Consultant as Connector: Helping Businesses Find the Right Resource at the Right Time

Description

Core Idea: Consultants and professional service providers create value not only by advising clients directly, but by helping them identify, evaluate, and access the right resources, partners, programs, funding, experts, and networks.

Businesses often struggle not because resources are unavailable, but because they don't know which resources fit their needs or how to access them. Consultants, chambers, incubators, grant programs, and other professional advisors frequently serve as connectors—helping businesses navigate funding opportunities, technical assistance, strategic partnerships, and support networks. This panel explores effective strategies for identifying client needs, matching businesses with resources, building trust across organizations, and strengthening local entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the consultant's role as a connector within the business support ecosystem.
• Learn how different organizations identify and refer businesses to appropriate resources.
• Explore best practices for making introductions that lead to meaningful outcomes.
• Identify common challenges and gaps in resource navigation.
• Hear firsthand experiences from businesses that have grown by leveraging multiple support resources.

Learn about our Panel

Emily Braley is the Coordinator for the Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC) program, an initiative run by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI). She connects eligible Maine startups and small businesses with vetted, local consultants to provide affordable technical and business support. Under her coordination, the MERC program has expanded its support to help Maine's small businesses navigate critical phases of growth.

Terry Johnson is the Maine Mentor Network Manager at the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE). He oversees a pool of over 200 volunteer industry experts, strategically matching them with businesses participating in MCE accelerator programs.  like Top Gun and Cultivator.  Terry’s core responsibility is ensuring that the Maine Mentor Network has the right skillsets to guide early-stage and scaling entrepreneurs through their business lifecycles. He ensures founders get hands-on, relationship-based guidance rather than just theoretical advice.

Terry brings over 30 years of background in product design, technology development, and customer support with national companies. He assists growing companies in navigating operational transitions, improving profitability, and managing the systems perspective needed for scalability.  Terry is the immediate past president of the Association for Consulting Expertise, and an ACE Speaks! panelist. 

Susan Ruhlin, the recently-appointed Executive Director of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, is a business mentor-turned-entrepreneur who formerly led the Dirigo Labs startup accelerator in Waterville.   She is an innovation ecosystem leader with deep experience in accelerator management, fundraising, and corporate development and is recognized for building strong partnerships and guiding early-stage companies from idea to traction.
 

In her new role, she seeks opportunities for thoughtful growth, investment in infrastructure and housing, and ensuring that economic development benefits the entire region.  She believes that the focus should be on aligning the region’s strengths in ways that support long-term sustainability and competitiveness.