The City of Auburn values small business. In November of 2021, to attract and encourage new startups, the city partnered with Staples Connect, the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and The Malloy Firm to launch “Startup Auburn.”

 

Three exceptional entrepreneurs have selected as the 2022 winners of the contest:

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Custom Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness | Jennifer Frazier

Sugar and Spice Baking  |  Emily Maines

L/A Tacos  |  Katie Lemieux

 

In her program application, Jennifer Frazier described herself as a first-time business owner who is working to open her own physical therapy practice (Custom Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness) from the ground up. “It would be beyond valuable to have a mentor as I navigate the first year of business,” she said. “A membership with the Chamber is a no brainer for building a strong business and community connections, but as anyone knows who has started a new business, money is tight. A gifted membership would be fantastic.”

 

Emily Maines’ application mentions her desire for help with marketing her home baking business, Sugar and Spice Baking. “As of right now, my baking business is (promoted) solely through social media. I'm finding it difficult to determine the best way to reach a broader spectrum of people and I need guidance on the best way to market my business.”

 

Katie Lemieux has 8 years of experience in a food truck, explaining in her application that she is “inspired to operate my own with the knowledge I’ve gained. This will give me the chance to get a better head start with all that is required to make this business (L/A Tacos) successful!”

 

Each of the contest winners will receive the following prize package:

• Four months use of a dedicated desk in the coworking space at Staples Connect beginning on March 1, 2022 ($1,596 value), courtesy of the City of Auburn and Staples Connect

  • Perks include 10% discount on select in-store purchases, 500 free business cards, unlimited meeting room space, free parking, and b&w printing

• Marketing and communications consulting from Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque and the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce

• Consultation on business entity selection and Q&A on common legal questions of startup businesses, courtesy of Michael Malloy, Esq. from The Malloy Firm

• 1-year Entrepreneurs Membership at the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce ($200 value), courtesy of the Chamber

• $500 Staples gift card, courtesy of Staples Connect

 

Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque is delighted with the list of winners. “These are three brand new businesses in our community, and their success will be an inspiration for other entrepreneurs who have a dream to own and run their own business,” he said. “As we all know, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,’” he added. “This program sends the message to startups and entrepreneurs that their community believes in them.”

 

“With the introduction of Staples Coworking in Auburn, Maine, Staples is able to better support and connect with our local community, one that I am especially passionate about as I grew up in Auburn,” said Jameson Rodrigues, Staples Connect General Manager, Auburn, ME. “Our partnership with the city of Auburn and The Chamber to bring the Auburn Startup initiative to fruition is an exciting opportunity for Staples Connect to further give back to our small business customers by providing the lucky winners with dedicated workspace within our vibrant coworking community.”

 

Contest runners up will have the opportunity to get 50% off a 3-month open seat or private space membership at Staples Connect, as well as an invitation to a startup Q & A “lunch and learn” with The Malloy Firm. They will also be encouraged to re-apply for future Startup Auburn contests.

 

“Our greatest asset is our people, and I’m proud of the city and our partners for nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and the desire of our residents to build something positive,” said Levesque. “We want people to build their dream here in Auburn.”