CEI Ventures

CEI (Coastal Enterprises, Inc.) is a Maine-based community development financial institution (CDFI) and mission-driven lender that provides flexible financing, business advising, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners across Maine and rural communities. Founded with a focus on economic development, the organization has been investing in Maine's local economy since at least 1978, when it made its first loan to the Boothbay Fish & Cold Storage Facility. CEI operates out of 13 office locations throughout Maine, with its primary office in Brunswick, and serves a wide range of industries including food and agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, forestry, tourism, energy production, child care, and retail.

As a lender, CEI offers a range of flexible financing products designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. Its lending team works closely with an advising team to help business owners become loan-ready and find financing solutions tailored to their specific needs. The organization has supported a diverse portfolio of Maine businesses, including oyster farms, bakeries, blueberry farms, travel agencies, and therapy practices.

Beyond lending, CEI provides in-depth business training programs, peer networking opportunities, and one-on-one advisory services to help entrepreneurs at every stage — from initial concept through launch and growth. Its business training cohort model has been successfully deployed in sectors such as child care, aquaculture, and, most recently, weatherization. In Spring 2024, CEI launched the Weatherization Business Lab, a multi-week training program designed to help individuals start new weatherization businesses in response to Maine's aging housing stock and shortage of energy efficiency workers.

CEI places a strong emphasis on sustainable community development, particularly for rural and coastal communities vulnerable to climate change. The organization actively supports energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable farming, local food systems, and natural resource-based industries. It works with businesses across its portfolio to identify opportunities for energy cost reduction, environmental sustainability improvements, and strategic investment in facilities, equipment, and technology. CEI is also committed to expanding access to solar and distributed energy throughout Maine.

As a mission-driven investor, CEI is recognized as a leader among community development lenders in tracking and reducing the environmental impact of its lending and business activities. Its food system expertise, long-standing relationships with Maine's fishing and aquaculture industries, and commitment to resilient local economies make it a critical resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs operating in Maine and similar rural markets.