Heart of Ellsworth

What Heart of Ellsworth does

Heart of Ellsworth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development organization headquartered at 16 State Street in Ellsworth, Maine, that focuses exclusively on downtown revitalization through the Main Street America Four-Point Approach: design, organization, promotion, and economic vitality. The organization, which transitioned from the Downtown Ellsworth Association to a 501(c)(3) structure in 2016 and achieved Main Street America National Accreditation in September 2024, is staffed by two paid personnel, a thirteen-member board of directors, and a large volunteer base. Its service area is limited to downtown Ellsworth and the immediately surrounding riverfront.

The organization's portfolio of programs includes the Downtown Grants Program (awarding $1,000 grants to local businesses), the Bricks & Clicks consulting program, the Makerspace at 16 State, the Franklin Street Parklet public space, the Riverwalk North Project, Trees on Main Street beautification, and the Manifesting Main Asset Mapping project. Signature events include the Maine Outdoor Film Festival, Art of Ellsworth (Maine Craft Weekend), Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival, and Maine Seaweed Week. Key partners include the City of Ellsworth, Maine Downtown Center, Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, Machias Savings Bank, and a broad network of local SMBs.

Heart of Ellsworth's revenue model consists entirely of donations, sponsorships, and grants — it charges no fees for its community programs and events. The organization does not develop proprietary technology, does not maintain a public API or SDK, and has no disclosed AI, data, or technology assets. Its measurable outcomes include reducing the downtown storefront vacancy rate from 50% in 2016 to 3% in 2024 and securing multiple regional awards in 2023-2024.

Name

Heart of Ellsworth

Legal name

Heart of Ellsworth

Website

https://heartofellsworth.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Heart of Ellsworth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Ellsworth, Maine, dedicated to downtown revitalization through grants, events, beautification, and small-business support programs as a Main Street America Accredited community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Youth Leadership, Civic Education & Service-Learning Nonprofits (BPAGADAI)

Keywords

• Downtown revitalization
• Community development
• Small business support
• Historic preservation
• Nonprofit events

Headquarters

HQ city

Ellsworth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorships: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Heart of Ellsworth relies on the generosity of sponsors and donors. The organization accepts tax-deductible donations and receives sponsorship support from local businesses and community organizations to fund downtown revitalization programs and events.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Heart of Ellsworth is a nonprofit community development organization that runs a portfolio of programs and events focused on downtown Ellsworth revitalization. Its core offerings include the Downtown Grants Program providing $1,000 grants to local businesses, the Bricks & Clicks free consulting program connecting businesses with experts, the Makerspace at 16 State, the Franklin Street Parklet public space, the Entrepreneur Resource Hub, beautification and preservation projects (Trees on Main Street, Water Street Mural, Riverwalk North), and signature cultural events such as the Maine Outdoor Film Festival and Art of Ellsworth.

