Coastal Enterprises Inc.

03/24/2026

Small businesses power communities.

In Maine, KeyBank is partnering with Coastal Enterprises, Inc. to help entrepreneurs access the capital, guidance and support needed to move forward. For nearly 50 years, CEI has championed rural businesses – fueling growth, job creation and stronger local economies.

Together, we are accelerating small business growth, and building momentum that lasts. To learn more about Key’s commitment to community, visit key.com/community.

03/13/2026

Momentum matters.

We're grateful to see strong media coverage highlighting Melissa Holt, of Growing Minds Early Learning Center, and the importance of sustained funding for the Child Care Affordability Program, including recent labor support through LD 1955.

We’re in the final stretch, and keeping this issue front and center makes a difference for Maine’s working families and employers alike.

Read more:

Democrats held a press conference in Augusta to provide an update on their affordability package. Thursday's focus was child care.

02/18/2026

Step into a day in the life of CEI’s Human Resources Manager, Diana LeBlanc!

From candidate interviews to catching up with staff, team meetings, and (of course) plenty of coffee ☕—HR keeps CEI moving.

At CEI, our hybrid model (two days in the office, three remote) helps our team balance work, life, and everything in between.

✨Today shows what an average in-office day looks like for Diana.

We’re grateful for Diana’s powerful leadership, huge heart, and inspiring commitment to creating an equitable future for all. 💛🌱

01/30/2026

✨ Day in the Life at CEI ✨

Meet Cameron Monaghan — Program Developer on our Workforce Solutions team!

If you’ve ever been in the CEI office, you probably already know Cameron. He’s the guy who’s never without a smile, brightening every room he walks into.

Fun fact: Years before joining CEI, Cameron bought a vintage CEI hat at a Goodwill… and now he works here.

As part of our Workforce Solutions team, Cameron partners directly with businesses financed by CEI and our subsidiaries to strengthen their HR practices, improve job quality, and build more equitable, inclusive workplaces. 

Follow Cameron through a day of problem‑solving, people‑supporting, and spreading good energy around CEI.✨

11/26/2025

🔒✨ Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Peace of Mind! ✨🔒

Scammers are getting smarter...but so can we. Join our free Scam Smarts Workshop on Dec 4 at 11am and learn how to spot red flags, protect your personal info, and keep your family safe.

📘 Plus, download our free Scam Smarts Toolkit with checklists, hotlines, and prevention tips for 14 common scams!

👉 Reserve your spot today:
https://merrymeeting.coursestorm.com/course/scam-smarts-workshop

11/10/2025

❄️ Maine business owners: Is your business ready for winter?

Join us for Winter Readiness: Prioritizing Business Preparedness and Resilience

📅 Nov 18 | 8–10:30am EST
📍 10 Market Street
🎟️ Free to attend — RSVP early to save your spot!

Learn how to protect your business from extreme weather with insights from climate expert Hannah Baranes, PhD, and a panel of resilience pros. CEI will also unveil a new preparedness resource, plus enjoy a light breakfast and raffle prizes!

✅ Don’t wait — early registration is open now. Let’s build a stronger, more resilient Maine business community together.

11/04/2025

Maine’s weather is changing — and so is the risk to your operations. From power outages to flooding, extreme weather can disrupt everything you’ve built. But with the right plan, you can stay ahead of the storm.

Join us for Winter Readiness, a free in-person event hosted by CEI and sponsored by M&T Bank, designed to help small businesses prepare, adapt, and thrive.

🧠 Climate forecast from Dr. Hannah Baranes
🛠️ Expert panel on business resilience
📋 Launch of CEI’s new preparedness checklist
🥐 Light breakfast + raffle prizes

📅 Nov 18 8:00–10:30 AM
📍 The Allagash Bungalow, Scarborough, ME
🔗 Reserve your spot now — link in bio.

10/31/2025

🎃 Wishing you all treats and no tricks! 🎃

10/22/2025

Day 3 and we're still going strong! Impressed by the inspiring panelists, incredible community, and exciting conversations happening here.

Photo 1: CEI's newest Justice Fellows Hilda, Krunal, and Nat pose for a shot between sessions.

Photo 2: CEI's Senior Director of State Policy Amy Winston visits Capitol Hill.

Tonight we celebrate with great music and well-deserved awards. Then it's back home to Maine! 🌲

10/17/2025

Meet Ger Tysk, a local chef who never imagined she’d trade ship galleys for her own kitchen.

What began as making Asian-inspired food and kimchi on boats turned into a mission to share her heritage and create meaningful connections. Through every jar, brings authentic Asian flavors to Maine communities, while supporting local farmers and introducing first-time kimchi tasters to the joy of fermented foods.

👉 Discover Ger’s full sea-to-table journey with the link in bio!

10/07/2025

Just got back from for our annual retreat, and WOW...what a day!

We took a step back to explore the foundation of who we are as an organization. The history that brought us here, the mission that guides us, and the culture we've worked hard to build together. We also talked about where we're going and how we want to grow.

Craig Freshley from Good Group Decisions facilitated the day again for us, leading us through meaningful exercises and conversations that deepened our understanding of each other and strengthened our collective vision.

We also took time to stroll the beautiful grounds at Wolfs Neck State Park, pairing up with colleagues we don't often get the chance to chat with.

These moments matter. Getting out of the office and creating space for real connection and reflection reminds us why we do this work and who we get to do it with.

Grateful to Wolfs Neck for hosting us and to Craig for guiding such a thoughtful day. Here's to the continued journey ahead!