The future of Maine's economy is Black.
Powered by donor support, Black Owned Maine has spent five years building an ecosystem where Black and immigrant entrepreneurs across the state can thrive, not just survive.
BOM's reach today includes over 450 businesses, representing industries such as art, music, nonprofits, grocery stores, beauty shops, and restaurants, across every major region of Maine.
Rose Barboza · Founding Chief Executive Officer
Barriers Black entrepreneurs faced in 2020
<0.25%
of Maine businesses were Black-owned in 2020
$9,150
average Black self-employment income vs. $26,210 for white entrepreneurs
Capital
access to loans, investment, and startup funding remained a persistent barrier
Networks
limited mentorship and business connections slowed growth
Turning barriers into pathways
72.82%
Expanded Representation
of Maine's Black-owned businesses (American Community Survey, 2018) are now represented in BOM's directory — 450 businesses strong.
$1.2M
Facilitated Capital
secured for entrepreneurs facing historical barriers to funding.
700
Provided Guidance
entrepreneurs advised on business strategy and growth opportunities.
$534K
Direct Investment
distributed in direct financial support to Black-owned businesses and nonprofits.
June 2020 to June 2025
68 → 450
+561.76%Directory Network of Businesses
$200K → $744K
+272%Funding Facilitated
0 → 200
New programEntrepreneurs Advised
$80K → $534K
+567.5%Direct Support for Entrepreneurs
Keep going. It'll continue to grow as we spread the word.
— Dimitri King
Highest representation in the BOM network
A linguistically and culturally diverse ecosystem
61.1%
Cumberland County
17.6%
Androscoggin County
14.1%
Other counties — Kennebec, Lincoln, Hancock, Penobscot & more
2020–2025
Sustainable Funding Constraints
Despite facilitating $1.2M in funding, most support was program-restricted, limiting flexibility.
Cultural Authenticity While Scaling
Growing from 68 to 450 businesses challenged BOM to scale while remaining culturally inclusive.
Beyond DEI Gestures
Together with Good Shepherd Food Bank, University of Southern Maine, Maine Office of Tourism, Maine Technology Institute, and Black Innovation Alliance, we are shifting from one-time support to long-term investment.
Without BOM's support it would have been impossible to secure a $10,000 CDBG. I am so grateful.
Sasha Lamour · I Get Active, LLC
Building the future of Black-owned business in Maine
600+ Entrepreneurs Empowered
✶Expanding reach across rural Maine regions to support previously underserved communities.
Cohort Models
◆Creating business cohorts for easier engagement, learning, and networking among peers and the broader business ecosystem.
Infrastructure = Liberation
▲Investing in technology, staffing, and systems that enable sustainable, long-term organizational growth.
We're not just dreaming—we're actively building.
Thank you to our donor community
Your investments have empowered 450+ businesses and built a thriving statewide ecosystem.
Foundation Partners
- Maine Community Foundation
- Maine Initiatives
- Moser Family Foundation
- Elmina B. Sewall Foundation
- Sam L. Cohen Foundation
- UNUM Foundation
- Bangor Savings Bank Foundation
- Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation
Business & Government
- Dept. of Economic and Community Development
- Maine Technology Institute
- Maine Office of Tourism
- Bernstein & Shur
- Greater Portland Council of Governments
- East Coast Cannabis
Community Champions
- Good Shepherd Food Bank
- Black Innovation Alliance
- Bowdoin College
- Portland Press Herald
- WMPG
Five years of resilience, brilliance, and collective power
450+
Businesses Gained Visibility
$1.2M
Funding Unlocked
700+
Entrepreneurs Guided
The future of Maine's economy is Black—join us in building it together.
Abedom Gebreyesus · Chief of Innovation & Strategy