Bowdoinham Amenities

Bowdoinham is a rural community on Merrymeeting Bay, with a central village located on the banks of the Cathance River in Sagadahoc County, Maine. People here are friendly and community oriented. The town has a wide variety of entrepreneurial businesses, many of which have listings elsewhere on this website. Bowdoinham is well-known for its thriving farming and artisan communities, and recreational opportunities.  

This page highlights why you might consider starting a business in Bowdoinham.

Centrally located while retaining its rural character

  • Village center only 1.5 miles from I-295 exit
  • Situated on Route 24 between Topsham and Richmond
  • Close proximity to the following communities: 
    • Brunswick: 15 minutes
    • Gardiner: 20 minutes
    • Augusta: 25 minutes 
    • Lewiston: 30 minutes
    • Portland: 35 minutes 
  • Low population density with large plots of open space/fields outside the village

Thriving local community

  • Weekly Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, June ~ October
  • Mailly Waterfront Park on the Cathance River for community events 
  • Longstanding local community event calendar: 
    • Open Farm/Studio Day 
    • Celebrate Bowdoinham 
    • Ice & Smelt Festival 
    • Bowdoinham Guild of Artisans Holiday Sale
    • Free Summer Sunday Concert Series 
  • Strong local non-profit organizations 
    • Bowdoinham Food Pantry 
    • Merrymeeting Arts Center 
    • Friends of Merrymeeting Bay
    • Bowdoinham Community Development Initiative
    • Bowdoinham Historical Society
    • Bowdoinham Public Library
    • Beloved K-5 school - Bowdoinham Community School 

Supportive Infrastructure

  • Outstanding Public Works Department
  • Fire Department
  • Curb side trash pick-up
  • Broadband internet available
  • Three phase electricity available
  • Town water available in central Bowdoinham
  • Five County Credit Union virtual branch 
  • Co-working space
  • In town childcare center

Growing village

  • Walkable village with growing sidewalk footprint 
  • Prime property available on Main Street and other locations  
  • Example desired businesses:
    • Bakery
    • Cafe with breakfast
    • Retail – sundry gifts and craft items
    • Retail – clothing sales
    • Retail – hardware store 
    • Light Manufacturing

Access to recreation

  • Motorized boat launch and ADA compliant paddle put-in to the Cathance River, connecting to Merrymeeting Bay 
  • Canoe and kayak storage rentals at Mailly Waterfront Park 
  • Boat slips and moorings available
  • Plans for development of the Merrymeeting Trail, a 30 mile walking/bike path that will connect Brunswick to Augusta and run through Bowdoinham village 
  • Multiple conserved walking trails 
  • Skate Park in the village 

 

Community Development Advisory Committee - 2023