Ever wonder what advice a business expert might pass along to young entrepreneurs? Here’s a sampling from William Rosenzweig, the founding CEO of The Republic of Tea. An internationally recognized entrepreneur, investor and thought leader, Rosenzweig has focused his 35-year career on the nexus of sustainable food and agriculture, social entrepreneurship, impact investing and education. Herewith, his advice: 

“As entrepreneurs, you’re taking a hero’s journey, fueled by teeming optimism….Maintain a vision for the common good… Enlist people who enroll in what you’re doing….Don’t get caught up in ‘busyness’….Cultivate relationships rather than transactions…Remember that persistence and patience go together…Be humble….Bigger is not always better; find the right fit and the right place…Keep your overhead low.” 

Rosenzweig offered these thoughts during his keynote address at the recent annual meeting of CEI, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. in Portland. After his talk, I had the opportunity to wander among the tables of the 75 young entrepreneurs who were there to showcase their businesses/organizations and network. 

Before addressing CEI’s philosophy, services and impact, let’s pass on what some of these entrepreneurs had to say about CEI. 

“It’s amazing how much work they do in getting to know your business.” 

Christopher Kinkade, Founder & President of Green Bee (sparkling waters with real squeezed juice) in Brunswick. 

“CEI always finds ways to help you make it work.” 

Tony Wood, Founder of F.E. Wood & Sons (wood pellets) in Sanford. 

“CEI has been most helpful in providing funding — especially after my business burned down — and coaching.” 

Kelly Hughes, Founder of Wildflour Gluten-Free Bakery in Brunswick. 

“I love working with CEI. They’re so supportive!” 

Melissa Law, Co-founder of Bumblebee Organic Farm in Windham. 

“CEI staff members serve as very approachable guides. They’re like cheerleaders.” 

Leah Thibault, Founder of Ms. Cleaver: Creations for a Handmade Life in Westbrook. 

According to the CEI Impact 2018 Report, “The CEI Family of organizations operates under a shared mission to grow good jobs, expand environmentally sustainable enterprises and increase more broadly shared prosperity in Maine and rural regions throughout the U.S. 

“In 2018, CEI deployed over $89 million in mostly rural regions across Maine and the U.S. in loans, microloans, equity and tax-credit financing. This lending and investment contributed to the creation and preservation of 2,026 jobs across industries, including sustainable agriculture, food systems, aquaculture and fisheries, renewable energy, manufacturing, downtown revitalization and the arts.” 

In addition, CEI provided advice to 2,567 individuals in Maine in 2018. 

Wow! Here’s a Maine-based organization (headquartered in Brunswick), which helps create good jobs, environmentally sustainable enterprises and shared prosperity. And it does so by focusing on areas and people in most need of an economic boost. Indeed, many entrepreneurs which CEI assists are not able to access financing from traditional sources. Now that’s a bold and beautiful story; some might even call it audacious. 

David Treadwell, a Brunswick writer, welcomes commentary or suggestions for future “Just a Little Old” columns. [email protected].