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North Spore, a Westbrook startup that cultivates and sells mushroom-growing kits, beat four other finalists to win the coveted $50,000 Gorham Savings Bank LaunchPad prize on Tuesday evening.
The winner was a returning finalist from 2017, and was chosen for the 2018 prize after a pitch competition on stage before a panel of independent judges — and a live audience — at the University of Southern Maine’s Hannaford Hall in Portland.
“Tonight, Gorham Savings Bank was able to help another Maine business reach the next stage,” Steve deCastro, president of Gorham Savings Bank, said in a news release. “The competition was so competitive that I could envision each finalist rising to the top. Our judges made a tough decision and we are thrilled for North Spore.”
North Spore was founded in 2014 by Eliah Thanhauser, head of operations; Jon Carver, head mycologist; and Matt McInnis, head of marketing. It was part of a Mainebiz feature that looked at the surprising range of mushroom growers in the state.
The other finalists were:
Gorham Savings Bank also honored one business in the Emerging Idea Award category.
That honor went to Cape Elizabeth-based NavigateER, a health care software platform designed to improve the patient experience by removing communication barriers so that patients can anticipate and understand their own care. The prize was $10,000 in cash and $10,000 in marketing, business development and public relations services from iBec Creative, Creative Imaging Group, Grove Marketing, Philbrook PR and Pro-voke Strategy and Culture.
There was also a LaunchPad Junior competition, thanks to Gorham Savings Bank’s long-term partnership with Junior Achievement of Maine involving that organization’s trademarked entrepreneurial education program known as JA It’s my Business!
During Tuesday’s intermission, a video pitch from each class was shown, and student representatives from each school were invited to answer several questions about their idea and what they learned through the program.
Gorham Savings Bank donated $1,000 to each school as a reward for their hard work.
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Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
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