PITTSFIELD – A forum aimed at linking small businesses or startup operations with funding, resources and guidance drew a large crowd Tuesday night.

Every display table was full, offering everything from banking services to utility plans, art to library resources. But it was the state, regional and federal agencies that had business owners lined up in front of them.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, Coastal Enterprises Inc., the Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center, the Maine Small Business Development Center, and the Somerset Economic Development Corp. provided advice on funding, outsourcing, obtaining government contracts, marketing and business planning.

Ted Holmes and Angel Morse were interested in it all. “I’m looking for advertising and marketing advice,” Holmes said. “She’s looking for loans and financing information.” The pair are exploring the possibility of opening a personalized pet care business and came to the forum for help.

John Doucette, president of the Somerset County Economic Development Corp., said that many prospective and current business owners are just not aware of the assistance available to them. “Especially here in Somerset County where the economy is struggling so,” he said. “Forums such as this can be vital in getting information to small businesses.”

Pittsfield Town Manager Kathryn Ruth said she was pleased to see all the networking going on between those exhibiting and those attending. “This is very strategic for small businesses,” Ruth said. “We saw this as a great opportunity to inform people about their options.”

Ruth explained that Pittsfield has a Pine Tree Zone, tax increment financing, seven available lots in the Pittsfield Industrial Park, and a strong working relationship with the state and regional agencies that provide funding and other help.

“With a nonexistent economic development budget, we must be very creative,” she said. Ruth stressed that teamwork with the various agencies is key in economic development.

In addition, Ruth said the town’s Web site plays a vital role. “It is a user-friendly Web site which lists economic development opportunities in Pittsfield, properties for sale and has business profiles,” she said. Pittsfield also holds job fairs and has one coming up on May 19 at Warsaw Middle School.

She said that other business assets in Pittsfield include the town’s economic development revolving loan fund and a pro-business Town Council.

Ruth included a survey for attendees that allowed them to ask for specific training opportunities for themselves or their companies. She said the town would try to bring some of the training to them. Some of the choices included Web site basics, marketing, market research, financing, and online training tools.

The forum was jointly sponsored by the town of Pittsfield and the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce.