From Policy to Impact: Lessons in Supporting Entrepreneurs & Driving Investment

Tim Agnew and Rhiannon Hampson bring deep expertise in Maine’s economic development tools, having spent their careers building and engaging with these initiatives. After successful tenures in other sectors, both are now focused on accelerating the growth of Maine’s blue economy.

This discussion will reflect on the successes and challenges of key state-driven initiatives designed to support entrepreneurs, such as the Maine Seed Tax Credit and other economic development mechanisms they have worked with throughout their careers. Adding a real-world perspective, a founder will also share their experience leveraging these initiatives to scale their business, offering insights into how these tools translate into tangible growth.

From there, the conversation will look ahead to the future of Maine’s blue economy innovation ecosystem, exploring opportunities for strategic growth through collaborative partnerships, investment, and policy development.

Featured Speakers:

Tim Agnew – General Principal at Bold Ocean Ventures, with extensive experience in venture capital and creative financing tools for business growth. Former Principal at Masthead Venture Partners, CEO of the Finance Authority of Maine, and a key player in the creation of the Maine Seed Tax Credit. He has also served on multiple boards, including Maine Venture Fund, Maine Technology Institute, and the Portland Development Corporation.

Rhiannon Hampson – Vice President of Economic Development at Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), former State Director for Rural Development (USDA), and District Representative with a policy portfolio of agriculture, fisheries, and rural development with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. She also co-owns Grace Pond Farm, a MOFGA-certified organic livestock and dairy farm in Thomaston.

Melissa LaCasse – Melissa Lacasse is the CEO and co-founder of Tanbark Molded Fiber, a manufacturing start-up focused on replacing single use plastic with bio-based solutions. She is passionate about developing new markets and opportunities for Maine heritage industries. Melissa co-founded Tanbark in 2021. She is happy to change the face of manufacturing by challenging the status quo. She wants to arrest the plastic epidemic and believes in shared prosperity. Tanbark allows her to use her skills in B2B Sales and Business Development. She is also skilled in Fundraising and Content Syndication from a career in public radio.

Melissa is Chair of the Board for Maine Technology Institute, where she serves as the Sector Representative for Advanced Technologies for Forestry and Agriculture, and also serves on the Board of Trustees for Maine Public.