OUR MISSION: To help create economically and environmentally healthy communities in which all people, especially those with low incomes, can reach their full potential.

CEI is a private, nonprofit Community Development Corporation (CDC) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with roots in the civil rights movement.  Founded in 1977, the organization provides financing and support in the development of job-creating small businesses, natural resources industries, community facilities, and affordable housing.  CEI's primary market is Maine, but, in recent years, has expanded several of its financing programs to northern New England, upstate New York and beyond.

CEI offers:

» Financing to Small, Medium and Micro Business, Natural Resource Industries, Community Facilities, Affordable Housing, and Mixed Use Commercial Real Estate

» New Market Tax Credits

» Venture Capital

» Affordable homeownership and rental housing, homeownership education and counseling, and helps first-time homebuyers 

» One-on-one Counseling and Workshops to a range of small businesses, including women in business, farmers, fisheries, and refugee and immigrant-owned businesses

» Employment and training resources to jobs seekers and businesses

» Policy, Research and Development

Left: Spindleworks is a nonprofit artists' cooperative in Brunswick, Maine.  Right: Roda Ahdi owner of A&R Halal Market, Lewiston, Maine.