UpStart Maine

05/28/2026

Calling all Maine entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers!

Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Join us for a FREE AI Workshop designed to help you put these tools to work for your business- no tech background required.

Here's what's on the table:
🤖 Practical AI knowledge you can use right away
🍽️ Dreamer Food to fuel the conversation
🤝 Time to network with fellow Maine entrepreneurs and small business owners

Food, knowledge, and good company- all in one place. What's not to love?

Huge thanks to our sponsors who make this possible:
🏦 KeyBank
❤️ Heart of Maine United Way
📈 SCORE Mentors

Seats are limited and they're going fast. Grab yours now 👇 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eHTmF8Uk

05/22/2026

Startup Maine is one of those rare spaces where ideas, founders, investors, students, and community builders all end up in the same room.

Grateful to spend the day listening, learning, and making new connections that strengthen Maine’s innovation ecosystem.

05/20/2026

Our Program Manager, Lisa Liberatore, speaking at the regional SBDC conference on the power of relationships, visibility, and showing up consistently.
The strongest entrepreneurial ecosystems are built through connection.

05/14/2026

Big congratulations to Alyson Mayo from Gert and Lil's for winning the 2026 Workforce Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition at Kennebec Valley Community College 👏

Lisa Liberatore, Program Manager at UpStart Maine, was honored to serve as a judge alongside an incredible group supporting Maine entrepreneurs.

The future of Maine innovation is bright.

05/04/2026

We’re excited to announce the 2026 UpStart Maine Business Showcase Winner 🎉

Congratulations to Lyndee Waldbauer, Founder of The Belle of Belgrade .

Through The Belle of Belgrade, Lyndee is creating unique, experience-driven journeys that bring people together while supporting local businesses across Maine—from themed rides and curated outings to private events and brand experiences.

Her vision, creativity, and commitment to community truly stood out.
“It means there is space for me in the entrepreneurial world. People believe in my idea—and my community of support has grown.”

We’re proud to celebrate Lyndee and can’t wait to see what’s ahead.

05/02/2026

Big gig finale!

Join us to see which of the four entrepreneurs' innovative businesses will win the $5000 prize!

04/09/2026

Running a business often feels like you have to do everything yourself.

But what if the real solution isn’t working harder… it’s building leaders around you?

In this upcoming Youth Leadership session, discover The D-Max Effect—a framework that helps unlock ownership, trust, and real team growth.

It might just change how you lead your business.

📅 April 14,
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM EDT
📍 Virtual

Secure your spot: https://www.score.org/maine/event/youth-leadership

04/01/2026

Proud UpStart alum COMPOTECH, INC. and a current tenant at UpStart Center For Entrepreneurship-congratulations on being named a 2026 National Small Business winner.

A powerful reminder that world-class innovation is being built right here in Maine.

03/31/2026

Congratulations to Heather Fogg of Fundamental Foot Care on being recognized as Women-Owned Small Business of the Year by Maine Small Business Development Centers.

We were proud to feature Heather’s story through UpStart Maine and to see her continued success recognized statewide.

Stories like Heather’s are exactly why Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem matters.

As Maine’s population ages and healthcare shortages become more visible, one founder is stepping up with a solution that truly matters. Heather Fogg, BSN, RN, CFCS, Founder and Owner of Fundamental Foot Care, is reshaping the way preventive healthcare reaches seniors and individuals with chronic c...