Top Gun names 38 startups to 'Maine 2017 class'
The Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development, the University of Maine, The Lewiston/Auburn Economic Growth Council and MaineStream Finance announced today the members of the Top Gun Maine 2017 Class.
This year marks the first year that sessions will convene in Portland, Bangor, Rockland and the Lewiston/Auburn regions and it is the eighth class since the program started in 2009. The program has helped more than 140 entrepreneurs across the state accelerate their businesses since it started.
Entrepreneurs selected for each cohort completed a rigorous application process that included submitting a pitch deck, presenting a pitch to a panel, interviews and participating in an optional PreFlight workshop series.
“The most important component in achieving the many Top Gun success stories has been the convergence of numerous organizations and individuals across the state joining together in support of the program,” said Susan Ruhlin, Top Gun’s statewide program manager. “Since 2009 our mission has been a simple one: bring together founders of promising startups, match them with world-class mentors, teach meaningful curriculum and expose them to the many resources Maine can offer.”
This year's Top Gun class
The following entrepreneurs have been selected to participate in each location:
Portland class
Michael Royals, Thrivant Health, PBC
Joan Drapeau, Codeweaving Inc.
Julie Campillo, Radient Beginnings Yoga
Elizabeth Ross Holmstrom, BreakTogether
Ryan Houghton, The Hop Yard LLC
Richard Reynolds, GTFO Escape Room
Tristan Corriveau, The One Gallon Soap Co.
Maddie Purcell, Fyood Kitchen
Megan & Patrick Selby, OnLearning Point
Emily Brackett, Branding Compass
Peter Zinn, Choomi Cookies
Susan Woods, HiTecHiTouch LLC
Bangor class
Joshua Henry, GO Labs Inc.
Brian Ross, Portions
Micah Beaulieu, Unrest Roasting Co.
Paige Wilcox, Wilcox Wellness & Fitness
Melissa Smith,Happy Endings/Happy Cookie
George F. McBride, Chris Suggs, Downeast Turbines
Deanna Fahey and Mary Ellen McAllister, cityLIFE nature kits
Derek Porter, House of Meeples Café
Lewiston/Auburn class
Hashim A'Allah, Hallah Edutainment
Susan Thomas, SpinDoc Inc.
Benjamin Nussbaum, AutoLink
Dianna Pozdniakov, SOFIA FIMA
Trevor Kenkel, Sierra Kenkel, Springworks Farm
Ben White, Little Beaver Development
Jared Pinkham, Aaron Hasting, Brandon Bergman, Grojo Inc.
Rockland class
Thomas McCutchan, Versatile Metal Surfacing
David Kadonoff, Kadonoff & Associates LLC
Bryan McCarthy, Cash Flood
Heather Symmt, Broken Egg
Jeff Wolovitz, Heiwa Soy Beanery
John DeFrancesca, Custom Skills
Judith Bernier, Podzooks
Katheryn Langelier, Herbal Revolution Farm
Ryan Howes, Northern Vertical
Tammy Smith, Tempest in a Teapot
Tom Ulichny, Midcoast Music Academy
Top Gun is supported by Camden National Bank, First National Bank and other corporate sponsors, local businesses and partner organizations. Program advisors and mentors also contribute to the success of the program. The Maine Technology Institute has provided the $10,000 cash prize at the statewide showcase in May at the end of the program.
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