honorary Mention for her short film featuring Hope General Store
Nature-inspired arts and decor store opens in Liberty
Maine Tasting Center aims to be a statewide hub for iconic Maine foods and beverages
New family-friendly food truck ‘Mac Attack’ sets up in Rockland
Unity’s Stone Tree Farm & Cidery opens to the public
Two new businesses open in Camden this summer
Friendly business rivalry underway in Belfast with sign war
Bath Ale Works is the latest brewery to open in the Midcoast
The long lost art of mending and alteration
Midcoast Maine gains a new small book publisher and two literary magazines
Woodworker creates ‘gnarly’ reliquaries that hold precious secrets
The Mill Nutrition energy teas and shakes is the latest healthy spot to open in Camden
How a portrait photographer works her magic to get a smile
Ollie & David’s, a vintage store with factory-farm appeal, opens in Rockland
Tenants Harbor lobstering entrepreneur ropes in home decor market with handcrafted doormats
Art prompts spur community to get creative during Artists & Makers Week
Belfast’s The Green Store tackles plastic waste with dispense-your-own soap
Teen welder makes functional art out of metal scraps
wolfpeach restaurant owners switch to temporary BBQ pop-up
Gathering Thyme, farmhouse decor boutique opens in Rockport
New healthy beverage company aims to boost immunity and health
How improv gives permission to play in an ultra-serious world
Maine couple creates Valentine’s Day cards for ‘affectionate men and women’
wolfpeach, a new chophouse with a Maine twist, soon to open in Camden
Montville artist Leslie Woods captures ‘strength, beauty and attitude’ of sports
New Rockland business, Affinity Nutrition: ‘Nourish your body, achieve optimum health’
Corie’s Rides helps community with personal taxi service
Butter Up Cakes, all-gluten-free bakery, cafe, brews and ciders opens in Damariscotta
Northport artist Jason Thurston crafts ‘Shell Ink’ ornaments
Northport artist refinishes old furniture with enchanting detail
Meet Northport’s up-and-coming fashion mogul: ‘The Golf Boy’
Hana Thurston’s cakes are delicious art masterpieces
Maine Kebab opens in Rockland with forward-thinking takeout model
South Thomaston woman opens shop to help fellow crafters hard hit by pandemic
Louise Seekins spreads love through handsewn teddy bears
Shop Local Spotlight: ornaments, jewelry from discarded lobster, mussel, oyster shells
Vinalhaven’s An Hanna channels creativity, passion for dogs to produce martingale collars
Bill’s Original Kitchen opens at Knox County Regional Airport
Friendship artist Duff Powell’s driftwood creations remind you of the ocean’s beauty
Rockland’s John Coppola: Captain by day, wood turner by night
Shop Local: Three handcrafted gifts from Nature
Maine Cater serves as a lifeline to local restaurants and servers
Shop Local: Three handmade goods that are pure ‘Maine’
‘Wine Fairies of Maine’ are anonymous altruists who help any family in need
One shot is all it takes
Michele LeGris shares passions for antiques with customers worldwide
Meet the North Haven feminist punk guitarist who makes organic skincare
Stockton Springs artist Chelsea Porter’s quirky way to turn discarded books into art
Rockland’s new barbershop ready to provide ‘best haircut’ of your life
Establishing a sense of normalcy during a pandemic with Thomaston’s Pixie Planner
The Grey Owl Bar & Grill in Rockland is set to fly mid-November
Basketball coach and artist Jon Moro on unleashing creativity
Ports of Italy restaurant opens in Rockport
Deirdre’s Roadside Takeout Serves Elevated ‘Food for Travelers’
Did someone say crepes?
Two new eateries bring exotic flavors to Belfast, Thomaston
Mé Lon Togo, known for West African cuisine, opens in Camden
Big T Snack Shack sets up in Rockport Harbor for the summer
‘On A Roll’ lobster food truck now open at Waterman’s Beach Brewery
Belfast entrepreneur Alicia Gaiero juggles ‘gnarly’ ski accessories business, additional endeavors
A Splendiferous day in Searsport at the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ chocolate shoppe
Knitting for a living: How ‘On The Round’ became one entrepreneur’s dream job
To pay college costs, Maine student draws portraits
Bare trees of winter inspire Montville artist
Shop Local: Three ‘Clutter-Free’ Gifts of Experiences
Shop Local: Three handmade goods that are pure ‘Maine’
Shop Local: Three unique Maine eats
Grandpa’s Kitchen, new Belfast breakfast, lunch spot, dishes up comfort food
Belfast welcomes sushi restaurant Satori to historic Gothic building
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