Meet the jurors for our downtown grants program
Downtown Grants is a grant opportunity for Ellsworth entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small-businesses who operate in or who have a connection to downtown Ellsworth. 2025 marks the fourth rendition of this program and is made possible by the generosity of our lead sponsor, Franklin Savings Bank, as well as Bangor Federal Credit Union, First National Bank, and Machias Savings Bank.
In 2025, we will have three awards: one for $5000, one for $3000, and one for $500. These awards are available for start-up or expansion projects to help entrepreneurs & business owners. All downtown Ellsworth business owners and area entrepreneurs are eligible to apply. Grants are accepted until Monday, February 24th, 11:59 PM.
We are excited to introduce familiar and new faces to this year’s slate of jurors from partnering organizations, City of Ellsworth, the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, and Viridian Law.
ASHLIE BROWN
Ashlie Brown is the Deputy Finance Director for the City of Ellsworth. She moved to Ellsworth in July 2023 from Newport Center, Vermont, and quickly fell in love with everything this vibrant community has to offer. In November 2023, Ashlie joined Ellsworth City Hall as the Assistant Deputy Treasurer. She later transitioned into the role of Finance Analyst and, as of January 2025, was honored to be appointed Deputy Finance Director.
Before relocating to Maine, Ashlie worked in the finance department at the North Country Supervisory District in Vermont. Her journey in finance began in 2014 when she transitioned from the medical field to become a bank teller—a move that sparked her passion for finance and public service.
Ashlie truly believes that Ellsworth is where she’s meant to be and looks forward to continuing to contribute to this community she now calls home.
JEN BAROLETTI
Jen Baroletti works with startups and emerging companies in growth sectors, structuring private equity investments, advising on optimal corporate structure/governance, and providing financial modeling in connection with raising capital and evaluating strategic transactions. She assists clients with financial modeling, valuations and financial plans, and works with investors and venture capital funds on fund formation/operation and evaluating and negotiating potential investments.
PJ KEENAN
PJ Kennan is the Executive Director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and a proud Blue Hill native. With a background in hospitality and small business, she’s passionate about supporting local growth and bringing people together to make Ellsworth and the surrounding regions a destination to visit, live and fall in love with.
Before coming back to her roots, PJ spent some time in New York City, where she gained experience in both the corporate world and small business scene. This mix of big-city know-how and small-town values shapes the way she works with local businesses and community leaders to create new opportunities and keep things moving forward.
Outside of work, PJ is a huge theater fan and loves getting involved in community events and projects that make Ellsworth a great place to live and work. As Executive Director, she’s passionate about building a thriving local business scene and helping the community grow in a positive, lasting way.
We invite the community and businesses to attend our award ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, March 25th, at 6:00 pm at 16 State Street in downtown Ellsworth. Heart of Ellsworth staff and jurors will announce the awards at this celebratory evening.