Central Maine Growth Council

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

08/10/2026

Maine Community Bank 2026 LaunchPad application deadline is coming right up, be sure to apply!

Dream big. Pitch bold. Level up.🚀 For over a decade, has been the launchpad (literally) for some of Maine’s most innovative businesses – including Bixby Chocolate, Flowfold, Good To Go, North Spore, Casco Bay Creamery, Highbyte, Tanbark Molded Fiber Products, Bookclubs, Alivo, and Maine Laboratories LLC. Who’s next?

Applications are open until 5pm on Thursday, August 13th. A $75,000 grant could be that extra motivation that your startup needs – don’t leave it on the table. Apply today at https://ow.ly/y78G50ZvM8Q.

08/06/2026

Congratulations to One River CPAs on moving to a new location in Oakland! We're proud to have them on our Board of Directors. If you need the expertise of a CPA, we encourage you to check out their services!

08/03/2026

Join us for the next Dirigo Labs Speaker Series!

Katie Shorey, Director of Engagement at Live and Work in Maine and former president of Startup Maine, will share her insights on workforce engagement and Maine's growing innovation economy.

📅 Aug. 20, 2026
🕠 5:30 p.m.
📍 Bricks Coworking & Innovation Space

Connect, learn, and grab some refreshments! Attendance is free, but please RSVP so we can make sure there's enough food and nobody has to network on an empty stomach.

07/22/2026

Soak up summer and enjoy time on Mid-Maine's waters! The Fish-Off continues, and we hope you'll support some local businesses no matter where you end up fishing.

If this time of quiet reflection gives you time to think about starting or moving your business in Central Maine, we'll be here.