Helping founders find community and connections
The first state-wide, nationally registered aquaculture apprenticeship program in the U.S., launched in 2023. Administered by MAA and GMRI, it provides 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training at shellfish/seaweed farms plus 144 hours of coursework at Southern Maine Community College.
Fellowship/Internship
in
Gardiner
Maine Aquaculture Association
Aquaculture incubator space at UMaine's Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR) in Franklin, established 2001. Provides tank space with flowing/recirculating fresh and saltwater systems, office space, access to university researchers, business counselors, and links to Top Gun accelerator.
Incubator
in
Franklin
University of Maine – Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR)
Business incubator space at UMaine's Darling Marine Center in Walpole, coordinated by the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center (MAIC). Provides flowing seawater labs, shellfish hatchery, algal production facilities, and technical expertise to aquaculture startups on the Damariscotta River estuary.
Incubator
in
Walpole
Darling Marine Center (University of Maine)
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors for Maine entrepreneurs and small businesses. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Statewide network with service centers including Augusta.
Mentorship
in
Augusta
Maine SBDC - Augusta
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors for Maine entrepreneurs and small businesses. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Statewide network with centers in Portland and beyond.
Mentorship
in
Portland
Maine SBDC - Portland
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors serving Skowhegan, Somerset County and surrounding areas. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Part of Maine's statewide SBDC network.
Mentorship
in
Waterville
Maine SBDC - Skowhegan
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors serving Bangor, Penobscot County and surrounding areas. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Part of Maine's statewide SBDC network.
Mentorship
in
Bangor
Maine SBDC - Bangor
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors serving Auburn, Androscoggin County and surrounding areas. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Part of Maine's statewide SBDC network.
Mentorship
in
Auburn
Maine SBDC - Auburn
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors serving Fairfield, Somerset County and surrounding areas. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Part of Maine's statewide SBDC network.
Mentorship
in
Fairfield
Maine SBDC - Fairfield
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors serving Ellsworth, Hancock County and surrounding areas. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Part of Maine's statewide SBDC network.
Mentorship
in
Ellsworth
Maine SBDC - Ellsworth
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors serving Caribou, Aroostook County and surrounding areas. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Part of Maine's statewide SBDC network.
Mentorship
in
Caribou
Maine SBDC / NMDC - Caribou
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors serving Rockland, Knox County and surrounding areas. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Part of Maine's statewide SBDC network.
Mentorship
in
Rockland
Maine SBDC - Rockland
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising from certified SBDC advisors serving Bath, Sagadahoc County and surrounding areas. Covers business feasibility, planning, capital access, financial management, marketing, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Part of Maine's statewide SBDC network.
Mentorship
in
Bath
Maine SBDC - Bath
Free, confidential one-on-one business mentoring for Maine entrepreneurs at any stage—startup, growth, or transition. SCORE's 120+ volunteer mentors are experienced professionals offering guidance on business planning, financing, marketing, operations, and more, available in-person or virtually.
Mentorship
in
Portland
SCORE Maine
Business planning support and consultation provided by the Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA) to aquaculture producers. Includes custom-built business planning tools, production plans, risk management guidance, marketing strategy, benchmarking, and direct access to MAA's professional staff.
Mentorship
in
Gardiner
Maine Aquaculture Association
Free live and recorded workshops for Maine small business owners and entrepreneurs covering a wide range of topics from business fundamentals to advanced topics like social media marketing, short-form video, and starting a business. Led by experienced subject-matter experts.
Training/Course
in
Portland
SCORE Maine
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with USM.
Training/Course
in
Portland
Maine SBDC - Portland
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with USM.
Training/Course
in
Augusta
Maine SBDC - Augusta
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with the University of Southern Maine.
Training/Course
in
Auburn
Maine SBDC - Auburn
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with the University of Southern Maine.
Training/Course
in
Rockland
Maine SBDC - Rockland
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with the University of Southern Maine.
Training/Course
in
Bath
Maine SBDC - Bath
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with the University of Southern Maine.
Training/Course
in
Bangor
Maine SBDC - Bangor
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with the University of Southern Maine.
Training/Course
in
Fairfield
Maine SBDC - Fairfield
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with the University of Southern Maine.
Training/Course
in
Ellsworth
Maine SBDC - Ellsworth
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with the University of Southern Maine.
