Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a private, non-profit community development corporation and community development financial institution located in Wiscasset, Maine, provides a wide range of financing, flexible lending, equity capital and diversified counseling in development of small business, community facilities and affordable housing. Over a 20 year period CEI has directly financed and mobilized over $300 million for 1,100 projects to create employment, self employment, homeownership and other initiatives to primarily rural Maine businesses, communities and people.

As part of a national demonstration initially funded by The Ford Foundation, CEI launched its innovative Child Care Development Project (CCDP) in 1988. The combined loan and technical assistance fund was additionally capitalized with grants and loans from USDA, HHS, and state government. The CCDP provides technical assistance, quality care assessments, and loans to licensed childcare home providers and centers. Since the project began, CEI has made 138 loans to 121 providers throughout the state of Maine supporting care for more than 4,100 children. CEI's financing of $5,333,066 leveraged an additional $9,524,798 from private sources, public funds and owner equity. CEI funds are available for start-up or expanding facilities and equipment, working capital, playground equipment, fencing, and other essential materials that improve or contribute to the quality of care.