2025 marks the first year of LaunchPad under Maine Community Bank, following its merger of equals with Gorham Savings Bank on January 1st. Since 2013, LaunchPad has awarded nearly $600,000 in no-strings-attached grants to Maine’s most innovative small businesses, from AI-powered startups to sustainable seafood ventures. 

PORTLAND, Maine | July 14, 2025 — Maine Community Bank launched the 2025 application for its 12th annual LaunchPad small business competition today, offering Maine-based entrepreneurs a chance to earn a $50,000 grant from the bank to scale up their innovative ventures.

“We believe in supporting entrepreneurship and helping local small businesses prosper,” said Steve deCastro, CEO of Maine Community Bank. “For over a decade, LaunchPad has proudly empowered early-stage Maine companies with funding, visibility, and local connections—the essentials for fostering a thriving business community.”

Application Process

The application process opens today, July 14, online at MCBlaunchpad.com with a submission deadline of Thursday, August 14 at 5:00pm.

Finalist Selection and Live Pitch Event

A returning panel of distinguished judges, including John Burns, Kristine Delano, and Kate McAleer, former LaunchPad winner, will evaluate finalists based on viability, scalability, uniqueness, management, impact, and their all-important pitch at the October 21 live event.

• John Burns: Director of Corporate Engagement at the University of Maine, Burns brings over 30 years of institutional investing experience. He has guided investments in over 40 Maine companies, fostering high-growth ventures in tech and sustainability.
• Kristine Delano: Wall Street veteran, strategic advisor, board director and podcast host: Delano has deep expertise in economic development and small business financing, supporting Maine’s entrepreneurs through strategic investments and mentorship.
• Kate McAleer: Founder and CEO of Bixby Chocolates, McAleer is a successful Maine entrepreneur with a track record of scaling a craft food business, offering insights into innovation and market growth. She was the Bank’s 2014 LauchPad winner.

Finalists will be notified in late September. The live pitch competition will take place on Tuesday, October 21 at the University of New England’s Innovation Hall in Portland, preceded by a 4:30pm social gathering. Finalists will pitch to the judges, with the $50,000 LaunchPad Grant and Emerging Business Award winners announced at the event’s conclusion.

Awards

The aim of the Bank’s $50,000 no-strings-attached grant is to empower the winning business to scale their vision. For example, 2024 winner Alivo used the prize money to hire two full-time positions to meet growing customer demand. The Emerging Business Award offers a $10,000 grant plus $10,000 in in-kind services (business development, marketing, and PR) from iBec Creative, Creative Imagine Group, Grove Marketing, Philbrook Public Relations, and Nu-Yar. Five additional finalists will showcase 60-second pitch videos during the live event to compete for this prize.

Apply Now

Maine-based small business owners are encouraged to apply or recommend others. Visit MCBlaunchpad.com for details and to submit applications by 5:00pm on August 14.

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About the newly combined Maine Community Bank

Headquartered in Portland, Maine Community Bank is the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in the state, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches across Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. Formed from the merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank—two of Maine’s longest-standing community banks with rich 150+ year heritages—the Bank combines the strengths of both institutions to create an even stronger, more capable, and more convenient institution for Maine families, businesses, and communities.

As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, Maine Community Bank is a depositor-owned institution committed to local decision-making and offering a comprehensive suite of both personal and business financial services, as well as wealth management.

Committed to the well-being of its communities, Maine Community Bank annually contributes thousands of volunteer hours and financial resources to community-based initiatives. By investing in local partnerships that promote financial literacy, stimulate economic growth, and foster entrepreneurship, the bank strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves. Learn more at maine.bank.

PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Marathon is excited to announce that Maine Community Bank has signed on as the title sponsor for the next five years. Additionally, the race is thrilled to reveal the 2025 primary beneficiaries: In Her Presence, Grahamtastic Connection, and Children’s Odyssey. Each of these exceptional Maine-based nonprofit organizations will receive $20,000 from the proceeds of this year’s nonprofit, all-volunteer race, set for Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Portland.

