Economic Development

Welcome to South Portland!

South Portland, Maine, is a distinct city known for blending a major industrial working waterfront, regional airport and shopping mall with charming residential neighborhoods and extensive coastal recreation. The commercial fabric of the community is diverse at its setting. 

The Economic Development Department is responsible for working to maintain, enhance, and expand the economic vitality within the City of South Portland for the benefit of all who reside or have businesses within our community. The department manages the City's business retention and attraction efforts and supports workforce development and job creation. We strive to provide excellent customer service to all including those who are interested in investing in the community, starting and/or growing a business, and creating meaningful employment opportunities in the city.  

We encourage you to contact our office if you have any questions or comments about doing business in South Portland! With helpful and knowledgeable staff, a consistent regulatory and permitting process, and a welcoming community, South Portland is a great place to run a business, raise a family, and enjoy the broad recreational opportunities that the community affords. 

Building Resilience

Foster Connectivity. Build solid bridges from business to business, business to city  and business to community organizations. Collaborate interdepartmental permit and licensing efforts for the betterment of the community. 

Operate with Flexibility. Implement dynamic solutions by monitoring patterns and trends constantly and reevaluating goals and strategies in real time. 

Employ Creativity. Explore adaptable ideas  Seek what is not yet known.  Sense, frame, adjust, evolve. 

Lead with Innovation. Establish holistic foundations that support, promote and expand quality of life, financial viability and environmental awareness. 

The South Portland Economic Development Strategic Plan (PDF)

South Portland Business News & Recognition

Sign-Up for South Portland Economic Development Newsletter!

We send out a monthly newsletter to keep our business community connected and promote South Portland as a great place to start, relocate or expand your business.  Have business related news & events to contribute?  email Biz Support