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Friday, March 27, 2026
Why Financial Literacy Is the Skill Hancock County Business Owners Can't Afford to Skip
Financial literacy — understanding bookkeeping, financial statements, taxes, and cash flow — is one of the most direct predictors of small business survival. The numbers behind this are hard to ignore: nearly half of small business owners say they've lost at least $10,000 in profits due to low financial literacy, and 13% believe they've missed out on $500,000 or more. For business owners in Bar Harbor and across Hancock County, where seasonal swings make financial timing everything, knowing your numbers
Friday, March 13, 2026Key Considerations Before Opening a Franchise
Starting a franchise can be an exciting path for entrepreneurs seeking a proven business model. However, success requires thorough evaluation, strategic planning, and operational readiness. New franchise owners must understand both the opportunities and responsibilities before committing.Essential Takeaways Choose a franchise with a proven history of profitability and growth. Understand the initial investment and ongoing fees. Evaluate franchisor support, including training and marketing
Friday, March 13, 2026Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Employees Donate More than $26,000 to 10 Nonprofits 3/13/2026
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s Employee-Driven Charitable Giving Program Presents More than $26,000 in Donations to 10 Nonprofits Serving Northern New England Bar Harbor, Maine – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented more than $26,000 in donations collected through the Bank’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause, to 10 organizations serving communities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The recipients of the donations collected during the fourth quarter of
Tuesday, March 10, 2026Your Sales Pitch Has 45 Seconds: How Bar Harbor Businesses Can Make Them Count
The most effective sales pitch is short, buyer-focused, and built around a single clear value — not a tour of everything your business does. For small businesses in Hancock County, where a compressed tourism season means every conversation with a potential client, buyer, or booking contact carries real stakes, a sharp pitch is a measurable competitive advantage.The Logline Problem Most buyers form an impression before you finish your opening. Research tracked by Harvard Business Review shows that buyers
Thursday, January 29, 2026How Bar Harbor Businesses Can Turn Data Visualization Into a Local Advantage
Bar Harbor’s business community thrives on clarity—clear seasons, clear visitor patterns, and clear decisions that keep small enterprises nimble. Data visualization offers a practical way for local organizations to see patterns sooner, communicate insights faster, and make choices with more confidence. In brief: Data visualization helps small businesses quickly identify trends, seasonality, and performance drivers. It improves team communication, turning complex numbers into clear
Wednesday, November 26, 2025The Essential Playbook for New Home Service Entrepreneurs
The home services sector — encompassing cleaning, plumbing, landscaping, repairs, and remodeling — is one of the fastest-growing areas of local entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a handyman, electrician, cleaner, or painter, building a home services business is as much about trust and structure as it is about skill.The Short Version To start and grow a home services business: Choose a clear service niche and define your target customers. Register your business legally and set up financial and
Thursday, September 25, 2025Smart Ways to Invest in Your Business from Day One
Launching your first business is both exciting and overwhelming. With limited resources, you have to decide what’s worth the early investment and what can wait. Choosing wisely now can save time, money, and frustration down the road. Below are some of the most impactful areas new owners should prioritize. 1. Foundational Financial Tools Separating personal and business finances should be a top priority. Opening a business bank account with providers likeMercury helps establish credibility,
