The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center is helping dozens of immigrants get their business ideas off the ground. The economic impacts could be substantial.
PORTLAND, Maine — As Maine confronts the reality of an aging workforce, a program in Portland seeks to empower immigrants to help take the reins of the state’s economic future.
The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center is finding success in providing guidance and support for immigrant business-owners—assisting them in everything from drafting a business plan to seeking low-interest loans to launch.
“We help them by meeting them where they are. The requirement is that you’re an immigrant and you’re entrepreneurial in spirit,” Stella Hernandez, the center’s business hub director, explained.
Hernandez has been busy. She estimates she has connected with about 50 entrepreneurs in the last year or so.
“There are clients I end up working with once a week for months, and others who are just looking for a few resources …