A Thriving Startup Ecosystem, Right Here in Maine
Connecting founders to accelerators, capital, support organizations, and events that help startups grow and scale.
Organizations behind Maine’s startups
Capital, higher education, workspaces, innovation and ecosystem organizations.
- Nexus MaineEverywhere, MEA membership community for Maine entrepreneurs and business leaders, connecting members through regular events, a Slack community, a job board and member resources.
- Startup MainePortland, MEA nonprofit convener and champion for Maine's startup community, connecting founders, investors and ecosystem resources. Its statewide role is especially valuable for community discovery, relationship-building and visibility across otherwise fragmented organizations.
- Maine AngelsPortland, MEA network of accredited angel investors that evaluates and invests in early-stage companies and connects founders with experienced private investors. The group has been active in Maine and New England early-stage investing since 2003.
- CEI — Coastal Enterprises, Inc.Brunswick, MEA Maine-based nonprofit CDFI offering small-business financing and specialized business advising, including services for women, immigrant entrepreneurs, food businesses, child-care providers and fisheries/aquaculture businesses. Its headquarters is at 30 Federal Street in Brunswick.
- Maine Center for EntrepreneursPortland, MEOne of Maine's core founder-development organizations, MCE runs Top Gun for growth-oriented startups plus specialized programs for food, agriculture and bioscience businesses. Its model combines mentoring, structured learning, peer networks and connections to funding opportunities.
- Northeastern University's Roux Institute — EntrepreneurshipPortland, METhe Roux Institute operates high-growth startup programs including Founder Residency, Future of Healthcare Founder Residency and a ClimateTech Incubator. Its current Founder Residency is a three-month accelerator offering mentorship and support without fees or an equity requirement.
Upcoming Events
Discover events, workshops, and networking opportunities across Maine’s startup community.
Most Maine ecosystem organizations publish their winter and spring calendars later in the year. This page updates as they do.
Verified August 13, 2026
September 2026
1 event- SEPTUE
Self-Worth Club: A Skills-Building Discussion Group for Business Owners
Hosted by CEI — Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
Online
An online discussion series addressing the personal and emotional dimensions of business ownership, including the vulnerability and uncertainty that often accompany entrepreneurial work.
November 2026
1 event- NOVTHU
Northern New England MedTech Conference
Hosted by Northeastern University's Roux Institute — Entrepreneurship
Roux Institute, Portland, Maine
The regional gathering for founders, clinicians, investors and operators working in medical devices, biotech and digital health across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. The 2026 theme is Reimagining Healthcare, with keynotes, panels, breakouts and a pitch competition.