For the first time in Franklin County, a

was held on Aug. 26, at the University of Maine Farmington. The Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Small Business Administration and Coastal Enterprises Inc., to bring together representatives from several lending institutions and service providers specifically to meet one-on-one with small business owners or those looking to start their own business.

Franklin Savings Bank provided a free continental breakfast and helped promote the event. Twenty-five representatives from area financial institutions, and companies that are service providers for small businesses, were in attendance.

Attendees were introduced to the lenders and had short “speed dating” format meetings with each. We had about 13 local business owners in attendance looking for options and information on starting and obtaining financing to start or expand their businesses.

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