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