30 Years of Building a Brighter Future for Washington County, Maine
Sunrise County Economic Council initiates and facilitates the creation of jobs and prosperity in Washington County, Maine, by working with a consortium of community-minded businesses, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and citizens.
Businesses & Entrepreneurs
Resilient Communities
SCEC helps Washington county towns to plan for the future, secure federal funds, and build the public infrastructure our future depends on.
Natural Resource Economies
Through the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative, we work with communities to strengthen the natural resources economy.
SCEC is a partner in Downeast Fisheries Partnership, which works to collaboratively to grow the fisheries economy.
Natural Resource Economies
Through the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative, we work with communities to strengthen the natural resources economy.
SCEC is a partner in Downeast Fisheries Partnership, which works to collaboratively to grow the fisheries economy.
Heritage Promotion & Preservation
SCEC coordinates the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area program and supports the sustainable tourism initiatives of DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism – programs which strengthen community by connecting people with place.
A Growing Workforce
Through funding and free workforce trainings, SCEC works to strengthen the workforce.
Students & Families
SCEC is a partner in Family Futures Downeast, which helps parents enroll in college.
- Learn about the 2-Gen approach, including high quality early education for children.
- Prospective students – Apply Now!
Heritage Promotion & Preservation
SCEC coordinates the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area program and supports the sustainable tourism initiatives of DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism – programs which strengthen community by connecting people with place.
Exciting Things are Happening on Main Street
The MaineStreet Business Building in Downtown Machias is a hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Downeast Maine. From networking and business plan support to 24/7 shared and private office space, it’s all happening at 19 Main Street.
Resources & Opportunities from SCEC
Learn the practical application of business acumen and gain insight into what makes our markets and ecosystem tick during this 11-week virtual asynchronous course. Completion of the entire series and a final portfolio project results in 3 college credits and Entrepreneurship Digital Badges – and is available to you for FREE!
Each individual session, across Pathways programs, is open to current or aspiring entrepreneurs, also at no cost. Individuals can choose any one session, or multiple sessions, to attend.
SCEC News & Events
FFD Celebrates 2024 Graduates!
Students and staff from Family Futures Downeast celebrated 2024 graduates this past weekend at the The University of Maine Machias. Seven FFD students received a Certificate in Family Studies. Two FFD students received their Bachelor’s degrees – one in Business and the other in Psychology and Community Studies, with a minor in Substance Use and MHRT.
$541,000 for SCEC Secured by Senator Collins
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $541,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Financial Services and...
SCEC’s Executive Director Attends White House Convening
WASHINGTON D.C. – A group of Maine-based organizations and community leaders are participating in a White House convening to share the progress Maine has made leveraging federal investment in our communities, addressing climate change and building a renewable energy...
Scholarships available for Washington County students
The Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) is accepting applications for four scholarships that support Washington County students. The Kingsley Brown Educational Fund provides scholarship support for graduate school to graduates of Washington County high schools....
SCEC Conducts Infrastructure Damage Survey
In response to the January 2024 storms, Sunrise County Economic Council has created a survey to be used to collect information on damages incurred to Washington County working waterfront infrastructure. As available funds will be limited for repairing or replacing...
Nonprofits Partner to Advance Digital Equity
NORTHEAST HARBOR, ME—In 2023, Maine Seacoast Mission partnered with Island Institute and Sunrise County Economic Council to help bridge the digital divide experienced in rural Maine communities. These three nonprofits engaged in Maine Connectivity Authority’s (MCA)...
PARTNERSHIPS
SCEC partners with organizations, businesses, municipalities and citizens to launch, support, and promote programs and initiatives in Washington County.