State and Regional Resources
Additional resources also exist for business and economic development assistance.
State of Maine Department of Economic & Community Development
The State of Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) offers a wealth of information for businesses already operating or looking to locate in Maine. The DECD operates the Maine Office of Tourism, Maine International Trade Center, Maine Technology Center, and the State of Maine Office of Community Development.
State of Maine Strategic Planning for Economic Development
Read the State's Economic Development Strategy
Greater Portland Economic Development Corporation
The City of South Portland is also an active participant in the Greater Portland Economic Development Corporation (GPEDC) in recognition of a need to work collaboratively to achieve both regional and local prosperity. Both the Metro Coalition and GPEDC are partnerships between the six Greater Portland communities of Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, and Westbrook. The GPEDC works to market and brand the Greater Portland region to attract and retain businesses. The GPEDC advertises available commercial properties in the region, and helps businesses find the right fit for site location in the region. Since late 2012, there have been 5 instances where businesses or representatives from the State have contacted the GPEDC and its participating communities as part of a site location search.
South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Community Chamber
The City is also an active partner in the South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Community Chamber, which is in partnership with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.