Key Opportunities
Maine has many sources of funding, support, and advice for entrepreneurs, companies, students, and others interested in energy, environment, climate and resilience. We list some of the opportunities below.
Maine Technology Institute
MTI works with entrepreneurs, innovators, established businesses, and institutions conducting research and development (R&D) to help them fund and grow their big ideas, connect to resources across the state, and create results for Maine. Our programs help innovators accelerate progress to the market, leverage additional private and public investment, and ultimately, expand their economic impact in Maine.
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Live + work in Maine
Live + Work Maine is a non-profit dedicated to providing information and resources to talented people who want to relocate, move within, or stay in Maine. Our mission is to show the world that in Maine, you can have it all when it comes to quality of life AND quality of career. We partner with employers, communities, nonprofits and individuals to develop and execute programming, events, marketing campaigns, and/or other initiatives to support the Maine employment brand, raise awareness of Maine as a career destination, and ultimately attract and retain the talented individuals Maine employers need to continue thriving into the future.
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University of Maine
The mission of the Portland Gateway is to connect Mainers with world-class research and education; convene and prepare our knowledge and innovation workforce; and converge around contemporary Maine challenges in the Portland area and beyond. The University of Maine System has multiple campuses, and the flagship campus in Orono has establishe the University of Maine Portland Gateway to provide a one-stop connection and point of access to UMaine’s vast array of innovative research, education, and outreach resources, programs, and services. These include those existing in Portland and its surrounding region, where the university has faculty, staff, and students, and a vast array of research, education, and outreach programs, as well as partnerships with business/industry and corporate sectors, healthcare providers and medical facilities, universities and research institutions, K-12 schools, and other entities.
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CEI Wicked Fast Microloans
Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) offers expedited microloans designed for existing and start-up business owners. Eligible applicants can borrow up or working capital, equipment purchases, or to refinance existing higher-cost debt. CEI’s Wicked Fast Loans can offer up to $15,000 for start-up businesses and up to $30,000 for existing businesses. CEI makes the loan decision within three business days from a 2-page application.
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Maine Workforce Development Compact
The Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce has access to $60 million in grant funding. With business partners, we are poised to serve 24,000 Mainers with short-term training by 2025. Compact Members have streamlined access to The Center’s services, which include financial support of up to a $1,200 match per frontline worker and community college scholarships for staff to continue acquiring skills in pursuit of a degree or credential of value.
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maine community colleges - Workforece development
Maine's community college system offers affordable customized training and continuing education that gives businesses and employees the skills they need to compete. Throughout Maine, community colleges are available to help you with your workforce needs and there is funding available for qualified projects. For more information, check out the Maine Community College System newsletter on workforce development projects.
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OUt of state and Global Trade Expertise
The Maine International Trade Center is ready to help with your long-term market development projects and to answer import/export regulatory, logistics, or international finance questions. Click here to learn more!
For out-of-state opportunities, we're pleased to connect E2Tech affiliates access to the New England Clean Energy Council's Cleantech Navigate Northeast, a premier convenor of entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors.
Maine Angels
Maine Angels was founded in 2003 to enhance regional economic development by providing a cooperative mechanism for qualified investors to collaboratively locate, investigate and make investments in promising early-stage companies. Maine Angels collective investments in companies typically range from $50,000 to $250,000 in most deals. In addition to providing financial capital, where appropriate Maine Angels members also provide intellectual capital to portfolio companies and the entrepreneurs who run them. Investments in companies based in Maine typically are eligible for Maine's Seed Capital Tax Credit Program administered by the Financial Authority of Maine (FAME).
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CEI Ventures, INC.
CEI Ventures manages socially responsible venture capital funds. The company was founded in 1994 to mobilize private capital markets while advancing social goals. We accept investments from accredited individuals, foundations, banks and other organizations that are looking for socially responsible ways to invest their money in growing, entrepreneurial businesses and have thoroughly read any offering document currently in effect.
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FAME
The Finance Authority of Maine provides access to innovative financial solutions to help Maine citizens pursue business and higher education opportunities. More specifically, keep in mind its $4 million Seed Capital Tax Credit Program, encouraging equity and near-equity investments directly and through private venture capital funds. Do your potential investors know about this?
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Maine Venture Fund
The MVF is a professionally managed venture capital fund that invests exclusively in Maine companies that demonstrate a potential for high growth and public benefit. The Fund has been actively investing in Maine companies since 1997, after its creation by an act of the Maine Legislature in 1995 to provide Maine companies and entrepreneurs access to patient sources of venture capital. The Fund has received $13 million in capital contributions from the State of Maine and operates as a revolving, “evergreen” fund.
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