Bar Harbor sells itself on scenery. For the inns, cottages, tour companies and whale-watch operators that greet visitors at the gateway to Acadia National Park, a short video of the harbor at dawn, a boat heading out past the islands or a quiet room with a water view can do more for a booking page than a paragraph of copy. The trouble is that a lot of that footage is old. It was shot on an earlier phone, pulled from a promo made years ago, or captured on a drone at a lower setting than today's listing
October 6, 2026CONTACT: Jonathan Robles, Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce207-801-2566, ext. 11; jonathan@visitbarharbor.com Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Annual Dinner Award Recipients BAR HARBOR, Maine – On Thursday, October 22nd, members of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce will gather for the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner and Award Ceremony. During the evening’s event, the Chamber will present several awards to deserving businesses and community leaders. Awards
Oli’s Trolley Doubles Charitable Giving, Partners With Bar Harbor Chamber and Bar Harbor Food Pantry to “Fill the Trolley”Owner Do Good Group reinvests summer profits into charitable contributions with a future goal of donating $1M in annual donations. BAR HARBOR, Maine (Oct. 4, 2026). As the summer season comes to a close, Oli’s Trolley and the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to launch a Month of Giving and are encouraging the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island community to “Fill the
Bar Harbor, ME: Water is Life — Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Abbe Museum Join the Abbe Museum on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 12, 2026, for a special day of programming centered on the theme “Water is Life.” Enjoy pay-what-you-can admission and explore stories, art, history, and performance that honor the enduring relationships between Wabanaki peoples and the waters that sustain life. For Wabanaki peoples, water is more than a resource—it is a sacred, living relative, essential to cultural,
Every retailer working to a seasonal calendar knows the squeeze. The window display needs to change, the social feed needs fresh artwork to go with it, the email needs a header, and the person responsible for all of it is the same person opening the register, chasing a delayed order and covering a shift that fell through. In a town where the visitor season compresses most of the year's revenue into a handful of months, there is rarely a spare week to brief a designer and wait for a first draft. The
What Is Adobe Firefly? What is Adobe Firefly?This product is a standalone generative artificial intelligence application built for creative professionals and small business owners. It functions by translating text descriptions into standard digital assets, including graphics, illustrations, and videos. The key output specifications include high-definition image formats and standard video files that are fully cleared for safe commercial use. Running a fitness facility or local gym involves constant
Running a business in Hancock County means planning around rhythms that most business guides don't account for — the summer surge into Acadia National Park, the shoulder-season slowdown, and the specific financial pressures of a tourism-anchored economy. A strong business plan doesn't just tell investors what you do; it maps how your business sustains itself across the full calendar year. Here's how to build one that actually holds up.Why the Numbers Make the Case A lot of business owners treat a plan as
Financial literacy — understanding bookkeeping, financial statements, taxes, and cash flow — is one of the most direct predictors of small business survival. The numbers behind this are hard to ignore: nearly half of small business owners say they've lost at least $10,000 in profits due to low financial literacy, and 13% believe they've missed out on $500,000 or more. For business owners in Bar Harbor and across Hancock County, where seasonal swings make financial timing everything, knowing your numbers
Starting a franchise can be an exciting path for entrepreneurs seeking a proven business model. However, success requires thorough evaluation, strategic planning, and operational readiness. New franchise owners must understand both the opportunities and responsibilities before committing.Essential Takeaways Choose a franchise with a proven history of profitability and growth. Understand the initial investment and ongoing fees. Evaluate franchisor support, including training and marketing
The most effective sales pitch is short, buyer-focused, and built around a single clear value — not a tour of everything your business does. For small businesses in Hancock County, where a compressed tourism season means every conversation with a potential client, buyer, or booking contact carries real stakes, a sharp pitch is a measurable competitive advantage.The Logline Problem Most buyers form an impression before you finish your opening. Research tracked by Harvard Business Review shows that buyers
Bar Harbor’s business community thrives on clarity—clear seasons, clear visitor patterns, and clear decisions that keep small enterprises nimble. Data visualization offers a practical way for local organizations to see patterns sooner, communicate insights faster, and make choices with more confidence. In brief: Data visualization helps small businesses quickly identify trends, seasonality, and performance drivers. It improves team communication, turning complex numbers into clear
The home services sector — encompassing cleaning, plumbing, landscaping, repairs, and remodeling — is one of the fastest-growing areas of local entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a handyman, electrician, cleaner, or painter, building a home services business is as much about trust and structure as it is about skill.The Short Version To start and grow a home services business: Choose a clear service niche and define your target customers. Register your business legally and set up financial and
Launching your first business is both exciting and overwhelming. With limited resources, you have to decide what’s worth the early investment and what can wait. Choosing wisely now can save time, money, and frustration down the road. Below are some of the most impactful areas new owners should prioritize. 1. Foundational Financial Tools Separating personal and business finances should be a top priority. Opening a business bank account with providers likeMercury helps establish credibility,