Northern Maine Development Commission

An Aroostook woman’s new fitness studio, Soul To Sole Fitness on Bangor Street in downtown Houlton, is the fulfillment of an 11-year-old’s dream. Alissa Beals’ desire to one day own a fitness studio actually came about through a childhood health crisis of her own. ?? Bangor Daily News ?? Houlton, Maine

HEY! The deadline has been extended until November 30th for the Top Gun program! The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs will host the 15-week-long Top Gun business accelerator in Presque Isle and Machias this year. If you are considering the program than you must first apply before November 30th then interview and to be considered into the program. 6 businesses in Aroostook and 6 businesses Washington County will be accepted into the 2025 class! APPLY NOW: www.mced.biz/top-gun

Top Gun is a business accelerator program by Maine Center for Entrepreneurs aimed to grow, scale, and take your business to the next level. Match with a mentor, complete projecting, networking, marketing, and adjusting to be able to pitch your business for the chance to win $25,000. Informational Sessions are happening soon and scholarships are available to cover the $600 cost of tuition. Learn Locally from experts and compete statewide. November 6th, we'll see you at 12 PM at the MaineStreet Business Building November 7th, we'll see you at 12:00 PM at Ignite Presque Isle Applications Due: November 29th

See you at the Top Gun Informational Luncheon on Wednesday, November 6th at the MaineStreet Business Building from 12-2PM. Lunch is provided. Registration is encouraged, but not required (but it helps with lunch orders): https://lnkd.in/eYEzK7WC

See you at the "Top Gun Business Accelerator: Informational Session Aroostook County" on Thursday, November 7th at Ignite Presque Isle from 12-2:00 PM. Lunch is provided. Registration is encouraged, but not required (but it helps with lunch orders): https://lnkd.in/eXeKpG_7

Eastport, Maine, is experiencing a resurgence as it diversifies its port activities to include a growing cruise ship market. The Eastport Port Authority is now focusing on attracting midsize cruise ships, which is already showing positive results. Local businesses are reporting increased sales and economic activity. The port’s strategic location and deep waters make it an attractive destination for cruise lines, especially as nearby Bar Harbor imposes new passenger limits. New business owner Micah Winship of Overstory Restoration highlights the importance of this growth, noting how it brings new opportunities for local restoration projects to make more storefronts ready for new tenants. In addition to cruise ships, Eastport is exploring new commercial opportunities to stabilize and grow its economy. The port is working on initiatives such as a woodchip sanitization facility and leveraging its natural deepwater advantages for increased cargo shipments. These efforts aim to ensure the port’s long-term viability and economic contribution to the region. With a mix of historical significance and modern adaptability, Eastport is poised to become a key player in Maine’s maritime industry. This is an exciting time for the EASTPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism - here is to more positive stories! #maine #eastport #washingtoncounty #mainebusiness #growingmaine

Save the date for the Informational Session to see if Top Gun is a great fit for growing and scaling your Maine business! On Thursday, November 7th 12-2:00 PM we will be chatting with businesses like yours at Ignite Presque Isle. The Top Gun program is the best business accelerator program in Maine and we are looking for 6 great businesses to jump in this year for the 2025 class. Your $600 tuition cost can be eliminated with a scholarship from Northern Maine Development Commission. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/eXeKpG_7 Many thanks to our 2025 sponsors Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, Northern Maine Development Commission, Machias Savings Bank and the graduates of the 2024 Top Gun class: Caribou Paining, Automated Waste Recycling, WAVED Medical, LYFT Avenue, Chapped Hide, #Maine #AroostookCounty #businesspitch

Save the date for the Informational Session to see if Top Gun is a great fit for growing and scaling your Maine business! On Wednesday, November 6th 12-2:00 PM we will be chatting with businesses like yours at the MaineStreet Business Building. The Top Gun program is the best business accelerator program in Maine and we are looking for 6 great businesses to jump in this year for the 2025 class. Your $600 tuition cost can be eliminated with a scholarship from Northern Maine Development Commission. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/eYEzK7WC Many thanks to our 2025 sponsors Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, Northern Maine Development Commission, Machias Savings Bank and the graduates of the 2024 Top Gun class: Nautical Farms, Pen & Cob Farm, & Sew Fetch Dog Co. #Maine #washingtoncounty #businesspitch

Congratulations to the National Digital Equity Center's Crystal Tilley! Crystal is a great partner of NMDC and does a fantastic job hosting & marketing the courses to help others bridge the digital gap!

Robert Clark, Executive Director of Northern Maine Development Commission in Caribou, was recently elected to the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term. Clark represents the Eastern region on the 66-member Board.