Investing Locally

Local businesses and their workforce are fundamental assets of the Gorham community.  For Gorham to thrive and attract people and businesses, we recognize the local business community must be supported.  Our Revolving Loan Fund was established in 2004 to support business growth in Gorham.

We are building on this experience working directly with local businesses to develop new funding opportunities available only to Gorham businesses.  

These initiatives are the result of conversations with business owners to understand what they need to thrive, grow and expand…right here in Gorham.

2026-2027 Capital Expenditure Grant Program

Program Purpose:
The Town of Gorham’s 2026–2027 Capital Expenditure (“CapEx”) Matching Grant Program helps eligible local businesses and farms invest in their next stage of growth. The program supports a one-time capital purchase or project—such as equipment, technology, services, or facility improvements—that expands market reach, increases production or capacity, or strengthens business visibility and sales.

These investments help businesses strengthen their operations and pursue new opportunities while supporting innovation, job creation, and Gorham’s local economy.

At a Glance

Maximum Award:
$12,000 per eligible farm or business.

Minimum Project Cost:
There is no minimum project cost. Proposed purchases or projects must meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Matching Requirements:
Grants reimburse up to 50% of approved eligible project costs. Applicants cover the remaining costs and must pay project expenses before receiving reimbursement.

Application Deadlines:

  • Physical or Mailed Submission: Thursday, January 14, 2027 by 5pm EST.
  • Emailed Submission (Preferred): Friday, January 15, 2027 by 11:59pm EST.

Applications and required supporting materials must be received by the applicable deadline.

Email: econdev@gorham.me.us
In-person delivery: Department of Community Development, Gorham Municipal Center, 75 South Street, Gorham.

Who Can Apply

The program serves eligible businesses and farms currently operating in Gorham in three broad sectors:

  • Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Agritourism

  • Manufacturing, Construction, and Skilled Trades

  • Retail, Food, and Other Services

Applicants must meet the property, zoning, and other eligibility requirements outlined in the program guidelines. Businesses operating as Home Occupations are not eligible.

Program Documents

Review the program guidelines and application checklist before applying.

Before making purchases, paying deposits, or starting work, contact the Economic Development Division to confirm when expenses may qualify for reimbursement.

Past Grant Investments

Previous CapEx awards have helped Gorham businesses and farms invest in equipment, technology, and improvements to their operating spaces. Examples include:

  • Equipment and furnishings:
    Manufacturing machinery, farm and landscaping equipment, restaurant and kitchen equipment, medical diagnostic equipment, and barber chairs.

  • Building systems and safety:
    Repairs and upgrades to refrigeration, freezer, and HVAC systems, along with safety and security equipment.

  • Technology and business development: Point-of-sale system upgrades, marketing services, and research and development of more efficient products.

  • Energy and resource efficiency:
    A carbon dioxide recapture system for brewing operations.

  • Facilities and site improvements:
    Renovation and expansion of fitness spaces, parking-area expansion, and farm structures such as barns and greenhouses with associated site work.

These examples illustrate past uses of grant funding and are not a complete list of eligible investments. Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, increase accessibility, or support business growth. All proposed costs are subject to the current program guidelines and review.

Questions or Application Help

Need help understanding eligibility or preparing your application? Contact the Economic Development Division at (207) 222-1620 or econdev@gorham.me.us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The program supports one-time investments that expand market reach, increase production or capacity, or strengthen business visibility and sales. Applicants may include multiple eligible purchases or improvements in one application, including equipment, furnishings, technology, services, and facility upgrades. 

Applicants are encouraged to consider investments that improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, or increase accessibility. Other proposed uses may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Grant funds cannot cover general operating expenses—including working capital, inventory, debt payments, salaries, utilities, rent, or real estate purchases.

No. Because this is a reimbursement program, you must pay project expenses first. Grant funds are paid after the approved purchase or project is completed and you submit the required proof of payment.

Grants reimburse up to 50% of approved eligible project costs, with a maximum award of $12,000. Applicants are responsible for the remaining costs.

Purchases made or work completed before receiving a grant approval letter are not reimbursable. Contact the Economic Development Division before ordering equipment, paying a deposit, or starting work to confirm when your expenses may qualify.

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

Submit the completed application form and the supporting materials required for your project:

  • Price quotes: At least three written quotes from vendors or service providers for each capital item over the $5,000 price threshold.

  • Financial information: A profit and loss statement or similar record showing business income and expenses for the past 12 months, or since opening if your business is less than one year old.

  • Current conditions, when applicable: Photographs, a sketch, or a hand-drawn layout showing existing conditions before work begins.

  • Proposed improvements, when applicable: A preliminary sketch or layout showing the planned improvements or equipment placement.

  • Property documentation, when applicable: Proof of ownership or written permission from the property owner supporting the full project scope for projects involving changes to the property.

Town staff review applications for eligibility. A committee of Gorham Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) members scores eligible applications and recommends awards to the Town Council for final approval.

The scoring matrix evaluates proposal clarity and detail, alignment with the program’s purpose and goals, and demonstrated funding need and matching investment. Review the scoring matrix as you prepare your application. Additional information may be requested during review, and applying does not guarantee funding.

Yes, provided they meet the current program requirements. 

Businesses with active Town Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) loans may apply if they remain in good standing on their loan payments.

Projects must comply with applicable Town Land-Use and Development Code requirements. If permits or approvals are required, you must obtain them before starting work. A grant award does not replace those approvals.

If the building owner or tenant completes the work, only eligible material costs qualify for reimbursement. Their own labor is not reimbursable.

The capital purchase must be made, or project work must begin, within 12 months of the award date. Project work must be completed within 36 months of the award date. Grants are subject to being voided if these deadlines are not met.

Past examples of local funding:

  • 2024 & 2025 CapEx Matching Grant: Providing 50% reimbursement of a capital item, service or site expansion project, targeting grant funds to businesses in three sectors, specifically agriculture; manufacturing & skilled trades; and retail & food service.
  • 2024 Façade & Leasehold Improvement Grant: Supporting commercial property owners and leaseholder tenants for the purposes of beautifying high-visible commercial properties, energy efficiency upgrades and ADA accessibility.