Recent News

FAME Doubles Commercial Loan Insurance Online Answer Limit

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) recently doubled the limit on applying for commercial loan insurance through the online answer (OLA) process. The online answer process allows a lender to apply and receive an immediate answer. The limit was previously up to $750,000 for commercial loan insurance.  The new limit allows lenders to easily and quickly submit applications for commercial loan insurance up to $1.5 million.

Increased Maine State Grant Funding Still Available for this Academic Year

Good news on three fronts for Maine students planning to attend college this fall: Maine State Grant funds remain available and awards have been increased! Also, for students who missed the Maine State Grant filing deadline of May 1, the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has extended the deadline for this academic year.

FAME Approves Financing for MedRhythms, Inc. and Vertical Harvest, L3C

At their July 15, 2021 meeting, the board of directors of the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) approved state new markets tax credit financing to benefit MedRhythms, Inc., a digital therapeutics company located in Portland. The board also approved bond financing for Vertical Harvest, L3C, a company planning to operate a vertical hydroponic greenhouse in Westbrook.

FAME Extends Deadline for Maine State Grant Eligibility

Good news for students who missed the 2021-2022 Maine State Grant filing deadline of May 1: the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has extended the deadline for this academic year only. Students should immediately file the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply, however, as grant funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

FAME Approves Additional Financing for GO Lab, Inc.

The FAME Board has approved $85 million in bond financing to help finance GO Lab, Inc., a start-up company at the former Madison paper mill in Somerset County. The project is expected to create approximately 114 well-paying jobs in Somerset County.

FAME CEO Bruce Wagner Announces Retirement

FAME Chief Executive Officer Bruce Wagner recently announced his intention to retire on February 5, 2021. He will be replaced on an interim basis by FAME’s Chief Risk Officer, Carlos Mello.

FAME awarded $25,000 grant to strengthen employee financial wellness program

Grant is Part of New National Initiative Supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation in Collaboration with the Center for State and Local Government Excellence, the International Public Management Association for Human Resources, and National Association of State Treasurers’ Foundation

Invest in ME Reads is Coming!

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), in partnership with the Maine Office of Securities and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), is excited to announce the launch of Invest in ME Reads, a new statewide program designed to support family financial education by sparking conversations about future goals, saving money, and the value of choice. The program was originally slated to launch in the spring of 2020, but due to COVID-19 school closures, the launch was rescheduled for this fall.

For Educators

Check out FAME’s free training opportunities such as webinars and training events for school counselors, college access advisors, financial aid counselors and administrators.