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CEI Business Advising
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Jennifer Sporzynski

Chief Program Officer

About Jennifer

Jennifer Sporzynski is the Chief Program Officer at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a Maine-based community development financial institution with a mission to build just, vibrant and climate-resilient futures for people and communities in Maine and rural regions by integrating finance, business expertise and policy solutions in ways that make the economy work more equitably.

As CEI’s SVP, Workforce and Business Development she coordinates the delivery of the microloan program and leads a team of 22 staff that together work with over 3,000 Mainers each year on business advising, quality job creation and financial education to build assets.

Jennifer has worked in community economic development since 1993, working with small business owners in the United States, Guatemala (as a Peace Corps Volunteer) and Paraguay. Jennifer enjoys hiking and backpacking, and has section hiked the Long Trail and summited the 67 New England 4,000 footers.

Education:

  • Harvard University, EdM
  • University of Vermont, BS Finance
  • Aspen Institute, Emerging Leaders in Microenterprise Fellow
  • Annie E. Casey Foundation, CDFI Leadership Learning Network
  • Leadership Maine (Upsilon)
Get To Know Jennifer
What is your favorite candy or snack food?

Trader Joes dark chocolate caramels

If you had unlimited resources, where would you travel to?

Antarctica

What is something you dislike, but wish you loved?

Beets

image of Eros Oyster

Eros Oyster

"Nestled in the pristine waters of Robinhood Cove on Georgetown Island, Eros Oyster specializes in slow-growing Atlantic Oysters. Their company's growth shows how…"

image of CEI 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

CEI 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

"Welcome to the holiday season! Our Maine small business clients have everything you need to shop local. From artisanal baked goods and handcrafted…"

image of A Slice of Local Love: Two Fat Cats Bakery

A Slice of Local Love: Two Fat Cats Bakery

"Two Fat Cats Bakery has been delighting Portland, Maine with scratch-made sweets since 2005. Using premium ingredients like local eggs, wild Maine blueberries,…"