Coastal Enterprises Incorporated (also known as CEI) has specialized in rural business development and financing since 1977. Founded in Wiscasset, CEI helps create economically and environmentally healthy communities in which all people, especially those with low incomes, can reach their full potential. Today we speak with Ellen Golden, managing director of CEI Investment notes, and Tae Chong of the CEI StartSmart Program, which helps refugees and immigrants start, strengthen or expand their own small businesses.
Guests
Tae Chong
Tae Chong works in business development services at Coastal Enterprises Inc. Tae provides counseling through CEI’s StartSmart Program, helping refugees and immigrants to start, strengthen, or expand their own small businesses. Tae has lived in Portland for 36 years, where he has been actively involved in local and state issues regarding immigrants and refugees.
Ellen Golden
Ellen Golden is the managing director of CEI Investment Notes. She has expertise in research, program, and policy development with respect to women business owners and microenterprise development. She is a recipient of SBA’s Women in Business Advocate, Minority Advocate and Financial Services Advocate of the Year Awards for Maine. She lives in Woolwich.