Waterville business accelerator accepting applications for 2025 cohort
PHOTO / COURTESY, CENTRAL MAINE GROWTH COUNCIL
Dirigo Labs, a business accelerator in Waterville, is accepting applications for its 2025 cohort and a virtual financial modeling program.
Dirigo Labs, a business accelerator in Waterville, is accepting applications for its 2025 accelerator cohort and for its virtual financial modeling program.
There will be a revamped curriculum and extended program length for the fourth cohort of the accelerator program. The 12-week curriculum is designed to prepare startups for scalable growth and investment.
The virtual financial modeling program is scheduled to begin Feb. 3, providing entrepreneurs with foundational financial skills critical for building and scaling their businesses.
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This year, Dirigo Labs will offer additional resources for cleantech, biotech and forest products startups while strengthening its focus on investor readiness and capital strategy.
There will also be a standalone financial modeling series prior to the main accelerator, providing entrepreneurs with financial foundations.
As Maine’s federally designated hub for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant support and host of the newly launched SBIR Resource Center, Dirigo Labs is equipped to support startups interested in pursuing federal funding, according to a news release.
The 2025 curriculum includes specialized guidance for navigating public grants and contracts, particularly for technology and R&D-driven ventures.
"With expanded investor-readiness training and focused resources for cleantech, biotech and forest products, we aim to provide startups with both the tools and the confidence to scale their businesses and secure the funding they need to thrive,” said Susan Ruhlin, Dirigo Labs’ managing director.
The main accelerator program begins in March, following the virtual financial modeling program, which kicks off Feb. 3.
Participants will attend weekly workshops, one-on-one advisory sessions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
The curriculum emphasizes capital strategy, pitch preparation and customer acquisition alongside market-driven support tailored to participating industries.
“Investor readiness is often a missing piece for startups entering competitive markets,” said Emalee Hall, Dirigo Labs’ assistant director of innovation program and partnerships. “Our 2025 program is designed to demystify the investment process, pairing founders with expert guidance in everything from financial modeling to pitch refinement.”
Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator with a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies. Operating under the Central Maine Growth Council, Dirigo Labs connects startups with people, resources and organizations. The accelerator is supported by a coalition of organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms.
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