Product overview

Heart of Ellsworth operates as a non-profit organization managing a portfolio of community development programs and events focused on downtown revitalization. The core offerings include the Downtown Grants Program providing $1,000 grants to local businesses, the Bricks & Clicks free consulting program connecting businesses with experts, the Makerspace at 16 State providing creative workspace, the Franklin Street Parklet as a public event venue, and the Entrepreneur Resource Hub as a web-based resource portal. Supporting programs include the Riverwalk North Project for riverfront enhancement, Trees on Main Street for beautification, the Manifesting Main Asset Mapping project, and the Water Street Mural public art initiative. The organization also produces signature events including the Maine Outdoor Film Festival, Art of Ellsworth Maine Craft Weekend, Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival, Jane's Walk, and Maine Seaweed Week.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Downtown Grants Program An annual grant program that provides $1,000 grants to local downtown businesses to support innovation, expansion, and economic vitality in the downtown Ellsworth area.
• Bricks & Clicks A free business support program connecting downtown Ellsworth businesses with seasoned consultants for one-on-one technical expert consultations tailored to specific business needs.
• Makerspace at 16 State A makerspace facility at Heart of Ellsworth's 16 State Street headquarters providing community access to tools, equipment, and space for creative and entrepreneurial activities.
• Franklin Street Parklet An outdoor public space created from former parking spots on Franklin Street, serving as a venue for community events, concerts, and gatherings in downtown Ellsworth.
• Entrepreneur Resource Hub A web-based resource page providing entrepreneurs and small business owners with access to resources, information, and support services in the Ellsworth area.
• Riverwalk North Project A capital project aimed at enhancing riverfront access and creating features that attract visitors and residents to interact with the Union River in downtown Ellsworth.
• Trees on Main Street A beautification initiative planting trees along Main Street to enhance the downtown urban landscape and support the Green Ellsworth initiative.
• Manifesting Main Asset Mapping A project that identifies and celebrates downtown Ellsworth assets, highlights opportunities for growth, and provides action items for community and business needs; recognized with Maine Downtown Center's Project of the Year and Grow Smart Maine's Smart Growth Award in 2023.
• Water Street Mural A public art mural featuring 15 distinct elements on a brick building by the Union River, created with community input and local artist Judy Taylor.
• Maine Outdoor Film Festival A signature annual outdoor film festival co-hosted with the City of Ellsworth at Knowlton Park, bringing conservation and outdoor storytelling to the Ellsworth community.
• Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend A signature annual event celebrating Maine crafts and makers, hosted across downtown Ellsworth venues during Maine Craft Weekend.
• Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival An annual festival pairing local cheesemakers and cideries in downtown Ellsworth, featuring demonstrations and tastings.
• Historic Preservation Program An ongoing program supporting the preservation of Ellsworth's historic buildings and character, including workshops and building inventory assessment work.

