One application, two chances to win.
The goal of LaunchPad is to help Maine’s early-stage businesses. So we keep the application process as simple and straightforward as possible. At Maine Community Bank, we believe that anyone who’s pursuing their own small business deserves recognition and support. As such, we want to give as many small businesses the chance to win as we possibly can. The 2025 application will open in July.
$50,000 LaunchPad Grant
Use it to buy equipment, expand or acquire space, hire employees, fund product development—whatever you need to take your business to the next level. Finalists will also benefit from PR exposure and feedback to help fine-tune their pitch. The 2024 LaunchPad winner, Alivo, an AI-powered sales assistant for home service providers, was selected from five finalists during the live pitch event and earned the Bank’s $50,000 grant.
Emerging Business Award
Our judges will also select five additional Emerging Business Award finalists from the remaining applicants. Emerging Business finalists submit a 60-second video pitch to be shown at the event. This prize is designed to support promising early-stage companies and includes a $10,000, grant, along with $10,000 worth of in-kind business and marketing-related services. Maine Laboratories earned the 2024 distinction.
Steve deCastro
CEO, Maine Community Bank
LaunchPad reinforces our purpose as an organization—to support our Maine communities and customers. That starts with a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The incredible presentations and connections made through LaunchPad remind us why we continue to invest in this program. We hope it inspires others to support Maine’s small businesses community and help play a role in their success.
Anna Ford
Co-Founder, Bookclubs
2023 LaunchPad Winner
Just to apply is 100% worthwhile… $50,000 of non-dilutive capital makes an extraordinary difference in an early stage startup’s trajectory.”
Melissa LaCasse
Co-Founder, Tanbark
2022 LaunchPad Winner
There’s so much built into the competition that helps every business who participates. The intangible benefits are worth more than the $50,000 exponentially.
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