Caribou has a wide array of partners in community and economic development. These partners include:
Northern Maine Development Commission Regional Planning Office:
www.nmdc.org
One of seven district offices within the State housing planning, mapping, financing, grant procurement and administration, office of Small Business Administration, manufacturing extension partnership, and workforce investment.
Aroostook Partnership for Progress:
The APP is a public-private partnership that was formed in 2003 by engaging private businesses to invest in the region’s local economy by developing regional development strategies and providing a regional clearing house of information and resources to future development. The APP is a leading partner in the current Mobilize Maine statewide initiative and has become a leader in regional economic development.
https://aroostookpartnership.org/
Caribou Economic Growth Council:
The CEGC is a 501 c 6 Corporation governed by a 9 person Board of Directors and administers their programming using the City of Caribou’s Director of Economic and Community Development. The City uses the CEGC as the economic development arm of the City. The mission of the CEGC is to provide economic development assistance to businesses specifically interested in growing in Caribou by providing a point of contact for resources, information, business counseling services, gap financing, business planning, and business support. The CEGC has available loan funds for gap financing through the CEGC Reserve Fund, Rural Development Intermediary Relending Program, and Regional Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund. Guidelines for each of these funding sources are attached. Application inquiries should be directed to the City Manager at 25 High Street.
Congressional Office of Senator Susan Collins:
Senator Collins maintains a regional constituent services office in Caribou providing a direct line of communication of our local and regional needs to the Congressional offices in Washington.
https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact
Local Educational Institutions:
Caribou is uniquely position with numerous local educational facilities in our immediate region. These institutions include; University of Maine Fort Kent, University of Maine Presque Isle, and Northern Maine Community College.
Department of Economic and Community Development:
The City of Caribou has a long standing working relationship with DECD through its Community Development Department. The City received in 2006 the Outstanding Achievement Award from the State for having the highest rate of funds received and administered in the States 25 year history of the Community Development Block Grant Program. The City has used such funding towards improvements in its Downtown Districts, job creation, facilities investments, pubic infrastructure improvements, and the latest construction of a multi-phased Wellness Center. The City offers services to partner with qualifying business entities through Community Development to capture these resources and leverage the private sector investments towards the economic growth of our Community.
The City also works very closely with DECD Staff to help businesses looking to expand or locate here in Maine. The State of Maine has a great website to assist in the need for navigating permitting requirements and other issues from the state. Please check out the Maine Business Answers website.