Community & Economic Development

Economic Development

From lobstering to semiconductors, our vibrant and diversified economy supports a dynamic quality of life for the region. To promote economic growth, GPCOG provides a variety of planning services to both businesses and communities:

• Mobilize Maine is a bottom up approach to economic development that focuses on mapping and strengthening regional assets, including skills, businesses, activities, and special places.  Through a disciplined series of steps led by the private sector, Mobilize Maine utilizes an asset-based approach that allows business and community leaders to take charge of their own regional economy.
• Representation of regional interests at the statewide and national levels through the Southern Maine Economic Development District.
• Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS): Coordinated by SMEDD, CEDS allows York and Cumberland County communities to become eligible for funding from the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA).
• Project development, including consultation, research and analysis, and grant writing.
• Strategic assistance to economically distressed neighborhoods, populations, communities, businesses, and industries.
• Planning assistance for comprehensive plans, downtown plans, and other economic and community development studies.
• Data collection and analysis on population, housing, employment, income, and other information.
• Access to capital for area businesses through the Regional Economic Development Loan Program and Revolving Loan Fund Program.
• Professional development opportunities for managers, planners, and economic development committees, including presentations, workshops, and other forums.

Staffing
Neal Allen, Executive Director
(nallen@gpcog.org)

Caroline Paras, Economic and Community Planner
(cparas@gpcog.org)

Vin DiCara, Loan Officer
(vdicara@gpcog.org)

Resources & Links

Biddeford-Saco Area Economic Development Corporation

Freeport Economic Development Corporation

Gorham Economic Development Corporation

Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce

Maine and Company
Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
Portland Economic Development Center

Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Scarborough Economic Development Corporation
Windham Economic Development Corporation

Small Business Assistance:

Coastal Enterprises
Environmental and Energy Technology Council of Maine

Maine Center for Enterprise Development

Maine International Trade Center

Maine Small Business Development Centers
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
USM Center for Small Business and Entrepreneurship