Maine Center for Entrepreneurship is bringing its business system back to Aroostook County

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The Northern Maine Development Commission has worked collaboratively with the Maine Center for Entrepreneurship and Machias Savings Bank to bring the Top Gun business accelerator program to Aroostook County.

Robert Clark, CEO of NMDC, said, “The Top Gun program returns to Machias and Presque Isle and this is the best business accelerator program in Maine. “I am delighted that our companies have this tool as an opportunity to grow.”

Last year the Top Gun program was developed for the first time in these regions. Classes of 2025 will begin in January, but the application and review process will begin now. The capacity of each of the classes is approximately 6 to 8 companies at each location. Locations include Portland, Bangor, Waterville, Presque Isle and Machias.

The intensive 15-week program provides hands-on mentoring, business screenings, and mentoring to prepare companies for a regional pitch competition. This year’s throwing competitions will be held in Presque Isle and Calais. The winners of each competition will advance to the state competition where companies hope to take home the grand prize, a $25,000 cash prize. This program aims to build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem for startups and innovative business owners and provide them with the skills they need to scale or grow beyond the monetary prize. To get business started, information sessions are planned for Aroostook County from 12 to 2 pm on November 7 at Ignite Presque Isle with lunch included. Registration for information sessions is recommended but not required.

TopGun applications are due November 30, https://mced.biz/top-gun.

The cost to participate in the program is $600. Full scholarships are available through the Northern Maine Development Commission by calling Jacob Pelkey ​​at 207-498-5065 or emailing [email protected].

The first class is from 10 am to 4 pm on January 18. Top Gun Pitch & Networking is May 6-10 and Top Gun Showcase is May 16 at the University of Southern Maine.

Who should come: People who want to be business mentors. Share your skills.

Businesses/ideas wanting to grow. Take it seriously.

Be creative, dedicated and innovative thinkers.

Those who want to grow are making the entrepreneurial ecosystem grow.

Stakeholders and media. Everyone is welcome. Lunch is provided.