Editor’s Note: This article has been edited from the print version.
Kevin Jensen, Gorham’s Economic Development Director, is committed to attracting new retail business and letting businesses know that the Town will support them in partnership with the Gorham Business Exchange and the Gorham Village Association which are “dedicated to people having great shopping experiences in the village and the joy of supporting small businesses.”
Jensen noted the Town’s Department of Community Development has been taking steps to promote a “business friendly” environment through open and improved communication and outreach. In addition, the Town’s revolving loan fund program for small businesses, which provides loans up to $150,000 per business at competitive rates, is particularly concerned about providing funding assistance to the business community during the pandemic.
Jensen cited a number of new and expanded businesses in the Village area as evidence of businesses finding the right location to fit their needs and be successful. Upcycle Maine Home Furnishings moved from its space in the Village Mall and into a new location on South St. next Amato’s. K.h. designs, previously an online business offering custom handmade and refinished furniture, recently moved in next to Goodwill in the space formerly rented by Upcycle Maine Home Furnishing. Both of the specialty alcoholic beverage stores, Hops and Vines and Bier Cellar, are doing well as custom beers are quite popular in Maine.
Photo credit Roger MarchandK.h. designs Custom Handmade & Refinished Furniture recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 102 Main Street in the Village Mall. Owner Karen Hussey, along with her husband and daughter, were welcomed by members of the Town including Kevin Jensen, Development Director; Tom Poirier, Director of Community Development; and Ethan Johnson, Gorham Business Exchange. Members of the Gorham Village Alliance were also there to lend their support. Pictured (l to r) are Johnson, Poirier, the Hussey family, and Jensen.
Gorham will be featured in a full page ad as part of Maine Biz’s upcoming annual Fact Book publication this month, promoting Gorham as an attractive place to live, work and play, while highlighting the Gorham community’s enthusiasm for supporting local businesses.
“Gorham is a great place to open a business and we’ve seen how the Town and local community comes out to support them,” said Jensen. “We need to make sure that’s no longer a well-kept secret and get the word out.”
In the meantime, a walking study has been done to update parking in the Village, with the goal of improving parking and making it easier for customers to access local businesses.