Dirigo Labs

09/18/2026

Thank you to Nate Pelsma of Thomas College for an excellent discussion at our Speaker Series last night!

Nate shared practical insights on customer discovery, market validation, and product-market fit, challenging founders to spend less time talking about their ideas and more time understanding the customers they hope to serve.

Missed the event? Watch the full recording on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/yxLcnZJE18k?si=JOJ8EBuq325ww4zp

Stay tuned for our October Speaker Series, where we'll continue exploring the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs and growing businesses. We can't wait to share what's next!

09/12/2026

Our September Dirigo Labs Speaker Series is next Thursday, September 17. Don't miss it!

Join Nate Pelsma, Executive Director of Business Innovation and Corporate Campus at Thomas College, for an engaging session on how to identify, understand, and connect with your ideal customer.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, education, nonprofit leadership, and business development, Nate will share practical strategies for validating ideas, gaining customer insights, and building a stronger foundation for growth.

🗓 Thursday, September 17 | 5:30 PM
📍The Bricks Coworking & Innovation Space (10 Water Street, Waterville, ME)

Perfect for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business leaders looking to better understand their market and customers.

Register here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C1DEu1yu4/

09/10/2026

Dirigo Labs Expands Dirigo Launch Cohort to Meet Record Founder Demand. From AI and Biotechnology to Advanced Manufacturing, Fifteen Maine Founders Are Building What Comes Next!

From AI and Biotechnology to Advanced Manufacturing, Fifteen Maine Founders Are Building What Comes Next WATERVILLE, Maine – Sept. 10,…

08/31/2026

Have a great idea but aren't sure if it's reaching the right audience?

Join us on Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 PM for From Idea to Insight: Understanding Your Ideal Customer with Nate Pelsma, Executive Director of Business Innovation and Corporate Campus at Thomas College.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations, Nate will share practical strategies for identifying your ideal customer, understanding their needs, and using those insights to strengthen your products, services, and business growth.

Whether you're launching a new venture, refining an existing business, or exploring a new idea, this session will provide actionable tools to help turn concepts into impact. We hope you'll join us!

RSVP here - https://www.facebook.com/share/1EbvMfAZ39/

08/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night's Dirigo Labs Speaker Series!

We had a great time hearing from Katie Shorey of Live and Work in Maine and discussing workforce engagement, talent attraction, and Maine's growing innovation economy.

Missed the event or want to revisit the conversation? Here is the linke to see the recording on our YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/y-Tz8N5Rwro

Looking ahead, we're excited to welcome Nate Pelsma, Executive Director of Business Innovation and Corporate Campus at Thomas College, for next month's Speaker Series. Nate will present "Understanding Your Ideal Customer," sharing insights to help entrepreneurs and business owners better understand and engage the people they serve.

We hope to see you there!

08/18/2026

Join us this Thursday, Aug. 20, at 5:30 p.m. for the next Dirigo Labs Speaker Series featuring Katie Shorey, Director of Engagement at Live + Work in Maine and former president of Startup Maine.

Katie will share her insights on workforce engagement, talent attraction, and Maine's growing innovation economy.

Bricks Coworking & Innovation Space (10 Water St., Suite 110, Waterville)

The event is free and refreshments will be available. We hope to see you there!

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/share/1UfaQ7byyU/

08/11/2026

When Juliana Tebbetts joined the Dirigo Launch Incubator, she was navigating a major life transition, moving from stay-at-home mother of four to entrepreneur.

Like many founders, she had a vision, but plenty of questions about how to turn that vision into a business.

"The incubator challenged me to think bigger," Juliana said. "Every workshop, every mentor, and every conversation pushed me to ask better questions, make better decisions, and become a stronger entrepreneur."

For Juliana, the biggest takeaway wasn't just the curriculum. It was the support, mentorship, and community she found along the way.

"The program gave me confidence, not because it removed the obstacles, but because it equipped me with the tools, perspective, and network to face them."

Her advice for anyone considering applying?

"Take the leap of faith. You don't need to have a perfect business or a perfect plan. You just need the willingness to learn, grow, and keep showing up."

Applications for the Dirigo Launch Incubator close August 15. If you've been waiting for the right time to explore an idea, this could be your sign to get started! Apply here - https://www.dirigolabs.org/dirigo-launch-incubator/

08/07/2026

Be one of the first to try it! Stop by The Miller's Table at Maine Grains and try Drink SobaSparkle today! We're thrilled to see our alumni successfully launch their product into the market!