As the Coordinator of the Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC), I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many remarkable businesses across Maine.
The MERC program is designed to help start ups with concrete problems to enable growth. MERC does this by providing matching funds for consultants to assist with a particular problem – accounting, marketing, engineering, corporate governance to name a few. For more about MERC and to see if your company is a fit, visit the MERC page of our website.
MERC Coordinator Emily Braley on a visit to Peru
Working with Maine businesses is incredibly rewarding. Each company I encounter is driven by a profound mission to improve our world, whether through environmental conservation or social betterment. Their dedication to making a meaningful difference inspires me daily and fills me with hope for our collective future. Over the past one and a half years, we’ve successfully completed more than 100 projects across 15 counties, and we’re not stopping there—Franklin County, we’re coming for you next!
After reflecting on how we can increase our support for Maine businesses, we are excited to announce several significant changes to MERC. We increased our matching grant funding to $20,000 (previously $15,000) and raised the annual revenue cap from $2M to $5M. This expansion allows us to support startups in critical phases of growth.
We owe a huge thank you to DECD’s Domestic Trade Program. This funding has enabled us to reach a diverse group of businesses throughout the state. We are excited to continue fostering the growth and success of Maine brands, helping them thrive and make an impact both locally and beyond.