Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission (LCRPC), in partnership with SBDC Maine, Bangor Savings Bank, Bath Savings Bank, and First National Bank, is hosting a free informational workshop on using local banks for financing on Thursday, March 19, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the LCRPC conference room at 297 Bath Road in Wiscasset and online.

This learning opportunity will focus on how businesses can use local banks as lenders and as long-term resources. Attendees will learn about the benefits of building strong relationships with local banks, what banks look at when a business wants to borrow money, and what kind of support a business can get to prepare to approach a bank for a loan. This is not a technical loan-application workshop, but a readiness- and relationship-focused session. It's also an opportunity for businesses to get to know the local commercial lenders that serve Lincoln County. Panelists from local banks and SBDC will share insight into the benefits of building a strong relationship with a local bank, as well as when it might make sense to approach other financing institutions like CEI. Maine’s Midcoast SBDC advisor Jenn Dobransky will discuss how she can guide businesses with general advising, which can also help prepare a business to approach a bank for a loan.

This is one of several workshops available this year through LCRPC’s Business Booster Series. The Business Booster Series, hosted by Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, is a semi-regular workshop series for Lincoln County businesses. Topics covered include marketing, financial management, access to capital, legal services, workforce development, and other timely needs that impact members of the business community.

The next Business Booster event will take place on April 19 and will focus on legal services for businesses. Go to LCRPC’s website for more details at lcrpc.org. This is a free event. To RSVP or ask questions, email azipparo@lcrpc.org This event is hybrid, but in-person attendance is highly encouraged, however, for those who wish to attend via Zoom, a link will be provided after the RSVP is received.