Training/Course
in
Caribou
Maine SBDC / NMDC - Caribou
Free live webinars and 24/7 on-demand eCourses for Maine entrepreneurs covering all aspects of starting and running a business. Topics range from business plan fundamentals and financial templates to marketing, e-commerce, and more. Produced by Maine SBDC in partnership with the University of Southern Maine.
Training/Course
in
Waterville
Maine SBDC - Skowhegan
A business support program for entrepreneurs in Northern and Eastern Maine offering confidential counseling, training, youth entrepreneurship, and access to capital at any stage of business.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Caribou
Center for Business Growth @ NMDC
A regionally focused incubator for climate and clean energy startups, launched September 2024 with $975K from Maine's Governor's Energy Office. Provides desk space, a prototyping lab, curated mentors, and access to Roux's AI, ML, and materials science expertise.
Incubator
in
Portland
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
A 12-month rolling-enrollment accelerator for established Maine food, beverage, and agriculture companies looking to scale, offering assessments, coaching, and access to industry-expert mentors.
Accelerator
in
Portland
Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE)
A suite of community and student education programs including Start Summits (2-day ideation hackathons), Innovation Challenge (company-student problem-solving), Venture Forward (8-module business development), and Pine Tree Challenge. Open to anyone 18+ interested in startups.
Training/Course
in
Portland
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
A recurring free event series created in 2019 by the New England Ocean Cluster to share stories of ocean-focused entrepreneurs and project leaders. Each session features a curated panel of speakers on a blue economy topic, fostering connections and raising awareness across Maine's ocean community.
Networking/Events
in
Portland
New England Ocean Cluster
A 12-month accelerator providing underrepresented founders (women, people of color, LGBTQ+) with $25K non-dilutive funding, workspace at Roux's Portland campus, $300K+ in partner credits, and comprehensive business, legal, and design support to launch scalable tech-based ventures.
Accelerator
in
Portland
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
A 12-month healthcare-focused accelerator, launched in spring 2023, connecting healthtech founders with Maine's premier health systems. Provides $50K investment per company, clinical testing environments, and access to Northern Light Health and MaineHealth networks.
Accelerator
in
Portland
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Presque Isle
Maine APEX Accelerator – Presque Isle Industrial Council
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Bangor
Maine APEX Accelerator – (EMDC)
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Portland
Maine APEX Accelerator – Portland
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Brunswick
Maine APEX Accelerator – Brunswick
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Limestone
Maine APEX Accelerator – Town of Limestone
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Sherman
Maine APEX Accelerator – Upper Valley Economic Council
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Fairfield
Maine APEX Accelerator – KVCOG
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Wiscasset
Maine APEX Accelerator – Lincoln County RPC
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Dover-Foxcroft
Maine APEX Accelerator – EMDC Dover-Foxcroft
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Machias
Maine APEX Accelerator – Sunrise County Machias
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Calais
Maine APEX Accelerator – Sunrise County Calais
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Ellsworth
Maine APEX Accelerator – EMDC Ellsworth
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Houlton
Maine APEX Accelerator – Southern Aroostook Development Corp.
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Fort Kent
Maine APEX Accelerator – Town of Fort Kent
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Caribou
Maine APEX Accelerator – Northern Maine (NMDC)
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Orono
Maine APEX Accelerator – UpStart Center
Free training workshops and networking events covering all aspects of government contracting, offered in-person and virtually throughout Maine. Topics include SAM registration, cybersecurity compliance (CMMC), writing capabilities statements, bidding on federal solicitations, DBE certification, and more.
Training/Course
in
Madawaska
Maine APEX Accelerator – Town of Madawaska
An NSF-funded 6-week customer discovery program for UMaine faculty, staff, and students with STEM-based innovations. Two tracks: I-Corps Spark (5-week cohort-based) and I-Corps Fusion (individualized, 12+ interviews). Serves as a prerequisite and feeder for the MIRTA accelerator.
Training/Course
in
Orono
UMaine Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources & Engagement (SPIRE)
A sponsorship program providing entrepreneurs from underrepresented demographics (women, people of color, individuals from non-marine industries) with dedicated workspace at The Hús, mentorship, and access to the NEOC's collaborative ocean economy community. Launched 2020, sponsored by Bristol Seafood.
Incubator
in
Portland
New England Ocean Cluster
A statewide paid summer internship fellowship program matching Maine college students with innovative Maine companies. Students participate in a 4-day boot camp, then work full- or part-time (200 or 400 hours) at a host company on innovation projects, supported by UMaine throughout.
