A new business accelerator program based in Bangor aims to help businesses across the state scale up their operations and compete for a spot on the “Greenlight Maine” TV series.
Dubbed “Boot Camp,” the program is a collaboration between “Greenlight Maine” and UpStart Maine, a Bangor-based coalition of entrepreneur-support organizations.
Boot Camp is designed specifically for Maine entrepreneurs who aspire to audition for “Greenlight Maine” with long-term business growth in mind.
The pitch-contest series, which airs on the Portland-based WGME CBS-TV affiliate (Channel 13) as well as channels in Bangor and Presque Isle, has been around for more than a decade, awarding more than $1 million in cash to businesses to invest and expand in Maine.
“Boot Camp is about building stronger businesses — not just better pitches,” said Julene Gervais, the show’s executive producer. “By working with founders earlier in their journey, we’re helping them create companies that are built to last and ready to compete.”
While the aim is to prepare program graduates to audition for the following season of “Greenlight Maine,” participation does not guarantee selection.
‘Clear pathway’
Through a structured curriculum, Boot Camp participants will receive guidance in areas including financial readiness, customer validation, operations, leadership and pitch development. Entrepreneurs will work alongside experienced mentors, business leaders and advisors to take their businesses to the next level.
“This partnership formalizes a clear pathway for Maine entrepreneurs who want to be competitive on a statewide stage,” said Lisa Liberatore, UpStart Maine’s program manager and a 2019 Mainebiz Next list honoree.
“Boot Camp bridges the gap between early traction and readiness to scale — helping founders show up prepared, confident and investment-ready,” she said.
The program will start with five participating companies, but accept applications throughout the year from anyone who is interested.
“Basically, we are selecting the next five runners-up from this season’s application process,” Gervais told Mainebiz.
“This doesn’t guarantee them a spot next season in the pitch competition,” she added, “but it means we want you to be on ‘Greenlight Maine’ and we’ll invest in supporting their growth efforts.”
Plans for Boot Camp were announced last week at Bangor Savings Bank, a Boot Camp sponsor along with Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development and Maine Technology Institute.