Maine Venture Fund

Calling all student entrepreneurs! Applications are officially open for the 2025 Maine Summer Accelerator. ?? ?? Program Dates: June 16 - August 15, 2025 ?? Location: On-site at the The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland, ME This free program offers college students connected to Maine (whether studying in-state or out-of-state) a unique opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills while living in downtown Portland. Participants will collaborate with peers in one of Maine's most vibrant entrepreneurial communities! Key Dates: - Applications Open: November 18, 2024 - Deadline: January 15, 2025 - Screening (in-person or virtual): January 24 & 27, 2025 - Selection Announced: January 31, 2025 Turn your ideas into action this summer—apply now! https://buff.ly/3ZomcJj #mainesummeraccelerator #entrepreneurship #maineinnovation #studententrepreneurs #startuplife #rouxinstitute

?? Maine’s entrepreneurial spirit was on full display at our 3rd Annual Maine Startup Challenge in Portland! Students from kindergarten to adulthood pitched their innovative business ideas to a panel of expert judges, competing for cash prizes and the opportunity to make a real impact on Maine’s economy. Judges evaluated pitches based on the problems they aim to solve, value to customers, scalability, feasibility, and community impact. From a pool of 156 applicants, 12 finalists took the stage to present their ideas. “Maine’s economy thrives on innovation,” said Nina Scheepers of Maine Venture Fund. “Our hope is that these young kids solving small problems today will apply those skills to create big businesses that drive Maine’s future economy.” Read more about the event here: https://buff.ly/48UnGht #mainestartupchallenge #entrepreneurship #maineinnovation #supportlocal #startuplife

?? Today’s the day! The Maine Startup Challenge Showcase is here! Join us from 4-5:30 PM at The Maine Center in Portland to cheer on Maine’s brightest innovators across four competition tiers. It’s an event you won’t want to miss as we reveal the next wave of Maine’s entrepreneurial talent! ?? The Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME ?? Join us in person – we can’t wait to see you there! https://buff.ly/40rbcf5 #mainestartupchallenge #showcaseday #supportlocal

We’re grateful for the support of our amazing sponsors who make the Maine Startup Challenge Showcase possible! Their contributions help foster innovation and entrepreneurial growth across Maine. Thank you to Maine Technology Institute, University of Maine Graduate & Professional Center, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Bangor Savings Bank, Drummond Woodsum, Eaton Peabody, Gorham Savings Bank, Mascoma Bank, Maine Community Foundation, Bernstein Shur, and High Touch Group. ?? Join us on November 13, 2024, from 4-5:30 PM to witness the creativity and potential of Maine’s innovators. RSVP today! https://lnkd.in/ezkemvCh #thankyousponsors #mainestartupchallenge #mainebusiness #innovation

Save the date for the second annual Blue Venture Investment Summit on November 13, 2024, at Ocean Gateway in Portland, Maine. This event, co-hosted by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Blue Venture Forum, will dive into innovations and investment trends in the blue economy, focusing on ocean data, AI, and the current market landscape. It’s a great opportunity for investors, founders, corporations, and NGOs to connect and collaborate. Follow the link to reserve your spot and learn more. https://buff.ly/4hMsTvV #blueventure #maine #blueeconomy #mainebusiness #innovations

?? Get ready! The MVF’s 3rd annual Maine Startup Challenge Showcase is happening next week, and we want to see you there! Join us for an inspiring event featuring pitches from Maine’s top innovators across K-8, High School, Collegiate, and Open tiers. Let’s celebrate Maine’s entrepreneurial spirit and support the next generation of startup talent! ?? Date: Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 ? Time: 4:00 - 5:30 PM ?? Location: The Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME ?? RSVP now to reserve your spot! https://buff.ly/40rbcf5 #mainestartupchallenge #supportmainebusiness #entrepreneurship #innovation

Maine Venture Fund is happy to share a unique collaboration between two of our portfolio companies: Orange Bike Brewing Company and Bookclubs! ???? Together, they’re launching a monthly Book Reading Party! Join them this Wednesday from 6-8 PM at Orange Bike Brewing’s cozy space, where book lovers can bring their favorite reads, enjoy locally crafted brews, and unwind midweek. ?? When: This Wednesday, 11/6, 6-8 PM ?? Where: Orange Bike Brewing https://buff.ly/3UzBtnq #maineventurefund #orangebikebrewing #bookclubs #uniqueexperience #maineentrepreneurs #communityevents #supportlocal

Exciting opportunity ahead! Applications are now open for the 2025 Black Bear Consulting Corps (BBCC), launching its fifth cohort this spring! BBCC pairs Maine businesses with skilled college students from University of Maine to support vital projects—like market research, web design, and data analysis—for free, courtesy of the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan. Participating companies benefit from fresh perspectives and project support, while students gain invaluable real-world experience. ?? Company applications close November 15, 2024. For more info or to apply, follow the link below. https://buff.ly/3Y5vU0u #blackbearconsultingcorps #mainebusiness #studentopportunities #innovation

?? Happy Halloween from Maine Venture Fund! ??! Wishing everyone a safe and festive holiday ??♀??? #maineventurefund #happyhalloween #supportmainebusiness #spookyseason

? Only two days left to apply for the Maine Startup Challenge! ? There's still time to craft and submit your business plan, and we've got the resources to help you every step of the way. Whether you're in K-8, high school, or beyond, you can leverage these tools to make sure your application shines. ?? Lesson plans for K-8 & high school: https://buff.ly/465JXGx ?? Business Plan Templates for K-8 & high school: https://buff.ly/487u5oq ?? Business Plan Templates for collegiate: https://buff.ly/4eBSPYW ?? Business Plan Templates for open: https://buff.ly/3BIHjMU ? FAQs: https://buff.ly/486UXoU or https://buff.ly/481U1T7 ?? Applications: https://buff.ly/3Y31Bbw Don’t miss your chance to compete for cash prizes and bring your ideas to life! Deadline: October 25. #mainestartupchallenge #entrepreneurship #cashprizes #innovation #businessideas #applynow #supportlocal #maine