Why Do Business In Rockland Maine?
Rockland is Maine's most up and coming city; boasting a diverse and vibrant local economy. Partnered with a forward thinking local Government & business community that is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and business development, it just makes sense to consider what Rockland has to offer.
Vibrant & Diverse Economy
Rockland has a diverse local economy which includes an active working waterfront, bustling historic downtown and Maine's densest concentration of manufacturing businesses.
Main Street Markets - a recent addition to the community & business community
Midcoast Maine's Manufacturing Hub
One of the most important elements of Rockland’s economic success is our diverse and strong manufacturing sector. Rockland has the largest concentration of manufacturers in Maine. The City’s manufacturers are varied from boat builders such as Backcove Yachts and Yachting Solutions to process manufacturers like Fisher, FMC and Lonza and precision manufacturing.
From our small boutique manufacturers such as Rockland’s award winning Bixby & Co. to large scale manufacturers, Rockland’s Economic & Community Development Department can help provide the tools for any business to thrive. Talk to us.
Fisher Plow, one of Rockland’s largest employers
Rapidly Growing Tech & Creative Sector
Rockland is experiencing growth in the technology and creative industries sectors through the recent introduction of entrepreneurs and small businesses who call Rockland home. The most prominent example of this is Steel House, a co-working space and educational facility that predominantly houses technology and design focused businesses.
Jeff Boulet Coding at Steel House North
Interested In Starting or Expanding A Business In Rockland?
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Established & Growing Working Waterfront
For almost three decades the Rockland Municipal Fish Pier has proven to be a vital facility for fisherman, fuel transport, transient herring carriers, seasonal aquaculture harvesters (sea urchins and seaweed), local island residents, ground fishing vessels, buyers, and smacks. This facility provides vital waterfront access and support services for fishermen and other marine industries up and down the mid coast as well as an effective platform to bring buyers and sellers together.
This facility enables more than 100 working men and women to operate in their trade while also offering parking and a designated area for gear repair. The Rockland location of this facility is easily accessible to local repair facilities, parts suppliers, and groceries for island residents. While this facility was originally built as a fish pier to support mid coast Maine’s commercial fishing industry, it has evolved into a multi-use facility that supports many marine related industries and provides a vital link in the supply chain of the economies of Maine’s island communities from Frenchboro to Matinicus.
Rockland continues to play a key regional role in the commercial fishery.
Investing In High Speed Fiber
The City of Rockland and its residents have recognized the importance and potential of attracting technology and design based businesses and have committed to investing $400,000 over the next year in increasing the availability of fiber to the premise high speed broadband.
Great Work Life Balance
Not only is Rockland an ideal place to start a business, it's also a great place to live and play.
In the past few years Rockland has increasingly been recognized as one of the best places to live and visit in the State of Maine. In 2017 alone Rockland was acknowledged by the Smithsonian as one of the best small towns in the County and ranked by Downeast Magazine as the best place to live in Maine. Learn more about Rockland.
Specialist Support for Entrepreneurs & Businesses
The Economic and Community Development Department is committed to making Rockland the place to do business in Midcoast Maine. There are a number of projects, programs and initiatives the Department is undertaking to retain and attract businesses and entrepreneurs to Rockland and assist businesses to startup and expand. Our specialist staff help businesses small and large alike by offering the following services and general business development support:
- Business Financing
- Site Location / Relocation
- Business Incentives
- Technical Assistance for Businesses
- Assistance with Licensing & Permitting
- Networking
We encourage any new or existing business that is either wanting to startup or expand, is from Rockland or wanting to move to Rockland to talk to us and take advantage of our free business services.