Business Assistance In Calais

We’re ready to help you grow in Calais

Whether you are a business interested in starting a location in Calais, a new business looking to find that first place of your own, or a business that needs help expanding, the City Building is the place to start.

Calais is the retail and service center for eastern Washington County and much of Charlotte County, New Brunswick, and has expanded steadily in the last few years. Businesses come to Calais because of our infrastructure, proximity to the Maritime Provinces of Canada, and workforce. To assist businesses with the process of locating in Calais, we have staff with years of experience in economic development.

We will walk you through the steps needed to accomplish your objectives, whether it be site search and evaluation, permitting, or assistance in finding business counseling to help you grow and strengthen your business.

Primary Services offered by our staff include:

  • Site search assistance and evaluation of locations
  • Assistance with business counseling and identification of partner resources to help you grow and strengthen your business
  • Business attraction through marketing and promotional efforts
  • Coordination with other City departments to resolve any issues affecting your business
  • Administration of City incentives, including municipal tax increment financing (TIF) and the State’s Community Development Block Grant Business Assistance Program

Contacting the Economic Development Director is the first step in your business project. Let us help you be part of the exciting future in Calais!

Contact Information:

Laurel Perkins, Downeast Economic Development, Phone 207-214-5926 or email at ewced@outlook.com

Mike Ellis, City Manager, P.O. Box 413, Calais, ME 04619 Phone 207-454-2521 extension 1001 or email at manager@calaismaine.org

Historic Commercial District Revolving Fund

The Historic Commercial District Revolving Fund (HCDRF) provides 0% interest loans for façade improvements and COVID-19 response. Attached is the Historic Commercial District Revolving Fund Flyer– if you are interested in this program please reach out to Brittanii Batts at bbatts@savingplaces.org or at the National Main Street Center for additional information and the application.