The Maine Community Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay, a celebrated annual event organized by the Maine Track Club, continues its tradition of supporting local charities that make a meaningful impact in the community. This year’s beneficiaries were selected for their dedication to empowering and uplifting Maine residents, particularly children and families, through innovative programs and services.

• In Her Presence: Based in Westbrook, In Her Presence supports immigrant women by providing English language education, cultural integration resources, and community-building opportunities. Their mission to empower women to thrive in their new home aligns with the marathon’s commitment to fostering wellness and inclusion.
• Grahamtastic Connection: Located in Springvale, Grahamtastic Connection provides free laptops, tablets, and internet access to seriously ill children, enabling them to stay connected with school, friends, and family during treatment. Their work ensures that Maine’s youngest patients maintain vital educational and emotional support.
• Children’s Odyssey: Operating in Portland, Children’s Odyssey offers high-quality early childhood education and care, focusing on children from diverse backgrounds. Their programs promote learning, growth, and development, laying a strong foundation for future success.

“Every year, I am impressed and thrilled by the organizations selected by the beneficiary committee members. I look forward to working with them in 2025 to raise even more funds through other opportunities the event offers. It’s also exciting to see our valued collaboration with Gorham Savings Bank carry forward through their merger of equals with Maine Community Bank,” said Bob Dunfey, volunteer race director, Maine Community Bank Maine Marathon.

The Maine Community Bank Maine Marathon unites runners and supporters in a shared mission to uplift local causes. Since its launch, the event has channeled millions to Maine nonprofits, funneling all profits—after covering race costs—directly to its beneficiaries. Beyond the $20,000 grants awarded to this year’s primary recipients, participants can boost these organizations, or a charity they choose, through the “Run For A Cause” fundraising initiative.

The Marathon has raised nearly $8 million for charity since 1997. Each year, the volunteer organizers of the Marathon select a group of charitable organizations in our community to receive proceeds from the race.

The 2025 race will feature a scenic, USATF-certified course, and an official Boston Marathon qualifying event, showcasing Portland’s skyline, Back Cove, Casco Bay, and vibrant fall foliage. Participants can choose from the full marathon, half marathon, or marathon relay, with registration now open at MaineMarathon.com. Beneficiaries play a key role by providing volunteers to assist with race-day operations, from water stations to course support, ensuring a successful event for all.

“We’re proud to support an event that not only promotes health and wellness but also uplifts organizations making a real difference in our communities,” said Steve deCastro, CEO of Maine Community Bank, the event’s title sponsor. “Together, we’re all in on Maine.”

For more information about the Maine Community Bank Marathon, to register, or to learn more about the 2025 beneficiaries, visit Maine Marathon.

About the Maine Track Club
The Maine Track Club, the state’s largest running club with over 500 members, has organized the Maine Marathon since 1997. As a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization, the club is committed to promoting running and raising funds for local charities.

About the newly combined Maine Community Bank

Headquartered in Portland, Maine Community Bank is the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in the state, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches across Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. Formed from the merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank—two of Maine’s longest-standing community banks with rich 150+ year heritages—the bank combines the strengths of both institutions to create an even stronger, more capable, and more convenient institution for Maine families, businesses, and communities.

As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, Maine Community Bank is a depositor-owned institution committed to local decision-making and offering a comprehensive suite of both personal and business financial services, as well as wealth management.

Committed to the well-being of its communities, Maine Community Bank annually contributes thousands of volunteer hours and financial resources to community-based initiatives. By investing in local partnerships that promote financial literacy, stimulate economic growth, and foster entrepreneurship, the bank strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves. Learn more at Maine.bank.

