The Office of Business Development works with scores of organizations and agencies – inside and outside of State government – to promote economic development in Maine. Here are some of the OBD's many partners and allies, and links to others:

Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). The Maine PTAC is a cooperative program funded primarily through the Defense Logistics Agency and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). Though its statewide offices, Maine PTAC assists all types of Maine firms find and pursue government contract opportunities (federal, state, local) by providing one-on-one counseling, bid matching service, training workshops and access to military specifications and standards–all at no–charge.

Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) provide comprehensive business management assistance, training, resource and information services to Maine's micro, small and technology-based businesses. The Maine SBDC is a partnership program of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the University of Southern Maine (USM) and leading economic and community development host organizations located throughout the state.

Maine & Company is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to bringing new businesses to Maine. It provides free, confidential answers to a multitude of questions and can arrange meetings and site visits, assist with site selection, conduct real estate site searches, collect and analyze data, identify possible incentives – and more.

Maine Technology Institute (MTI), a non-profit organization established by the Maine Legislature in 1999, provides funding to support and promote research and development by private companies and research laboratories. Another MTI priority is helping innovative Maine companies and inventors get their products to market.

Maine Technology Centers serve as business incubators for each of Maine's seven targeted technology sectors: Advanced Technologies for Forestry and Agriculture; Aquaculture and Marine Technology; Biotechnology; Composite Materials Technology; Environmental Technology; Information Technology; and Precision Manufacturing Technology. These centers provide early-stage technical, business, administrative, and financial resources and training for technology-based firms with the hopes of helping these companies succeed and thrive, improving opportunities for Maine workers and providing new sources of public revenue.

Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is part of a nationwide network of MEP centers linked through the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Maine MEP provides Maine firms access to more than 2,000 manufacturing, technical and business specialists and information on technology and industry best practices.

Maine Products Marketing Program (MPMP) helps build recognition for hundreds of exceptional Maine-made products, their producers, and Maine's industries. More than 1,400 Maine member businesses have their products featured at MPMP's Web site: www.mainemade.com. The MPMP also assists in creating and expanding market opportunities for Maine's many producers.

Maine Quality Centers (MQC) offer free training and education through the Community College System to qualified new and expanding businesses.

Maine International Trade Center (MITC) is the State's leading source for global trade information. MITC offers worldwide exposure that Maine's small and medium-sized businesses need to succeed in international markets. MITC's skilled staff provides technical assistance, trade counseling, workshops and more.

Maine Apprenticeship Program works with employers to cover the costs of customized, on-the-job training and classroom programs aimed at providing employees with professional credentials.

Councils of Governments (COGs) & Economic Development Districts (EDDs) are local and regional economic development and planning agencies that support local governments through regional collaboration. COGs help identify and study regional challenges and opportunities.