Building an Entrepreneural Ecosystem in Coastal Maine: Investing in Our Community’s Future
Authored by Chris Austin, President of Ardiah Managed Services
At Ardiah Managed Services, we are deeply committed to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Coastal Maine. Our focus is on investing in our local communities—not just with the services we offer, but through partnerships, mentorship, and creating opportunities that help aspiring entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
One of the latest initiatives we’re proud to be part of is the launch of The Entrepreneur’s Hour on 93.3 WRFR Rockland, also known as “The Buzz.” This show airs every Tuesday morning from 7am-8am, and you can tune in locally or live stream it on their website. Through collaboration with Rock Coast Entrepreneurs, the Chamber of Commerce, and the dedicated volunteers at the station, we have created The Entrepreneur’s Hour—a space for entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and grow.
As the president of Rock Coast Entrepreneurs, and working closely with the Penobscot Bay Region Chamber of Commerce as a board member, we are driving efforts to create more opportunities for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Hosting this show is a privilege, and our goal is not to promote Ardiah Managed Services, but to foster a sense of community where local business owners, leaders, and innovators can share their experiences, challenges, and successes. It’s about showing aspiring entrepreneurs that they’re not alone on this journey. We’re all in this together, and by collaborating, we can create a stronger and more resilient business community.
The Entrepreneur’s Hour is just one part of our efforts to build this ecosystem. Through Rock Coast Entrepreneurs and the Chamber of Commerce, we’ve worked tirelessly to provide resources, connect business owners with mentors, and facilitate networking opportunities. We’ve partnered with organizations like Rockland Main Street and other local business groups to deliver workshops, educational events, and programs that equip small businesses with the tools they need to succeed.
It’s not about one person—it’s about collaboration. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible leaders in our business community, and together we’re making a real difference. By investing time and resources into creating a support system for local entrepreneurs, we’re not only helping today’s businesses thrive but also ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to succeed right here in the communities where they grew up. We want young entrepreneurs to feel empowered to stay, start, and grow their businesses locally, keeping the heart of our coastal Maine towns vibrant and full of opportunity. As a parent, I also want my children to have the chance to build their future here, but they will need the right support and resources to achieve that success.
At Ardiah Managed Services, our approach reflects this philosophy. Whether it’s payment solutions, point of sale systems, payroll, bookkeeping, tax planning, or technology solutions, our team is dedicated to helping businesses run smoothly so that entrepreneurs can focus on their passion—growing their ventures. We’re more than just a service provider; we’re a partner in the success of small businesses and the greater community.
As we continue to build out this ecosystem, I’m excited for what lies ahead. Through collaboration, innovative programs, and a shared commitment to support one another, the future for Coastal Maine entrepreneurs is brighter than ever.
Don’t forget to tune in to The Entrepreneur’s Hour on WRFR 93.3 Rockland every Tuesday morning from 7am-8am. Let’s continue building a community where entrepreneurship can thrive. Want to get more involved as an entrepreneur or as someone who supports entrepreneurs? Join your local chamber of commerce, attend every event you can, and be there to collaborate. If you’re in Knox County and are a new, existing, or aspiring entrepreneur, consider joining Rock Coast Entrepreneurs for a meeting! We meet at URock, the University of Maine at Augusta in Rockland, located on the 4th floor of the Breakwater building. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of every month from 8-9am.
Chris Austin
President, Ardiah Managed Services
About the Author: Chris Austin is passionate about supporting small businesses and is the President of Ardiah Managed Services, a trusted provider of accounting, payment solutions, POS systems, payroll, and tax services. Chris and his team are dedicated to helping small businesses thrive by delivering tailored solutions and personalized support. If you have a small business support or service need, they would love to help! 207-230-4576 or email: [email protected]
