If you're interested in attending, RSVP here: https://SBAExportDay2025.eventbrite.com Location: Maine Center for Professional and Graduate Studies, 300 Fore St. Portland ME Where in the world do I even start??!! Are you ready to take your business global? With 95% of consumers living outside the United States, expanding into international markets is a HUGE opportunity. Join […]

Exciting Opportunity for Tech Business Leaders & Innovators! Join us on May 19th from 2pm - 4pm at the New England Ocean Cluster Building for a free viewing of the Montenegro Technology and Startup Bridge (MTSB) IV Cohort pitch competition! The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs has been assisting seven startups from the West Balkans through our first international Acceleration Program, in support of the Maine National Guard's mission there. The pitch competition is the final […]

Kick off Startup Maine Week with The Roux Institute's Founder Residency Venture Showcase—a celebration of innovation, diversity, and Maine’s growing startup ecosystem. Note: you must RSVP here (for headcount and security purposes). This exclusive residency is designed for underrepresented founders, reinforcing our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. The event features […]

Grab a coffee and join us for a casual meetup of unstructured networking with your fellow entrepreneurially-minded Mainers. Sponsored by Bernstein Shur law firm.

Behind The Hustle: Hard Truths, Big Wins & Bold Predictions In this session we'll go beyond the usual startup success stories and hear what it really takes to build a business in Maine. In this fast-paced, interactive session, local founders will step into the spotlight to share their biggest wins, toughest challenges, and what they […]

In this workshop, we’ll focus on: • Being a human leader - the importance of coming from a place of why and articulating passions and aspirations • Engaging and inspiring those around us - understanding the importance of storytelling (the stories help to substantiate our why and motivate audiences to take some sort of action) […]

Join seasoned entrepreneurs who've experienced the highs, lows, and lessons learned from finding co-founders and hiring early employees. Hear authentic stories, practical insights, and candid advice on assembling a team that truly moves the needle for your startup. Panelists: Frank Chen (CEO and Co-Founder) Hailey Lister (CPO and Co-Founder) Alex Morse (CEO and Co-Founder) Tim […]

What is Maine's role in the future of National Security Innovation? Find out during Startup Maine Week as Lauren Bedula (Beacon Global Strategies) leads a powerhouse discussion with Jeremy Hitchcock, Jamie Jones Miller, and other industry experts. From dual-use technology to strategic partnerships, this event is a must-attend for entrepreneurs, technologists, policymakers, and industry leaders […]

Join us in celebrating the 2025 Scratchpad Accelerator cohort, featuring Nauti Sisters Sea Farm, P3RD Earth, Singing Pastures, and Watermelon Pie—a dynamic group of entrepreneurs pushing the boundaries of innovation and impact. Enjoy lunch, networking, and pitches from these exciting companies as they showcase their vision for the future!

AI is no longer just hype — it’s a must-have for scaling and staying competitive. But integrating AI into your SaaS offering isn’t just about adding new features. It requires the right strategy, data, and execution to drive real value. Join Mike Veilleux, CTO, and Joe Small, data science engineer, of York IE for an […]

Discover rural Maine's untapped potential! Experts unlock funding avenues: From CDFI opportunities, Federal & State grants, venture capital, and low-interest loans that fuel regional growth. Be inspired by success stories and learn how strategic investment builds thriving communities, emerging sectors, and unique funding paths for your venture. MODERATOR: Brandon McDonald, Regional Hub Coordinator, Northern Maine […]

If you are looking at exploring international markets, you don't have to go it alone. Whether you want to export or set up a subsidiary, there is a wide range of help available. Learn about resources available in Maine and Canada and hear the experiences of Maine entrepreneurs. Moderator, Chris Begley. Trade Commissioner, Innovation and […]

We'll delve into questions around when and how to exit a startup company, the different considerations for investors and CEOs, and hear about lessons learned the hard way. Panelists: Nilanjana Bhowmik (Founder and General Partner, Converge) Christina Berkow (Partner, Pierce Atwood) Fritz Onion (Co-founder, Onion Foundation) Kristen Miale (Managing Director, Caswell Advisory Group)

Presented by Atlantic Aqua Farms and the Consulate General of Canada. Mix and mingle with conference attendees, meet the staff from the Consul General of Canada in Boston, and enjoy an oyster tasting with Atlantic Aqua Farms. Other apps and drinks by REVEL.

Unwind after the day with some fun, laughs, and food. What is BattleDecks? Think: Powerpoint Karaoke. Enter your name for a chance to present (or should we say....perform?). Participants are given a slideshow and must present it to an audience without knowing the content beforehand. We'll have judges and some prizes. It's fun, it's unpredictable, […]

Kick off your morning with coffee + conversation. Join us for a casual meetup with other women. Small group convos on topics you care about: leadership, burnout, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and more. No prep needed—just show up, grab coffee, and dive in. We hope to see you there!

