Central Maine Growth Council

10/15/2026

Join us on Wednesday, October 21 at 5:30 p.m. for the Central Maine Growth Council's Annual Meeting as we reflect on the past year, recognize community leaders, and look ahead to what's next for Central Maine.

This year's keynote presentation will be delivered by Andrew Crawley, Professor, and Elinor Hunt, Research Associate, in the School of Economics at the University of Maine. Drawing on their expertise in regional economic analysis, Crawley and Hunt will examine key economic indicators, including employment and economic output in the greater Waterville region and across Maine, while presenting forecasts for how these trends may evolve over the next five years.

The Annual Meeting will showcase record growth at Dirigo Labs, progress on key projects, and new investment across the region,…

10/14/2026

Better Maine Conference Returns Nov. 5 with Focus on AI, Workforce Development, and the Future of Work.

This year's conference will explore one of the most pressing topics facing Maine employers: artificial intelligence and its impact on the workforce. Through keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and practical discussions, attendees will gain insights into how AI is changing jobs, leadership, workplace training and talent development across the state.

Read more here:
https://www.dirigolabs.org/bmc-2026/

WATERVILLE, Maine — Oct. 14, 2026 — The Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) and Dirigo Labs are excited to announce the return of the Better Maine Conference, presented by the Maine Technology Institute, Bricks Coworking & Innovation Space, and Central Maine Motors of Waterville, in partnership ...

10/08/2026

Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) has once again been selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as Maine's sole recipient of a Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program award, marking the third consecutive year the organization has earned the highly competitive designation. The new $180,000 award brings total federal investment in CMGC's FAST program to $474,420 and ensures continued support for Maine entrepreneurs, startups, and technology-focused small businesses seeking to secure federal research and development funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Read the full article here: https://www.dirigolabs.org/cmgc-2026-sba-fast-pr/

As Maine’s only 2027 FAST awardee, the CMGC’s Waterville-based Dirigo Labs program will help entrepreneurs and small businesses statewide compete…

09/29/2026

Take a look at what's coming to the Better Maine Conference! Explore the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that come with AI adoption in the workplace.

This year's agenda will feature conversations on Maine workforce trends, leadership and ethics in the age of AI, practical governance strategies, and real-world tools organizations can use today.

We're also excited to welcome Mark McInerney, Director of the Center for Workforce Research and Information, who will kick off the day with a presentation on Maine's workforce and economic data, providing valuable context and setting the stage for the conversations ahead.

Whether you're a business leader, employer, educator, or community champion, you'll leave with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and actionable ideas for navigating the future of work in Maine.

09/21/2026

Save the Date! Better Maine Conference 2026: Working with AI

The future of workforce development is being shaped by one of the most transformative technologies of our time, and Maine has an opportunity to lead the conversation.
Join us on November 5, 2026, at Greene Block + Studios in Waterville, Maine for the Better Maine Conference, where business leaders, educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders will come together to explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, leadership, and the workforce.

From practical AI tools and implementation strategies to leadership, ethics, governance, and workforce development, this year's conference will provide valuable insights and actionable ideas for organizations of all sizes as they navigate the future of work.

Get your tickets today: https://BetterMaine2026.eventbrite.com

08/27/2026

Have you heard?

The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development and regional partners are hosting a series of Regional Work Sessions across the state focused on understanding what makes each region unique, where opportunities for growth exist, and what barriers businesses are facing.

For those in Central Maine, Region 5 (Kennebec Valley) will take place on September 24. Join the conversation and help shape the future of economic growth in our region.

08/26/2026

Join us on Thursday, September 3, 2026, for a full day of learning, networking, and innovation at the Pop-Up Event—hosted at the Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks Grand Ballroom.

Hear directly from DARPA leaders about how to engage with the agency and develop competitive proposals. Connect with DARPA representatives and network with innovators from startups, universities, research institutions, and industry leaders from across Maine and beyond.

The Central Maine Growth Council will also be on-site representing Maine's SBIR/STTR Resource Center*, so be sure to stop by and connect with our team if you have questions about federal innovation funding, commercialization resources, or opportunities for your business.

REGISTER TODAY: https://www.darpa.mil/events/2026/darpa-connect-portland-maine

08/13/2026

Catalyzing Mid-Maine’s Innovation Economy: CMGC Creates New Role to Spotlight Ecosystem Growth

“I am thrilled to join the Central Maine Growth Council and contribute to the continued growth of the community I proudly call home,” said Wrigley. “I’m excited to support local entrepreneurs, strengthen connections across our region, and help create opportunities that empower businesses, innovators, and the people who live and work here.”

New Innovation and Development Specialist role, filled by Amanda Wrigley, to focus on place-based ecosystem building and economic programming.

08/12/2026

Central Maine Growth Council and Maine’s SBIR/STTR Resource Center are partnering with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency - DARPA to help connect Maine’s innovation community with DARPA when the agency comes to Portland on September 3.

The one-day event will give companies, researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators the opportunity to hear directly from DARPA program managers and representatives from across the agency, learn how to engage with DARPA and its funding opportunities, and build relationships with the people behind its programs.
In-person attendees will also have opportunities for direct interaction with DARPA representatives throughout the day, followed by a networking reception.

Learn more and register: https://www.darpa.mil/events/2026/darpa-connect-portland-maine