Fellowship/Internship
in
Orono
Foster Center for Innovation (University of Maine)
A 5-month program equipping nonprofit leaders and board members with entrepreneurial skills to develop new revenue-generating products or services. Teams of two (one staff, one board member) receive mentorship, workshops, student co-op support, and a Northeastern badge upon completion.
Training/Course
in
Portland
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
A life sciences incubator at the MDI Biological Laboratory in Bar Harbor, established in 2017 with state funding. Offers turnkey wet lab and office space, diverse animal models (zebrafish, axolotl, nematode), advanced microscopy, contract research, and business mentorship for biotech startups.
Incubator
in
Bar Harbor
Maine Center for Biomedical Innovation (MDIBL)
A life sciences incubator at the MDI Biological Laboratory in Bar Harbor, established in 2017 with state funding. Offers turnkey wet lab and office space, diverse animal models (zebrafish, axolotl, nematode), advanced microscopy, contract research, and business mentorship for biotech startups.
Incubator
in
Bar Harbor
MDI Biological Laboratory (MDIBL)
A free 8-week summer accelerator for college students to refine business ideas, develop prototypes, and launch ventures. Includes free housing in downtown Portland, expert mentorship, workshops on scaling and go-to-market strategy, and access to the Roux entrepreneurial network.
Accelerator
in
Portland
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
A community of 150+ seasoned professionals with deep startup and corporate experience who volunteer as mentors to Roux Institute entrepreneurs. Mentors help founders navigate challenges, maximize their chances of success, and connect with the broader Maine innovation ecosystem.
Mentorship
in
Portland
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
A 16-week intensive accelerator for UMaine faculty and research teams to commercialize lab discoveries. Teams work 20 hours/week on market research, IP analysis, and business model development, guided by Foster Center staff and an advisory committee of industry experts.
Accelerator
in
Orono
UMaine Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources & Engagement (SPIRE)
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Waldo Counties seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Orono
Maine APEX Accelerator – UpStart Center
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Aroostook County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Caribou
Maine APEX Accelerator – Northern Maine (NMDC)
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Hancock County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Ellsworth
Maine APEX Accelerator – EMDC Ellsworth
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Northern Aroostook County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Limestone
Maine APEX Accelerator – Town of Limestone
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in St. John Valley, Aroostook County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Madawaska
Maine APEX Accelerator – Town of Madawaska
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Northern Aroostook County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Sherman
Maine APEX Accelerator – Upper Valley Economic Council
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Lincoln County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Wiscasset
Maine APEX Accelerator – Lincoln County RPC
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Piscataquis County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Dover-Foxcroft
Maine APEX Accelerator – EMDC Dover-Foxcroft
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Northern Aroostook County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Fort Kent
Maine APEX Accelerator – Town of Fort Kent
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Aroostook County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Presque Isle
Maine APEX Accelerator – Presque Isle Industrial Council
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Waldo Counties seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Bangor
Maine APEX Accelerator – (EMDC)
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Cumberland and York Counties seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Portland
Maine APEX Accelerator – Portland
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Southern Aroostook County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Houlton
Maine APEX Accelerator – Southern Aroostook Development Corp.
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Cumberland and York Counties seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Brunswick
Maine APEX Accelerator – Brunswick
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Washington County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Machias
Maine APEX Accelerator – Sunrise County Machias
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Somerset Counties seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Fairfield
Maine APEX Accelerator – KVCOG
Free, individualized procurement counseling and technical assistance for businesses in Washington County seeking to enter government markets. Maine APEX Procurement Counselors help businesses register, obtain certifications, identify opportunities, prepare bids, and manage government contracts.
Mentorship
in
Calais
Maine APEX Accelerator – Sunrise County Calais
UMaine's student-focused business incubator, operated by the Foster Center for Innovation, providing coaching, workspace, and support to students developing ventures. Offers business coaching to anyone with a business idea alongside academic courses in innovation.
Incubator
in
Orono
Foster Center for Innovation (University of Maine)
A 95,000 sq ft technology and manufacturing incubator at Brunswick Landing (former NASB campus), opened in 2015. Supports early-stage manufacturers and tech companies in aerospace, composites, biotech, clean energy, and IT with shared labs, machine shop, office space, and support services.
Incubator
in
Brunswick
Brunswick Landing
An open-ended, inclusive incubator for pre-revenue founders developing ocean-related or ocean-adjacent ventures. Launched formally in January 2024 after a 12-month pilot, it connects founders with mentors, a collaborative community at the Hús, business development experts, and graduate/undergraduate research support.
Incubator
in
Portland
New England Ocean Cluster