Join us for a panel on navigating early stage fundraising in Maine, including panelists from Maine Technology Institute, Coastal Ventures, Maine Angels, Maine Venture Fund, and Ocean House Consulting. Speakers: Tom Kittredge, Senior Investment Officer, Maine Technology Institute Blaine Grimes, President, Ocean House Consulting Kevin McDonough, Investor, Maine Angels Nina Scheepers, Principal, Maine Venture Fund […]

As AI-powered products and services become more prevalent, startups face critical decisions about how to build and deploy AI responsibly. While the AI landscape at times may feel like the “wild west,” we will ask whether a responsible approach can be a differentiator or an inhibitor. This panel brings together startup founders, a researcher specializing […]

This two-part workshop demystifies financial modeling for founders, operators, and early-stage teams. Part one lays the foundation with essential theory—what investors really want to see, common modeling traps, and how to structure a model that tells a clear, data-backed story. Part two is an interactive session that walks participants through real-world scenarios and modeling pitfalls, […]

What’s it really like to work at a startup? Join Maine’s top startup leaders for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation about building a career in the startup world. This panel will dig into the real differences between startups and corporate jobs, from culture and pace to risk and reward. You’ll learn how to assess opportunities, understand […]

Join the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) and the Maine Angels for a invite-only lunch event at Startup Maine Week for accredited investors. Please fill out this form to receive an official invitation. Date: May 21st, 12-1pm Event Address: Location forthcoming

Note: Separate RSVP required to request invitation to Accredited Investor Lunch from 12-1:00 pm. Please fill out this form. Join the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) and the Maine Angels for a dynamic conversation. Discover how to invest in Maine’s entrepreneurs, hear compelling testimonials, and learn how your investment can help spark a bright economic […]

So, you’re preparing to raise money to grow your startup. How sure are you that your data room and cap table are clean and organized? This priority should be top of mind because a messy data room could drag out your raise and might cost you tens of thousands in legal expenses. This session will […]

Examine blockchain's potential to upgrade traditional business structures—from real estate and investment funds to customer loyalty and payroll. This panel explores blockchain innovations impacting tomorrow's businesses. Led by: Jimmy Haight - Head of Community at Chainlink Labs & Burak Sezen - Founder and Partner at The 6ixth Event

Is Maine the new Silicon Valley for Climate and Clean Tech startups? We hope so, and that’s what the Boston Globe article, Lobster, Moose, and ... Climate Tech? Maine is Branching Out, teased last fall! If you’re interested in new technical solutions to climate change, join us to learn some of the ways Maine is […]

Got data? You probably need data engineering! This talk, presented by Torie DeLisle of Aras Digital Products, gives a no-fear overview of what data engineering really is and how you can use it to solve everyday business problems. Learn how to recognize data opportunities, how you can start thinking about your data differently, and where […]

RSVP here. ​This event will bring together some of the top founders and investors involved with Startup Maine Week in Portland. Feel free to bring a founder/investor friend if know someone else who might be interested in joining us!

Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is showcasing its diverse community of portfolio businesses and partners at this special event. As part of the Startup Maine celebration, 15 innovative businesses from across MTI’s seven technology sectors will display their innovative products and ideas. This gathering will provide a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge-sharing, and highlighting the achievements […]

Join E2Tech for coffee and conversation over breakfast. It's a free and open networking event for folks in the Climate/Environmental/Energy space. Time & Location May 22, 2025, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM 31 Diamond St Suite D, Portland, ME 04101, USA RSVP here.

Hosted by Punch Club @ Bom Dia Café, 47 India St, Portland, ME 04101 Thursday, May 22 | 8:00 – 9:00 AM Sick of RTO memos, surprise layoffs (thanks ChatGPT), and Slack messages that feel like breakup texts? Meet other WFH folks and talk about what it’s like to work outside the corporate bubble — […]

Session Overview: You Aren’t Too Small to Compete! Expanding your customer base beyond traditional markets can unlock new revenue opportunities and long-term stability for your business. This panel discussion will provide small business owners with essential insights into selling to government agencies, large institutions, and international markets. Panel Moderators: Brad Currie, Senior Area Manager, SBA […]

From Pain Points to Platforms: How Founders Are Scaling Healthcare Solutions Featuring:  Lola Omishore, DPT, Founder & CEO of Theramotive Rahul Vanjani, PCP, co-Founder & CEO of Ito Health This candid session explores the unique obstacles faced when disrupting traditional healthcare systems and the strategies that led to successful platform development. Speakers will discuss identifying […]

Maine Accelerates Growth (MxG) is a monthly convening of entrepreneurial support organizations, economic development agencies, funders, startup founders, investors, and service providers. We share updates from across Maine's innovation economy, celebrate successes, and highlight emerging startups. Come join for our first in-person meeting of 2025!

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) offers a compelling path to small business ownership and is a perfect fit for ambitious Mainers. Three Maine-based entrepreneurs who each acquired small businesses will share the foundational skills, resources, and mindset that helped them succeed and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're actively searching for a business to […]

Grab lunch at a local spot and come on by the Roux Institute to meet many of the organizations that support entrepreneurs. Learn about their programs and offerings, capital resources, and how you can take advantage! Featured organizations include: Atlas Maine CEI Ventures Central Maine Growth Council's Dirigo Labs GMRI BlueTech Boost Launchpad: Maine Community […]

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 […]

Learn to Cook with AI and transform your raw business ingredients into a market-ready venture. We'll whip up complete business frameworks, bake your brand assets to perfection, and serve a delicious launch strategy—all in just 60 minutes. Watch as founders like you turn up the heat on entrepreneurship and cook up success in real-time. Led […]

About this event Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes Please join us for "Unfiltered Journeys: Founders on Overcoming Hidden Challenges", an event hosted by the New England Ocean Cluster in collaboration with Startup Maine. We're incredibly excited to bring together a wonderful panel of speakers who have navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Shining […]

As Startup Maine 2025 comes to a close, join us for this high-energy, collaborative session to imagine what’s next for our startup community. In this design thinking style workshop, we’ll reflect on what makes Maine’s startup scene unique, explore what we can learn from other ecosystems, and identify bold, actionable ideas to help founders and […]

Join us for a celebratory happy hour at the Porthole and then a Casco Bay Cruise aboard the Casablanca. Note: you'll need to reserve your spot on the boat. SECURE YOUR SPOT HERE