If you’ve ever had coffee or breakfast in downtown Ellsworth, you’ve probably been to Flexit Café. Owned by Paul Markosian and his wife, Lorena, this café is centrally located on Main Street and is a hub of connection for the community. It seems like everyone knows who Paul is, and that’s because he has made connecting with others a focal point of Flexit – and for himself.
“You have to be committed to your community because a café is, by definition, an asset to the community,” said Paul. “It’s a place where people spend a lot of time and make connections with others.”
Paul has made that commitment apparent. Flexit regularly donates to the schools and local nonprofits, such as The Grand and Heart of Ellsworth. Paul himself is a member of the Ellsworth School Board, the City of Ellsworth’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, and just recently, starred as Robertson Ay in the Ellsworth High School’s production of Mary Poppins.
“You have to love what you do, and I do,” Paul continued. Flexit opened its doors on March 19th, 2015, and quickly realized they were meeting a need in Ellsworth. Not only did people come to get coffee or breakfast, but they also came to gather and socialize. Another unmet need? Catering. Flexit offers catering for businesses and organizational meetings during breakfast and lunch, augmented with a few special functions in the early evenings when they offer hours d’oeuvres. Catering has provided Flexit with a steadiness in business that a regular café in a tourist economy might not typically have.
When asked what his favorite part of owning and running Flexit was, Paul said: “Looking around the dining room and seeing all these people I know.”
Downtown Ellsworth businesses will be open extended hours on Thursday, Dec. 19th to help with any last minute gifting needs!
Many businesses will have extended hours to 8 pm. Come visit downtown and support our local economy!
Maine Paid Family & Medical Leave Seminar
The Ellsworth & Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Rudman Winchell are hosting a 3-part informative series on Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). The first session will be held at the Jesup Library in Bar Harbor on December 19th from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. This session will focus on the first phase of the PFML program, which involves the payroll portion set to go into effect in January 2025.
Click the button below to read an overview on what employers need to know about program contributions.
Storm Response and Preparedness in Working Waterfront Communities
Join the University of Maine Sea Grant Program for vital community conversations to enhance our response, preparedness, and resilience in the face of increasing storm events.
Blue Hill/Brooklin/Brooksville/Castine/Penobscot/Sedgwick/Surry (January 29, 2025, 5:30-7:30 PM, Blue Hill Public Library, 5 Parker Point Rd, Blue Hill)
Three office spaces are available in a prime downtown location: a 10x12 space for $200/month, a 16x16 space for $287/month, and a larger space also available. Rent individually or take all three for an entire floor! Amenities include heat, electricity, off-street parking, shared bathroom, dumpster use, and signage space. One-year lease required; first, last, and deposit due at signing. Not a living space; no pets allowed.
Prime downtown Ellsworth office suite for rent in a newly renovated historic building. Located on the oldest block along the Union River, this 319 sq ft space features refinished hardwood floors, exposed brick, a kitchenette, and private bath. Rent includes sewer, water, internet, and heat. Monthly rent: $1,200. Ideal for small businesses seeking a vibrant location near shops, restaurants, and the Union River Trail. Contact for showing.
FMI: Private Message or Text 207-479-5011
DOWNTOWN ELLSWORTH BUSINESSES
FOR SALE
Interested in investing in Ellsworth? There are several businesses and buildings for sale in our vibrant downtown. Click on each image to be directed to more information!
Do you have space in Downtown Ellsworth that is available to rent or is for sale? Please email us and we'll include it here!
SCORE Maine hosts affordable small business workshops -- both online webinars and live, in-person. You can find everything you need to know to start a business or discover tools to help your small business grow.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Business Bank Loan Application Tips - January 8th, 12:00 PM - Delve into an array of topics essential for navigating the business loan landscape.
MTI - Grants & Programs for Your Business - January 14th 12:00 PM - Whether you are an entrepreneur, a researcher, an inventor, or a business owner with an innovative idea, this workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources to determine if Maine Technology Institute is the right fit for your project.
The CEI Women’s Business Center is a home for women who want to start or grow their own business in Maine. They offer courses, cohorts, workshops, and events which encourage peer-to-peer learning and community building, as well as 1:1 business advising support.
January Biz Fit: Embracing Your Inner Marie Kondo - January 10th, 8:00 am. How to lose the business clutter using the “Kon Mari” Method. Bring your coffee or tea and join us to listen to, share with, and learn from one another in curious conversations. Biz Fit is an informal and supportive gathering of women where we exchange ideas and share insights.
The Maine SBDC program helps build and strengthen small businesses through business advising, training and educational resources.
How to Price for Wholesale - January 14th, 10:00 AM - Pricing your products right is essential to success! In this webinar, you'll learn what it really costs to produce your products.
New Ventures Maine creates an empowering environment for Maine people to define and achieve their career, financial, and small business goals.
Business Recovery and Resilience Fund - The Maine Legislature established the Business Recovery and Resiliency Fund and funded it with $10,000,000 to provide grant opportunities to businesses and organizations, including nonprofit organizations, affected by specified severe weather-related events. These events include the December 18, 2023 storm, the January 10, 2024 storm and the January 13, 2024 storm. Projects may include a recovery component for damage sustained and must include efforts to increase business resilience to future storms and other climate conditions.
Applications for BRRF Round 2 will be accepted starting December 3, 2024 through 11:59 PM January 14, 2025.
Thank you for reading this edition of the Ellsworth Business Pulse!
Check out our Business Benefits page for more information on how we can support your business!
