CEI: BOOTS Better Occupational Options through Training and Supports - Change in Scope Project Abstract Submitted 03/28/25 The partner identified in our proposal, Origin BJJ LLC (Origin), informed CEI that Origin received outside financing to purchase the equipment needed. Origin withdrew their loan application and is no longer an eligible partner. To continue the project and achieve its goals, CEI has identified two child care businesses in similar rural and economically distressed communities in Maine in need of capital to open. Both businesses, GMS LLC and United 4 Childcare, have submitted their loan applications and are ready to begin their projects in May 2025, enabling CEI to deploy $600,000 in CED funds in May 2025, and create 32 quality jobs by September 2025 – within the original project timeline. Staff for the two child care businesses will be hired and trained from our original target population of low-income Mainers with a high school diploma or less. Original Project Abstract Submitted 09/30/23 Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) will use $800,000 in CED funds to provide a loan to Origin, an apparel and footwear retailer in Brunswick, Maine. CED funds will be used to provide a loan that will allow Origin to scale up production and meet increasing demand by purchasing capital and hiring local community members for the footwear division. The loan will be CEI’s first in a new revolving loan fund, Better Occupational Options through Training and Supports program (BOOTS). Origin will use the loan to integrate production line equipment, purchase replace parts and efficient manufacturing equipment, develop standard operating procedures, hire workers, and complete facility improvements. This project will create 32 new jobs, 24 of which will be filled by individuals with low income.
