Expanding a Business
Ready to grow and need additional space? Another location? More employees? Let the Brewer Economic Development Team help you along the way! We can help you find the resources and information you need to help grow your business.
These are some things you should keep in mind and questions to ask as you expand and grow your business.
Business Assistance and Training
There are a multitude of resources out there to help keep you moving your business along, and they can provide small business counseling, mentoring and training through a variety of programs and resource partners. Here are some additional groups that can help.
Before you lease a space, buy a building or piece of commercial property, or commit yourself in any way to a location…STOP!
Here are some points to consider before you lease, buy, or build:
Lease
- Is the property located in the right zoning district for my type of business? How do I know?
- Who is responsible for making alterations, updates, or changes to the building – the landlord or the business?
- Will I need Planning Board approval?
- Will I still have to do a site plan if it’s an existing building?
Buy
- Is the property located in the right zoning district for my type of business? How do I know?
- How would I know if the building is up to code?
- Will I need Planning Board approval?
- Will I still have to do a site plan if it’s an existing building?
- Does it have the proper utilities in place or is that something I will have to take care of?
- Is the property in a conservation easement zone?
- Does the property have wetlands or vernal pools that may prevent me from building what I want to?
Build
- Will I be assessed impact fees?
- Is the property located in the right zoning district for my type of business? How do I know?
- Is my proposed building too large for the lot I want to build on, i.e. does the project meet all the City setbacks?
- Does it have the proper utilities in place or is that something I will have to take care of?
- Is the property in a conservation easement zone?
- Does the property have wetlands that may prevent me from building what I want to?
- Do I need any state or federal permits?
As you know in business, cash is king. How will you need to finance your business growth?
Here are some tips for looking for a loan that may be appropriate for your needs.
Understand Employer Responsibilities
Your business is doing great, but there aren’t enough hours in a day to keep up with current demand and you can’t clone yourself. While it’s a good problem to have, it may be time to bring on additional help.
Related Articles: Expanding Your Business
Small Business Administration
www.sba.gov
Resources to Help You Grow Your Business
https://www.maine.gov/decd/business-development/start-grow
Overview and Disclaimer
This site is designed to provide you general information and an overview of important issues for business development, and it is not designed to provide you with professional advice. This site is updated regularly in an attempt to provide the most current and relevant general information.
You are encouraged to consult with an attorney, accountant and other professional that is qualified to give professional advice before making any business decision. The information contained in this site is designed to be a starting point, with links to other support websites. It is in no way an exhaustive list of all necessary steps that may need to considered and taken before a decision is made that may be specific to your business endeavor.
The City of Brewer has regulations in the form of Codes and Ordinances that contain requirements, guidelines, and review processes that guide in the development process. The checklist above is intended to provide you with an overview of the range of issues that may have to be addressed by you as you move your project forward. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list, and it is your responsibility to meet all of the requirements that apply to your specific project.