Quantifiable outcome

• Downtown storefront vacancy rate reduced from 50% (2016) to 3% (2024)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• City of EllsworthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2026Co-host of the Maine Outdoor Film Festival at Knowlton Park.
• Frenchman Bay ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2026Partner in the Maine Outdoor Film Festival, bringing conservation and outdoor storytelling to the Ellsworth community.
• VOLTA Climbing GymminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2026Partner in the Maine Outdoor Film Festival.
• Maine Downtown Center (MDC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024MDC is a part of the Maine Development Foundation and serves as the State Coordinator for Maine's National Main Street Program. MDC supports Heart of Ellsworth through accreditation, training, best practices, peer networking, and access to resources. In September 2024, MDC accredited Heart of Ellsworth as Maine's newest nationally accredited Main Street community.
• Main Street America / National Main Street CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024A subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street America provides the national framework for downtown revitalization using the Four-Point Approach. Heart of Ellsworth benefits from accreditation, access to a network of over 1,200 communities, funding opportunities, and technical assistance.
• City of EllsworthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024The City of Ellsworth provides municipal support for downtown initiatives including the Franklin Street Parklet, Riverwalk North Project, and Main Street beautification. The city council endorsed Heart of Ellsworth's Main Street America application and designated funding support.
• Ellsworth Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaborates with Heart of Ellsworth on the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Program and other downtown initiatives to support local businesses.
• Fogtown Brewing Co.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner with Heart of Ellsworth for the Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival, hosting cider-pressing demonstrations.
• Heritage Seaweed, Maine Sea Grant, Maine Seaweed CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partners presenting Maine Seaweed Week, an annual statewide festival celebrating Maine's seaweed harvest and its connection to coastal communities. Locally sponsored by Maine Coast Sea Vegetables and Frenchman Bay Conservancy.
• The Ellsworth AmericanminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Media partner for the Meet the Candidates event, co-hosting the Ellsworth City Council candidate forum with Heart of Ellsworth.
• WERU Community RadiominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Partnered with Heart of Ellsworth to host the free summer concert series featuring bands including The Hot Suppers, The Oshima Brothers, Down East Dead, and Bondeko.
• Ellsworth Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Collaborates on programs including the Ellsworth FarmDrop pickup location and community events.
• Worcester Wreath CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Donated 35 balsam wreaths for the Trees on Main Street holiday decoration program.
• Wallace EventsminorOthers · 1 January 2023Hired by Heart of Ellsworth to wrap eight downtown light posts with holiday decorations.
• Maine Crafts AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Community volunteer and project partner for the Makerspace Feasibility Study.
• Hancock County Planning CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Project partner for the Makerspace Feasibility Study.
• MDI Biological LaboratoryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Project partner for the Makerspace Feasibility Study.
• Coastal Enterprises, Inc. / Women's Business Center & SBDCminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Project partner for the Makerspace Feasibility Study and participant in Entrepreneurial Ecosystem focus group.
• Design Group CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Project partner for the Makerspace Feasibility Study; also serves as a Bricks & Clicks expert providing architecture and design consultation to downtown businesses.
• Main Street NOW ConferenceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Attended by 1 staff member and 4 board members in Boston to learn best practices for downtown district revitalization alongside Main Street communities nationwide.
• GrowSmart MaineminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Heart of Ellsworth attended GrowSmart Maine's 2023 Summit to learn how to enhance Ellsworth's existing assets and combat the national epidemic of loneliness.
• Citizens' Institute on Rural DesignminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Heart of Ellsworth was selected as one of 17 organizations for a year-long design learning cohort focused on enhancing the Riverwalk North and creating features that attract visitors and residents to interact with the Union River.
• Ellsworth Farmers' Market, Emmaus Homeless Shelter, Loaves & Fishes, Ellsworth FarmDropminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Food systems organizations featured on Heart of Ellsworth's Local Food Systems webpage, supporting local agriculture and sustainable food access.
• Green EllsworthminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Trees on Main Street initiative supports the Green Ellsworth initiative to plant more trees in the city.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Downtown Denver Partnership: A large urban downtown management organization focused on revitalization, economic development, and placemaking. Comparable to Heart of Ellsworth in mission (downtown vitality, business support, events) but operates at city-scale with a BID funding mechanism.
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): A national community development financial institution supporting neighborhood revitalization, small business, and economic development. Comparable in nonprofit-led community/economic development focus, though at national scale with substantially greater capital.
• Enterprise Community Partners: A national nonprofit focused on affordable housing and community development, including small business support. Comparable as a mission-driven community/economic development organization, though operating at significantly greater scale and capital intensity.
• National Trust for Historic Preservation: The national nonprofit focused on historic preservation, parent of Main Street America. Comparable in mission on historic preservation and downtown revitalization, though operating at national scale with policy and advocacy capabilities Heart of Ellsworth does not have.
• Main Street America / National Main Street Center: The national umbrella organization (a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation) that provides the Four-Point Approach framework used by Heart of Ellsworth. Comparable as the broader-scale network that all Main Street communities — including Heart of Ellsworth — operate within.

Others

• International Downtown Association: A membership-based association for urban place management organizations and downtown professionals. Comparable as the broader industry body representing downtown revitalization organizations, of which Heart of Ellsworth is a smaller community-scale analog.
• Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): Statewide network providing no-cost business consulting and training to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Maine. Directly comparable as a small business advisory service in Maine, and a partner referenced in Heart of Ellsworth's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Program focus group.

Regional players

• Portland Downtown: A Maine-based downtown district management organization (Portland, ME) running programs aligned with the Main Street approach for business support, events, and revitalization. Comparable as a regional Maine Main Street peer organization with similar programs but operating in a larger, more urban context.
• Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI): A Maine-based community development financial institution supporting rural entrepreneurs, small business, and economic development. CEI is a direct partner of Heart of Ellsworth for the Makerspace Feasibility Study and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem focus group, and a comparable Maine-based community/economic development nonprofit.

Direct peers

• Maine Downtown Center: State coordinator for Maine's National Main Street Program and a part of the Maine Development Foundation. Maine Downtown Center is a direct peer as the body that accredits and supports Heart of Ellsworth and runs the same Main Street framework across the state.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/heartofellsworth
• Instagraminstagram.com/heartofellsworth
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/heart-ellsworth

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Heart of Ellsworth