The Newly Combined Maine Community Bank is ‘All in on Maine’ to Enhance Financial Services and Community Support Across Southern and Central Maine

PORTLAND, Maine – January 2, 2025 – Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank are pleased to announce the completion of their merger of equals, forming the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in Maine. This significant milestone creates a new major player in community banking, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches throughout Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. The combined entity will offer businesses and consumers enhanced financial capabilities and an even greater commitment to serving the communities of southern and central Maine.

The merger closed on January 1, 2025. The combined institution will operate under the name Maine Community Bank, uniting the strengths and traditions of both legacy banks.

Customers of both Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank can expect their accounts, services, and banking relationships to remain uninterrupted and secure. All branches will continue to operate as usual with the same familiar staff. Customers will retain access to their existing online banking platforms and mobile apps, with no changes to account numbers, routing numbers, or debit and credit cards at this time.

Gorham Savings Bank will undergo a rebranding process to transition building signage, online banking, and mobile apps to the Maine Community Bank name and logo over the next several weeks. The newly combined Maine Community Bank website can be accessed at a new URL: maine.bank.

Following systems integration in late 2025, Maine Community Bank will offer customers greater convenience and accessibility through the largest branch network spanning Androscoggin, York, and Cumberland counties, along with a wider array of financial services, combining the strengths of both legacy banks. Customers will benefit from:

• Enhanced Products and Services: Including wealth management and expanded cash management services.
• Increased Lending Capacity: Allowing for more substantial support of personal and business financial needs.
• Investments in Improved Technology: Providing a more efficient and user-friendly banking experience.

Maine Community Bank is all in on Maine and will reaffirm its deep commitment to southern and central Maine, continuing to invest in local initiatives and partnerships that foster financial literacy, economic growth, and support entrepreneurship. The merger strengthens the bank’s capacity to support community development projects and nonprofits, enhancing its role as a vital community partner.

Steve deCastro, President and CEO of Gorham Savings Bank, becomes the new CEO of Maine Community Bank, leading the unified organization with the support of a skilled board of directors and an experienced executive team drawn from both banks. Jeanne Hulit, the former President and CEO of Maine Community Bank, will serve as President of the combined institution through 2025 and oversee the integration.

“Our merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank marks a significant milestone in banking in this region, as we become the largest mutual savings bank serving Maine exclusively,” said Steve deCastro. “I’m very proud of our teams, who have integrated seamlessly over the past year, and while there’s still work to be done, our focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for all customers. This merger represents a true partnership of equals, driven by shared goals, common interests, and a deep dedication to building a better bank for our customers and Maine communities.”

“I am so very pleased with the entire newly combined Maine Community Bank team and how they have come together in the past year,” added Jeanne Hulit. “I’m also thrilled that our combined bank will be led by CEO Steve deCastro and board chair Jeff Worthing. They each possess considerable skills and abilities that will ensure Maine Community Bank continues to lead the way throughout the communities we serve.”

Work to integrate the core operating systems of the two banks into a single platform is already underway. Customers will receive advance notice of any changes and personal support to ensure a smooth transition, with core integration expected in late 2025.

 

About the newly combined Maine Community Bank

Headquartered in Portland, Maine Community Bank is the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in the state, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches across Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. Formed from the merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank—two of Maine’s longest-standing community banks with rich 150+ year heritages—the bank combines the strengths of both institutions to create an even stronger, more capable, and more convenient institution for Maine families, businesses, and communities.

As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, Maine Community Bank is a depositor-owned institution committed to local decision-making and offering a comprehensive suite of both personal and business financial services, as well as wealth management.

Committed to the well-being of its communities, Maine Community Bank annually contributes thousands of volunteer hours and financial resources to community-based initiatives. By investing in local partnerships that promote financial literacy, stimulate economic growth, and foster entrepreneurship, the bank strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves.

Maine Community Bank is a member FDIC. To learn more, visit maine.bank.

Westbrook, Maine—June 7, 2024—Maine Community Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Deborah Roy to its’ Board of Directors.

