Claudia DeMello had plenty on her plate as a single parent raising two young children, yet still wanted to create something meaningful with Spirit Bear Coffee Company. Inspired by Hugo, their rescue dog, Claudia created this fair trade and organic coffee operation and donates 10% of each quarter’s sales back to local animal rescue groups such as Best Friends Animal Society, Nuzzles & Co, Paws for Life as well as numerous others that support dogs in need.

Wicked Joe and Bard Coffee of Topsham is home to Mainebiz Business Leader of the Year for 2017, thanks to the Garver family who own and operate them. Committed to roasting organic, sustainably-sourced coffee that sparks moments, conversations and communities across Maine. Also well known for their commitment to sustainable practices – paying their employees living wages while offering health insurance coverage covering premiums, co-pays, and deductibles for employees.

Bob and Carmen Garver also own an organic and fair trade coffee company in Bath that proudly displays its certified status. They work with shade farming methods employed by growers in Mexico, Panama, and Rwanda that produce lower yields but allow the farmers to preserve their land.

Vermont Coffee Company employs 34 workers at their 40,000-square-foot roastery powered by 100 percent renewable energy, producing coffee for retail stores throughout the Northeast and online sales. Vermont also partners with Cafe Femenino, an organization which grants grants to women leading coffee communities worldwide.

Dean’s Beans was established by its founder in 1993 to demonstrate that for-profit businesses can have a positive effect on society through ethical business practices. On July 1, the employees will become owner-operators when it changes into a worker cooperative. Chief operating officer Beth Spong has been developing a plan to transfer ownership.