How to Apply for Maine Made Membership: Requirements and What to Expect
If you make handcrafted goods in Maine and sell at craft fairs, farmers markets, or online, the Maine Made program can open doors you didn't know existed. But before you can use that iconic Maine Made label, you need to go through the application and juried review process. Here's exactly what's involved, what you'll need to prepare, and how long it takes.
What Is the Maine Made Membership?
Maine Made is a program run by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). It's free to join — there are no annual dues or membership fees. Once accepted, you earn the right to use the Maine Made branding on your products and marketing, get listed in the Maine Made online directory, and gain access to trade show grants and promotional opportunities.
Self-Assessment: Are You Eligible?
Before you fill out the application, run through the program's self-assessment checklist. Maine Made expects applicants to meet all of these criteria:
Residency and business basics:
- You live in Maine at least eight months per year
- You've been in business for at least three years
- You've generated at least $3,000 in gross sales
Product standards:
- Your products are made in Maine using craft or artisan methods
- Your designs are original — not mass-produced, imported, or assembled from kits
- You sell beyond just friends and family
Marketing readiness:
- You have a professional email address (not a shared family account)
- You maintain an active website with e-commerce capability
- You have high-quality product images ready to share
- You have marketing materials (business cards, hang tags, packaging, etc.)
If you check every box, you're in good shape. If you're close but not quite there — say you've only been in business two years or don't have an online store yet — it may be worth building up those areas before applying.
The Application Process Step by Step
Step 1: Visit the Maine Made website. Head to the membership page at mainemade.com and review the current guidelines.
Step 2: Complete the online application. You'll provide information about your business, your products, and how they're made. Be specific — the review panel wants to understand your craft process, not just see a product list.
Step 3: Upload product images. Submit clear, professional-quality photos of your work. These images matter. The juried panel uses them to evaluate craftsmanship, originality, and presentation. Think of it like applying to a juried craft fair — first impressions count.
Step 4: Submit and wait for juried review. A panel reviews your application, evaluates your products, and decides whether your work meets the program's quality and originality standards. This isn't a rubber stamp; they're looking for genuine Maine craftsmanship.
Step 5: Receive your decision. If accepted, you'll get access to the Maine Made logo, directory listing, and member resources. If not accepted, you'll typically receive feedback on what to improve.
What the Juried Review Panel Looks For
The review isn't just about checking boxes. Panelists evaluate:
- Craftsmanship quality — Is the work well-made and durable? Does it reflect skill and care?
- Originality — Are the designs your own? Products that closely copy other makers or use pre-made components may not qualify.
- Maine connection — Is the product genuinely made in Maine, or just assembled or packaged here?
- Professional presentation — Do your photos, branding, and marketing reflect a serious business?
Think of the juried review as similar to what you'd experience applying to a well-regarded craft show. If you've been accepted to competitive events, you likely already meet the standard.
Tips for a Strong Application
Show your process. If your application allows for notes or descriptions, explain how you make your products. "Hand-thrown stoneware fired in my Scarborough studio" tells a better story than "pottery."
Invest in photography. You don't need a professional photographer, but you do need clean, well-lit images on a neutral background. Blurry phone photos from a craft fair booth won't cut it.
Have your web presence ready. The program expects an active website with e-commerce. If you've been relying solely on in-person sales at events and fairs, now's the time to build that online presence.
Be honest about your process. If you use some pre-made components (like jewelry findings or soap bases), be upfront. The panel can tell the difference between a maker who adds genuine craft value and one who's reselling with minor modifications.
How Long Does It Take?
Application review timelines can vary, but most applicants hear back within a few weeks. The program processes applications on a rolling basis, so there's no single deadline. That said, if you're hoping to use the Maine Made label at a specific upcoming event, apply well in advance.
What Happens After Acceptance
Once you're in, you can immediately start using the Maine Made branding. Here's what you gain access to:
- The Maine Made logo for your products, booth signage, website, and marketing materials
- A listing in the Maine Made online directory at mainemade.com, searchable by product category and region
- Domestic Trade Assistance Program (DTAP) grants — up to $5,000 per show for booth fees at qualifying trade shows
- Promotional opportunities through Maine Made's social media, newsletter, and events
- Networking with other Maine makers and access to certified retailers who prioritize Maine-made products
Is It Worth the Effort?
For vendors who regularly sell at craft fairs and events across Maine, the answer is almost always yes. The Maine Made label carries real weight with customers — it's an instant trust signal that your product is authentic, locally made, and held to a quality standard. The trade show grants alone can pay for multiple booth fees per year. And the directory listing gives you year-round visibility beyond the event circuit.
The application process takes some preparation, but there's no cost to apply and no membership fee if accepted. For a Maine artisan or maker who meets the requirements, it's one of the best free resources available.
