Spark Series: The Business of Building Local Brands

Join us on the UNE Portland Campus for a Spark Series panel discussion exploring what it really takes to build a successful local brand in Maine.

This event will feature leaders from Maine-based organizations who have built brands rooted in craft, community, and purpose. Through candid discussion, panelists will share their experiences starting and growing organizations from the ground up, the decisions that shaped their brands, and the challenges of scaling while staying true to their values.

Students will gain real-world insight into entrepreneurship, branding, leadership, and growth across a range of industries, and learn how place, people, and community play a powerful role in shaping business success in Maine.

Whether you’re interested in starting something of your own, working for a mission-driven organization, or learning how local brands grow and endure, this event offers practical perspective and meaningful insight.