Maine Center for Entrepreneurs

What Maine Center for Entrepreneurs does

Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1997 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, that operates a portfolio of selective entrepreneurship accelerator programs serving Maine-based founders. Its core programs include the flagship 15-week Top Gun accelerator (founded 2009), the 12-month Cultivator food/beverage/agriculture accelerator, MarketShare Accel for sales expansion, SmartLaunchCPG, BioStartup for biotech and digital health, FoodTech Maine, and the Visionary Leadership Program — all supported by the Maine Mentor Network of 300+ volunteer industry experts. Programs are delivered through weekly in-person learning sessions across multiple Maine regions (Portland, Bangor, Lewiston/Auburn, Waterville, Brunswick), supplemented by webinars and signature biennial events such as the Maine Food Producer Showcase & Golden Fork Awards.

MCE's business model blends modest program fees (e.g., $500 per company for Top Gun, $2,500 per company for Cultivator) with a diversified funding base anchored in government grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. Notable grant funding includes a $512,000 U.S. Department of Commerce EDA award and a $300,000 Maine Technology Institute matching grant supporting a bioscience cluster initiative, plus Congressional Directed Spending championed by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King for the 2025 Fishing Plus accelerator. Corporate sponsorship comes from law firms (Pierce Atwood as lead MarketShare sponsor, Preti Flaherty), financial institutions (First National Bank), state agencies (DECD), and industry partners (FocusMaine, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, University of Maine, Bigelow Laboratory). The organization does not develop proprietary technology; its core "technology" is the curated mentor matching, structured curriculum, and community programming infrastructure.

Since 2009, MCE has accelerated over 400 entrepreneurs through Top Gun alone, with reported graduate outcomes including $25M+ in revenue generated, $7.5M in capital formation, 125+ Maine-based jobs created, and an average 31% revenue growth post-completion. The organization is led by Executive Director Tom Rainey (25 years of accelerator-building experience across seven states), CFO Eric Waters, and a small full-time team of program managers and specialists including Laurie Johnson (Top Gun), Naomi Neville (Food Accelerator), Janine Bisaillon-Cary (MarketShare), Emily Lane (Seafood & Aquaculture), and Terry Johnson (Maine Mentor Network). MCE relocated to the New England Ocean Cluster (Hus) building on Portland's working waterfront in 2021 and continues to expand its programming footprint, with 2025 launches of SmartLaunchCPG, the Lobster Adaptation Program, and the Fishing Plus accelerator alongside the existing Aquaculture PreFlight program.

Name

Maine Center for Entrepreneurs

Legal name

Maine Center for Entrepreneurs

Website

https://mced.biz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1997 in Portland, Maine that operates selective entrepreneurship accelerator programs—including Top Gun, Cultivator, MarketShare, FoodTech Maine, and BioStartup—for Maine-based founders across food/beverage, aquaculture, bioscience, and craft beverage sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Entrepreneurship Acceleration and Mentorship Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Professional and Management Development Training (61143)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Business Planning, Pitching & Competitions (Pitch Decks, Demo Days) (EDAMAHAB), Marketing, Branding & Sales Skills (EDAMAHAG), Entrepreneurship, Business & Innovation Camps (EDAMALAL), Small Business & Entrepreneurship Community Education (EDAAAFAK)

Keywords

• Entrepreneurship acceleration programs
• Business mentorship services
• Startup accelerator programs
• Food beverage accelerator
• Small business development

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Fees: MCE charges fees for participation in their accelerator programs. Top Gun program charges $500 per company, and the Cultivator program charges $2,500 per company.
2. Corporate and Nonprofit Sponsorships: MCE receives funding support from corporate sponsors (such as Pierce Atwood LLP as lead sponsor for MarketShare Accel), nonprofit sponsors, and organizations like the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
3. Government Grants: MCE receives grant funding from government entities including a $512,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and a $300,000 matching grant from Maine Technology Institute.
4. Individual Donations: MCE accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations through their Entrepreneur Champions Circle program, with donations of $100 or more featured for a year.
5. Regional Sponsorships: Local businesses and organizations sponsor specific Top Gun regional cohorts in different Maine locations (e.g., First National Bank sponsors Bangor, Bernstein Shur sponsors Brunswick Craft Beverage).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) operates selective entrepreneurship acceleration programs and a curated volunteer mentor network to help Maine founders build and scale growth-oriented businesses. Programs include the Top Gun 15-week startup accelerator, the Cultivator 12-month food/beverage/agriculture accelerator, MarketShare sales accelerator, SmartLaunch CPG program, BioStartup, FoodTech Maine, and the Visionary Leadership Program. Services combine structured curriculum, one-on-one mentoring, pitch competitions, and connections to investors and industry partners.