Roy is an Occupational Safety and Health Keynote Speaker and Principal of SafetySpeaks, as well as a business owner and President of SafeTech Consultants, Inc.,

Roy has consulted on global safety and health management systems, Total Worker Health®, and risk management for twenty years. Roy was also a corporate executive at L.L. Bean where she led staff and programs that impacted the health, safety, and wellness of 10,000 employees globally for twelve years.

Roy received her Master of Public Health degree (MPH) in Occupational Health and Safety from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was inducted as a Fellow by both the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses for her significant contributions to the profession. Roy has authored several book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles including the financial chapter for a book called the “Consultants Business Development Guide”.

Roy currently Chairs the Professional Code of Conduct committee for ASSP. She served as Board member for the 38,000 member ASSP organization as President in 2020-2021, a Trustee of the ASSP Foundation, and as Board Member and Treasurer of the credentialing organization, American Board for Occupational Health Nurses.

Locally, Roy also currently serves as a Corporator of Maine Community Bank, as a Board member of the Biddeford and Mechanics Savings Charitable Foundation, and as a member of the Town of Falmouth Community Wellness committee.

About Maine Community Bank

Maine Community Bank began as a collaboration between two of the longest-standing community banks in Central and Southern Maine, Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings. Maine Community Bank supports both personal and business customers throughout Central and Southern Maine with competitive services, financial assistance, and the friendly, local experience that is at the core of everything they do. They have branches in Auburn, Biddeford, Brunswick, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Scarborough, Waterboro, Westbrook, and Windham.

Jeanne Hulit, President & CEO of Maine Community Bank, recently joined Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) on their monthly podcast “MEREDA Matters” where she and Steve deCastro, President & CEO of Gorham Savings Bank, spoke regarding our merger of equals.

Check it out: MEREDA Matters Episode 13

 

 

 

 

 

Westbrook, Maine – December 28, 2023 – According to data from Feeding America, 1 in 10 Mainers face hunger; and of those, 1 in 7 children. To help alleviate hunger issues in the community, Maine Community Bank is taking decisive action. Through the Biddeford and Mechanics Savings Foundation, Maine Community Bank is donating $30,000 to 12 different organizations focused specifically on food insecurity.

To address this very serious problem, the Foundation has pledged individual donations of $2,500 each to 12 different organizations working to curb hunger. These include:

Good Shepard Food Bank

High Street Congregational Church Food Pantry

Biddeford Food Pantry

Community Outreach Services Food Pantry

Mid Coast Hunger Prevention

Saco Food Pantry

Scarborough Food Pantry

Stroudwater Christian Food Pantry

Trinity Jubilee Center

Waterboro Food Pantry

Westbrook Food Pantry

Windham Food Pantry and Clothes Closet

Each of the 12 hunger relief agencies provide essential services in partnership with food pantries, meal sites, senior and health centers, and schools across all 16 counties in Maine. MCB’s donation will provide 100,000 meals to needy Mainers.

“Your support assists us in our mission to help our neighbors who are in need. Your generous support makes it possible for our organization to exist and to make the community a great place to live,” said Jean Liden for Cleo Smith, director of Waterboro Food Pantry.

About Maine Community Bank

Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings have been financial partners with the people of Central and Southern Maine for the past 150 years. To help carry out their commitment to the communities they serve, the two banks merged on January 1, 2020, becoming divisions of Maine Community Bank. The merger expands the lending capacity, product offering, and branch service areas, while keeping all decision-making at the local level. They have branches in Auburn, Biddeford, Brunswick, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Scarborough, Waterboro, Windham, and Westbrook.

About the Biddeford and Mechanics Savings Foundation

The Biddeford and Mechanics Savings Charitable Foundation was created in July of 2020 and is structured to give back to the communities in a larger, more enduring way. The Foundation’s mission is to help individuals and families in the bank’s local communities meet their basic needs and achieve financial empowerment.