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The Future of Maine’s Economy is Black: 5 Years of Impact
June 2020 to June 2025
5-Year Impact powered by donor support.
Black Owned Maine ('BOM') supports Black and immigrant entrepreneurs statewide.

3 Contributors

Opening Message from BOM Leadership
Five years ago, Black Owned Maine was born from a vision—to create an ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs and immigrant business owners in Maine could thrive, not just survive. What started as a directory has grown into a transformative force for economic empowerment, business education, and advocacy. 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. Thanks to our dedicated supporters, we have made meaningful progress in dismantling systemic barriers and building sustainable pathways to success for hundreds of entrepreneurs."
"This 5-Year Donor Impact Report is not just a reflection of what we’ve achieved—it’s a testament to what’s possible when communities invest in equity, innovation, and Black economic power."
Rose Barboza - Founding Chief Executive Officer
Black Owned Maine
The Problem BOM Is Addressing
  • Severe Underrepresentation: Less than 0.25% of Maine businesses were Black-owned in 2020.
  • Income Inequality: Average Black self-employment income was just $9,150 vs. $26,210 for White entrepreneurs.
  • Capital Barriers: Limited access to loans, investments, and startup funding for Black business owners.
  • Network Gaps: Lack of business connections, mentorship opportunities, and targeted education resources.
How BOM Responded (2020–2025)
Expanded Representation
Built a directory covering 72.82% of Maine's Black-owned businesses (450 total). American Community Survey, 2018.
Facilitated Capital
Secured $1.2 Million in funding for entrepreneurs facing historical barriers.
Provided Guidance
Advised 700 entrepreneurs on business strategy and growth opportunities.
Direct Investment
Distributed $534K in direct financial support to Black-owned businesses and Nonprofits.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS — June 2020 - June 2025
“Keep going. It’ll continue to grow as we spread the word.” -Dimitri King
Business Types Supported
71 Artist & Musicians
Showcasing Maine's diverse artistic talents.
50 Nonprofits
Strengthening community initiatives statewide.
39 Beauty & Wellness
Empowering self-care and wellness businesses.
25 Grocery & Convenience Stores
Supporting local and sustainable food options.
Businesses with highest representation in BOM network
Statewide Reach
61.1% in Cumberland County
Major concentration of supported businesses.
17.6% in Androscoggin County
Growing presence in key metropolitan area.
14.1% In Other Counties
New businesses supported in rural counties like Kennebec, Lincoln, Hancock, Penobscot and more..
BOM serves a linguistically and culturally diverse entrepreneurial community, with businesses representing over 16 languages and located across 16 counties in Maine.
Challenges & Lessons Learned 2020–2025
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2
3
1
Sustainable Funding Constraints
Despite facilitating $1.2m in funding, most support was program-restricted, limiting flexibility
2
Cultural Authenticity While Scaling
Growing from 68 to 450 businesses challenged BOM to scale while remaining culturally inclusive.
3
Beyond DEI Gestures
Together with Good Shepherd Food Bank, University of Southern Maine, Maine Office Tourism, Maine Technology Institute, and Black Innovation Alliance, we are shifting from one-time support to long-term investment, proving that real equity is built through sustained, values-aligned partnership.
"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
What's Next: 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.
With Deep Gratitude to Our Donor Community
Thank you to the incredible partners who have fueled Black Owned Maine's mission. 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
This ecosystem thrives because of you!
Conclusion & Call to Action
This report reflects five years of resilience, brilliance, and collective power. Black Owned Maine has transformed from vision to reality.
450+
Businesses Gained Visibility
$1.2M
Funding Unlocked
700+
Entrepreneurs Guided
Black Owned Maine was built from a vision—an ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs in Maine are not just surviving, but leading. Because of your support, that vision is no longer a dream—it’s happening. Since 2020, BOM has expanded across Maine, reaching Black entrepreneurs in counties such as Cumberland, Androscoggin, and York, and supporting a wide variety of businesses, from art studios and grocery stores to beauty shops and restaurants. Together, we’ve helped over 450 businesses gain visibility, unlocked nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in funding, and provided guidance to over 700 entrepreneurs. But we’re just getting started. To transform systems, we need sustained commitment. We need you. Whether you're a first-time donor or a longtime partner, your continued support fuels the future of Black-owned business in Maine."
The future of Maine's economy is Black—join us in building it together.
With deep gratitude,
Abedom Gebreyesus - Chief of Innovation & Strategy,
Black Owned Maine
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