Product overview

Maine Center for Entrepreneurs operates a multi-program platform for entrepreneurship acceleration in Maine. The core offerings include Top Gun (15-week startup accelerator), Cultivator (12-month food/beverage/agriculture accelerator), MarketShare (food & beverage sales accelerator), SmartLaunch (CPG startup program), BioStartup (biotech/life sciences support), Visionary Leadership Program (leadership development), and FoodTech Maine (technology-driven food/agriculture accelerator). All programs are supported by the Maine Mentor Network of over 300 volunteer industry experts. The organization also hosts annual events including the Maine Food Producer Showcase with Golden Fork Awards and the Maine Entrepreneurs Summit.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Top Gun Program A selective 15-week entrepreneurship acceleration program that matches founders of high-growth potential companies with experienced volunteer mentors. Includes curriculum on non-debt financing, bootstrapping, customer discovery, and marketing strategies, culminating in a showcase pitch competition. Fee is $500 per company.
• Cultivator Program A 12-month selective accelerator for established food, beverage and agriculture companies looking to scale up. Includes deep-dive third-party assessments in Sales & Marketing, Operations, and Finance, followed by a structured growth plan. Fee is $2,500 per company.
• MarketShare Accel Program A food and beverage sales accelerator helping established Maine companies gain market share in regional and national retail and foodservice channels through market data access, sales strategy, and distribution network guidance. Membership-based program.
• SmartLaunch Program A program designed to guide food and beverage CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) startups and innovators into market-ready success.
• BioStartup Program Program focused on providing Maine biotech, digital health, life sciences, and medical device entrepreneurs with tools and resources to accelerate their businesses, including access to incubators and industry experts.
• Visionary Leadership Program A program focused on assisting emerging Maine business leaders to overcome challenges as they grow and scale, featuring leadership development content from Maine experts.
• FoodTech Maine Program A business accelerator focused on bringing together Maine-based, growth-driven companies using technology, innovation, and science to improve and disrupt traditional food, agriculture, and aquaculture ecosystem.
• Maine Mentor Network A network of over 300 volunteer industry experts providing mentorship services to entrepreneurs in MCE programs, including one-on-one mentoring, pitch training, and specialized assistance across various business domains.
• Maine Food Producer Showcase & Golden Fork Awards Biennial B2B trade show event featuring over 50 Maine food and beverage companies, with Golden Fork Awards recognizing excellence in retail, foodservice, and best new products.
• Maine Entrepreneurs Summit Annual statewide entrepreneurship summit featuring pitch competitions, networking, and the Top Gun Showcase winner announcement.
• Fishing Plus Accelerator Program Free accelerator program for current or former fishermen, crew members, and family members interested in turning a business idea into reality or growing a current small fishing, lobstering, aquaculture, or coastal-related business. Funded through Congressionally Directed Spending championed by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, created by Island Institute in partnership with MCE.

Quantifiable outcome

• 31% revenue growth reported by program participants post-completion
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and important.

• Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDECD has over two dozen experts whose mission is to help communities and businesses prosper through programs providing tax relief, community block grants, tourism marketing, capital loans, and direct investment. DECD and its partners help companies benefit from millions of dollars in tax credits, reimbursements, R&D credits, and financing programs. DECD provides funding support and serves as a key government partner for MCE programs.
• FocusMainecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFocusMaine's mission is to strengthen and revitalize opportunity and prosperity in Maine by accelerating creation of quality jobs within traded sectors including Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Biopharmaceuticals. FocusMaine is a founding partner of MCE's Food Accelerators and FoodTech Maine programs. Their partnership was instrumental in developing the Cultivator food, beverage and agriculture accelerator program. They co-host the Maine Food Producer Showcase and Golden Fork Awards.
• Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center (MAIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMAIC has been advancing sustainable aquaculture research, education, and industry development since 1988, helping to strengthen Maine's working waterfront and blue economy. They support new and existing aquaculture businesses through applied research, workforce development, and collaboration. MCE partners closely with MAIC on grants and programs that support aquaculture entrepreneurs, providing business education, mentorship, and resources.
• University of Maine Office of Innovation and Economic DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Office helps support new and existing businesses with access to industry experts, sponsored R&D, technology transfer and commercialization. MCE works closely with the university and this Office to help new and established businesses grow and contribute to Maine's economy. Key partner in the Bioscience Cluster Initiative with collaboration agreements.
• Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean SciencesimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent, nonprofit research institute in East Boothbay, Maine studying global ocean health. Scientists use innovative approaches to study ocean systems. MCE partners with Bigelow Laboratory on algae and seaweed innovation programming including the 'Strategic Global Positioning' event series.
• Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)importantStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEI is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) working to build a more equitable economy by growing good jobs, livelihoods and small business ownership while advancing a climate-resilient future. Partner in supporting Maine entrepreneurs through the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• The Island InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIsland Institute sustains Maine's island and remote coastal communities by strengthening local economies, advancing climate resilience, and supporting working waterfronts. MCE partners with Island Institute to deliver the Fishing Plus accelerator program supporting fishing, lobstering, aquaculture, and coastal-related businesses. Program funded through Congressionally Directed Spending championed by U.S. Senators.
• Dirigo LabsimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerDirigo Labs fosters innovation and supports Maine-based entrepreneurs by strengthening early-stage startup ecosystems and accelerating scalable business growth. Through accelerator programs, curriculum development, investor connections, and mentor collaboration, they serve as a launchpad for founders. MCE works closely with Dirigo Labs to coordinate subject matter experts, mentor placements, and best practices.
• Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGMRI is a key partner in Maine's seafood and aquaculture ecosystem. Provided support for aquaculture-focused Top Gun cohort in Brunswick. Collaborates on seafood industry programming and market development.
• Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThomas College partner in delivering Top Gun program in Waterville region and the Visionary Leadership Program. Provides venue hosting and programmatic collaboration for entrepreneurship development.
• University of MainecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Maine System provides education and skills for a high-quality, job-ready workforce along with science and technological innovations. Key partner in Top Gun program delivery, Visionary Leadership Program, and Bioscience Cluster Initiative.
• Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner supporting Top Gun program delivery in Lewiston/Auburn region. Helps connect entrepreneurs to MCE programs and provides local business community engagement.
• MaineHealth Innovation CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Bioscience Cluster Initiative. Susan Ahern, VP of Innovation: 'This is an important and much needed initiative to bolster a promising growth area in Maine's economy.' Provides venue and expertise for bioscience entrepreneur support.
• TechPlace at Brunswick LandingimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology accelerator facility in Brunswick. Partner in Bioscience Cluster Initiative, providing venue for Salmonics manufacturing facility and other startup clients.
• Union River Center for Innovation in EllsworthimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation center in Ellsworth. Partner in Bioscience Cluster Initiative expanding MCE's reach to eastern Maine.
• Bioscience Association of MaineimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association for Maine's bioscience sector. Founding partner in Bioscience Cluster Initiative providing industry expertise and network connections.
• Hannaford SupermarketsimportantChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHannaford's Shop Local program has been a launching platform for many successful Maine brands. Kim Kuusela: 'Hannaford remains deeply committed to our Shop Local program.' Partners with MCE on Maine Food Producer Showcase and provides webinar content on retail distribution.
• New England Ocean ClustercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCE has moved offices to the New England Ocean Cluster (Hus) building on Portland's working waterfront. Collaborates on aquaculture and seafood industry programming including the Maine Seafood & Aquaculture Market Briefing events.
• Maine Port AuthorityimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports MCE Food Accelerators workshops including the 'Building Strong Distribution Partnerships' event at Maine International Marine Terminal.
• Maine International Trade CenterimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerJanine Bisaillon-Cary previously served as President of MITC. Supports distribution workshops and trade-related programming for food and beverage companies.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Dirigo Labs: Maine-based accelerator investing in early-stage Maine startups. Co-located in Maine's entrepreneurial ecosystem and explicitly partnered with MCE for mentor and subject matter expertise, making it the most direct operational peer.
• Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI): Maine-based CDFI supporting small business ownership and job creation. Operates overlapping entrepreneur support programs in Maine and is an explicit MCE partner, making it a regional peer in the same service category.
• University of Maine Office of Innovation and Economic Development: University-affiliated entrepreneurship development unit explicitly partnered with MCE on Top Gun, Visionary Leadership, and Bioscience Cluster Initiative. Provides overlapping incubation and commercialization services in Maine.

Broad incumbents

• SCORE: National nonprofit providing free business mentoring and education to entrepreneurs. Comparable mission, free/affordable pricing model, and volunteer mentor network, scaled nationally with regional chapters.
• Techstars: Global accelerator network running industry-specific cohorts with mentor networks. Operates at vastly larger scale but demonstrates the upper-bound potential of the cohort accelerator model MCE follows.
• gener8tor: National accelerator network running cohort-based programs for startups across multiple U.S. cities. Comparable business model (cohorts, mentorship, demo days) but operates at significantly larger scale and is investor-backed.

Regional players

• Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET): State-focused entrepreneurship support organization in Vermont providing accelerator, coworking, and mentoring services. Comparable mission-driven, regional incumbent model serving rural Northern New England entrepreneurs.
• Alpha Loft (NH Tech Alliance): New Hampshire-based accelerator serving early-stage tech and consumer startups. Comparable cohort-based mentor-driven model but focused on tech rather than food/bio verticals.
• MassChallenge: Boston-based global accelerator serving early-stage startups with cohort programs and mentorship. Most comparable New England-based accelerator with similar nonprofit-driven, no-equity model and mentor network approach.

Emerging players

• EforAll (Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation): Nonprofit accelerator running cohort-based entrepreneurship programs in smaller U.S. cities. Comparable nonprofit, cohort/mentor-driven model targeting entrepreneurs typically under-served by commercial accelerators.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/mcedbiz
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/maine-center-for-entrepreneurial-development

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Maine Center for Entrepreneurs