The Maine Made Program: A Complete Guide for Artisans, Makers, and Small Businesses
What Is Maine Made?
Maine Made – America's Best is a certification program run by Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). For over 30 years, it has helped Maine's artisans, makers, and small businesses gain recognition, access new markets, and build their brands. The program supports producers whose products are made in Maine and who are committed to quality and integrity in their craft.
Whether you create handcrafted furniture, specialty foods, ceramics, jewelry, apparel, or any other product made here in Maine, the Maine Made program provides the tools, funding, and networking you need to grow your business. With over 2,000 member companies, Maine Made creates a community of makers dedicated to supporting one another and putting Maine on the map as a destination for authentic, quality-made products.
A Brief History: Over 30 Years of Supporting Maine Makers
Maine Made – America's Best was established more than three decades ago with a simple mission: to help Maine's creative entrepreneurs build thriving businesses. Over this time, the program has evolved from a branding initiative into a comprehensive support system that combines recognition, grants, business resources, and networking opportunities. The program has consistently worked to connect Maine-made products with retailers, wholesale buyers, and consumers across New England and beyond.
What started as a way to highlight Maine's traditional crafts has grown to encompass everything from sustainable agriculture to modern digital products, from wood-turned goods to contemporary art. The program's longevity speaks to its effectiveness and the commitment of Maine's maker community.
Who Can Join Maine Made?
Maine Made membership is open to any business that meets the membership criteria. There are no annual dues or fees, making it accessible to makers at every stage of their business journey.
To qualify for membership, your business must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Your products must be made in Maine
- You must live in Maine for at least 8 months per year
- Your business must have been in operation for at least 3 years
- Your business must have at least $3,000 in gross annual sales
- You must have a functioning website with e-commerce capability
- Your products must be of high quality with original designs
- You must pass the Maine Made juried review process, which ensures members meet the program's standards for quality and authenticity
The juried review process is one of Maine Made's most important features. Every applicant goes through a careful evaluation to ensure they meet the program's standards. This process protects the Maine Made brand and ensures that the seal means something to retailers and consumers.
Core Membership Benefits
Once you join Maine Made, you gain access to a suite of benefits designed to help you grow your business and reach new markets.
Free branding materials are among the first benefits you'll use. Maine Made provides logos, banners, flags, labels, rack cards, and tags that you can use on your products, at shows, and in your marketing. These materials carry the "Maine Made – America's Best" mark, which tells customers that your products meet rigorous quality standards.
You'll become part of a network of 2,100+ businesses and gain access to a monthly newsletter that keeps you informed about opportunities, industry trends, and upcoming events. This connection to fellow makers creates a support system where you can learn from others' experiences and collaborate on co-op opportunities.
Your business will receive a professional listing on the Maine Made website, giving you visibility to wholesale buyers, retailers, and consumers who actively search the Maine Made directory. This listing can serve as a significant traffic driver for your sales.
Maine Made members also get waived jury fees if they apply for other trade assistance programs through Maine's economic development agencies. The program sponsors the New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show in Portland, a wholesale-only event featuring approximately 250 exhibitors, and members receive special pricing on co-op show opportunities with other members.
Additional benefits include educational seminars offered through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Maine International Trade Center (MITC), often available at discounted or free rates. You'll also get access to a referral program that connects your products to government agencies and institutional buyers seeking Maine-made goods, and your products may be featured in the State Office Building kiosk display in Augusta.
DTAP: The Domestic Trade Assistance Program
One of the most valuable benefits of Maine Made membership is access to the Domestic Trade Assistance Program (DTAP), which provides grants to help members expand into new markets. These grants are specifically designed to reduce the financial barriers to attending trade shows, developing wholesale channels, and improving your marketing.
Under DTAP, you can apply for grants in up to four categories, with funding available for up to five trade shows per grant cycle.
Trade Show Assistance provides up to $5,000 per show to help cover travel costs and booth fees. If you're ready to test a new market or want to scale your presence at shows you've already attended, this grant can make the difference.
Wholesale Development grants provide up to $6,000 to help you connect with and service wholesale accounts. This might include consulting fees, legal review of wholesale contracts, industry-specific data, or line sheet redesign and printing.
Marketing and Collateral Development grants offer up to $8,000 for developing or updating marketing materials, rebranding initiatives, professional photography, or new packaging and labels that help your products stand out.
Digital Marketing grants go up to $10,000 and support website development, SEO optimization, social media campaigns, and professional video creation. In today's market, a strong digital presence is essential, and this grant recognizes that investment.
To qualify for DTAP, you must be a Maine Made member in good standing. The application process is straightforward and asks you to describe how the funded activities will help you expand outside Maine. The program strongly encourages growth that leads to job creation and business expansion.
The Maine Made Certified Retailer Program
If you own a retail business that carries Maine-made products, the Certified Retailer program offers a path to official recognition and prominent listing on the Maine Made website.
To become a Certified Maine Made Retailer, your store must carry at least 75% Maine-made inventory. Once verified, you receive official status and appear in the Certified Retailers directory, helping consumers find your shop when they're seeking quality Maine products. This designation serves as both a marketing tool and a commitment to your community.
How to Get Started as a Maine Made Member
Starting the membership process is straightforward. Visit mainemade.com and look for the membership application. You'll provide information about your business, including your products, your location, your years in operation, and your sales figures. You'll also need to include high-quality product images and information about your website.
If you're new to selling at craft fairs and events, consider reading our beginner's guide to getting started in New England before you apply. Understanding how to present your products and engage with customers will strengthen your application and set you up for success.
After you submit your application, the Maine Made team will conduct a juried review. This typically takes a few weeks. The jury evaluates your products for quality, originality, and alignment with the Maine Made mission. Once approved, you're an official member and can start using the Maine Made branding and accessing member benefits immediately.
Leveraging Maine Made for Event Success
For craft fair vendors and makers who attend events regularly, Maine Made membership offers specific advantages. The free branding materials help you create a professional, consistent booth setup that clearly communicates your products are Maine-made. The DTAP grants can fund your attendance at major trade shows and regional events. The networking opportunities help you connect with other vendors and discover co-op show options that share your values.
Many Maine artisans find that the Maine Made designation itself helps with sales. Consumers increasingly seek locally made products, and the "Maine Made – America's Best" seal signals quality and authenticity. When you display this mark at events, it sets you apart from competitors and gives customers confidence in their purchase.
Looking Beyond: Educational Resources and Business Support
Maine Made membership connects you to ongoing business education through the SBDC and MITC. These agencies offer seminars and workshops on everything from accounting and legal structure to advanced marketing and wholesale strategy. Many of these educational offerings are free or discounted for Maine Made members.
The program also maintains a referral network that connects members with government agencies, institutional buyers, and large retailers actively seeking Maine-made products. If a state agency or university is looking for custom gifts, office supplies, or specialty food items, Maine Made members get priority consideration.
Why Maine Made Matters
The Maine Made program exists because Maine's economy depends on its makers. Supporting local artisans and small manufacturers strengthens communities, preserves traditional crafts, and builds Maine's reputation as a destination for quality, authentic products. When you join Maine Made, you're not just getting access to branding and grants. You're joining a three-decade-old mission to put Maine on the map.
With no annual dues and a straightforward application process, Maine Made offers genuine value to makers at every stage. Whether you're a first-time vendor at your local craft fair or an established wholesale business looking to expand, Maine Made has tools and support designed for your growth.
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This pillar guide covers the fundamentals of the Maine Made program. For deeper dives into specific opportunities, check out these related guides:
