Business Opportunities

Farmington is the Shiretown and service center for Franklin County. It is the home of the University of Maine at Farmington, Regional School District #9 and Franklin Memorial Hospital, making it the ideal location for many types of businesses – technology, health care, retail and arts-related, along with light to medium industry, and traditional farming and forestry. It is located at the crossroads of four major highways making it a four-season destination in the foothills of the western mountains.

The Town of Farmington has been designated "Certified Business Friendly" by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. On July 24, 2015 the town joined other communities in being recognized for partnering with the private sector, and achieving excellence through streamlining regulations and permitting processes.

L to R: Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Director, Penny Meservier; Town Manager, Richard Davis; Farmington Downtown Association President, Sue Jones; Planning Assistant, Cindy Gelinas; Selectmen Matt Smith, Mike Fogg, and Chairman Joshua Bell; Greater Franklin Development Corporation Director, Alison Hagerstrom; and Governor’s Account Executive, Diane Jackson.

Click here to view the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development website for the Certified Business Friendly Community Program.

Farmington offers advantages like a low cost of doing business, and an extremely business-friendly attitude. The following are some of our programs:

The Downtown Municipal Tax Increment Financing District and Downtown Omnibus Development Program represents a vision and goal for the continued economic growth of the Downtown within the context of the entire Town's growth and future. Click here to download the PDF. Click here to download the Downtown TIF boundries map PDF. Click here to download the Downtown TIF tax maps PDF.

The Pine Tree Development Zone Program offers 10-year tax incentives to eligible businesses. Click here for more information.

The Revolving Loan Program provides eligible project activities with loans for business start-ups, expansions and/or building improvements and/or renovations, real property acquisition and capital equipment, including 0% financing for façade improvements in the Village Business Historic District. Click here to download the PDF of the Management Plan and Application.

Business in Farmington also means enjoyment of Maine’s unique foothills quality of life. Farmington has a highly qualified work force, superior heath care services, and strong public and higher educational systems – it’s a wonderful balance of economic advantages with small town lifestyle.

Opening a business in Farmington is easy! It may, however, require approval from the Board of Selectmen and/or Planning Board. Approval requirements will vary depending on the nature of the business, as well as the scope of work needed for improvements to real estate. The Town of Farmington is dedicated to assisting new and expanding businesses with required Town approvals, developing business plans, assembling financial packages, and incorporating various funding sources.

The following are the first points of contact for issuing Town approvals:

Town Manager (207) 778-6538

Code Enforcement/Planning (207) 778-5874

Looking to do business in Farmington? Here are links to groups that can help get you started.