The Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan is Governor Mills’ plan, approved by the Legislature, to invest nearly $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funds to improve the lives of Maine people and families, help businesses, create good-paying jobs, and build an economy poised for future prosperity. To learn more, visit the Jobs Plan website

JOBS PLAN SPOTLIGHT

On October 19, 2022, the Mills Administration published a Progress Report to commemorate one year since the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan took effect. 

Since the Jobs Plan took effect in October 2021, it has delivered direct economic relief to nearly 1,000 Maine small businesses, supported more than 100 infrastructure projects around the state to create jobs and revitalize communities, and invested in workforce programs estimated to offer apprenticeship, career and education advancement, and job training opportunities to 22,000 Maine people.

Read more about the Jobs Plan's investments and outcomes during its first year at https://www.maine.gov/jobsplan/progress-report. 

FEATURED JOBS PLAN PROGRAMS

Business Supports

Energy Rate Relief Credits: On October 18, 2022, Governor Mills announced that 2,919 Maine small businesses and nonprofit organizations will soon receive a one-time electric utility account credit of more than $2,000 to provide relief from increased energy costs. The program offers tiered relief based on electricity usage, and aims to assist small businesses and nonprofits in Maine facing increased costs due to volatile global energy prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Funding for the credit is provided through the Governor’s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, through funds allocated by the Legislature for small business relief. Qualifying customers were contacted by CMP and Versant in fall 2022 with an invitation to claim the credit.

Pandemic Recovery for an Innovative Maine Economy (PRIME) Fund: On October 20, 2022, Governor Janet Mills announced the opening of a $5 million grant program through her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan today to strengthen Maine entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. This program represents the second round of grants from the Pandemic Recovery for an Innovative Maine Economy (PRIME) Fund, administered by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI). Applications are being accepted through November 15, 2022 through MTI's website.

Job and Career Programs

Maine Career Exploration Program: On October 20, 2022, Governor Mills announced the Maine Career Exploration program, a $25 million, two-year initiative of her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to connect 6,000 young people in Maine to future career opportunities by funding paid work experiences with employers across the state.

Through offering paid work experiences for Maine young people aged 16-24, the Maine Career Exploration program will enable thousands of students to enter the labor force in fields of their interest through work opportunities with Maine employers. In addition to work experience, students may also earn education credits through the program.

Investments in Maine People & Communities

Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program: Maine's Department of Health and Human Services is now accepting applications for grants to help Mainers establish new and renovate existing child care businesses, and help transition family-based programs into center-based programs. Eligible facilities are encouraged to apply for funds to cover up to 50% of their related expansion costs. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through Coastal Enterprises, Inc.

DOING BUSINESS WITH THE JOBS PLAN

RFA and RFP opportunities to collaborate with the State of Maine to deliver Jobs Plan programs

Modernize Digital Delivery of Public Services - Learning Management System: The Maine Department of Administrative & Financial Services is seeking proposals for an integrated, cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) for use by the State of Maine and its professional partners. This could include a platform for content management, an authoring tool for training development, and a vendor’s existing library. Proposals are being accepted through November 2, 2022. More information and application instructions are available on the Division of Procurement Services website (RFP #202209148).

NEWS & UPDATES

October 27, 2022 - Maine DOE Adult Education Team Awards $3.2 Million in Strengthening Maine’s Workforce Education and Training Grants

October 20, 2022 - Governor Mills announces $25 million Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan program to offer paid work experiences to Maine students

October 19, 2022 - Governor Mills Announces $5 Million Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan Program to Strengthen Maine Startup Companies

October 18, 2022 - Governor Mills Announces $7 Million in Energy Relief Delivered to Thousands of Maine Small Businesses