(From Bangor Daily News) Some 2,400 Maine small businesses and nonprofits that won a first round of federal pandemic stimulus grants will soon begin receiving checks. The grants are being awarded in two rounds by the state of Maine as part of the federal CARES Act. MTI and other organizations are reviewing applications for the second round. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) As Northeastern University's Roux Institute sets out to turn Portland into a technology and life sciences "innovation hub," the academic center is launching a residency program for startups focused on those and other areas. Applications are due before November 20. The program is set to formally kick off in January 2021. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) Five small businesses from Hancock and Washington counties will pitch their plans for the chance to win up to $8,000 in cash and in-kind services. Organized by Coastal Enterprises Inc., the CEI Women’s Business Center and the Maine Small Business Development Center, the program aims to encourage, engage and create community for Downeast entrepreneurs. Read more »
(From Portland Press Herald) Biofine Developments Northeast Inc. of Bangor has formed a partnership with New Hampshire-based wholesale energy supplier Sprague Resources LP to help produce and market a patented biofuel. Independent testing indicates EL100 gives off zero greenhouse gas emissions. The company was awarded a $750,000 grant from MTI to support commercial development. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) KinoTek Inc., a Portland-based developer of a digital health platform that uses computer-vision technology for body-motion assessment, is one of six selected participants in a new sports and health tech accelerator program in Orlando, Florida. Read more »
(From Morningstar) Constant was selected from among hundreds of applicants to represent the AI industry's best and brightest in the Consumer AI Technology category. The annual AI Tech Awards celebrate technical innovation, adoption and reception in the AI, Machine Learning & Data Science industry and by the developer community.
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(From Mainebiz) Startup Maine, a Portland-based nonprofit organization is launching a virtual speaker series featuring movers and shakers in the state's startup community, with a heavy focus on tech entrepreneurs. Sponsored in part by MTI. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) Marin Skincare is a startup which uses protein derived from lobster to create soothing skin cream. The company launched the product in early October, selling dozens of tubes during the first two weeks. As part of their funding, Marin Skincare received a $25,000 grant from MTI. The company aims to introduce new products to complete a 'line' of products. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) A total of $105 million in emergency funds is being distributed to 2,072 Maine small businesses and 257 nonprofits, during phase one of the state's Economic Recovery Grant Program. The program provides some financial relief for organizations that incurred business disruptions as a result of the pandemic. Phase two of the program increases the number of eligible organizations. Read more »
(From Bangor Daily News) As part of the federal CARES Act Fund, some 2,000 Maine small businesses and nonprofits that experienced coronavirus-related business losses will hear whether they will receive a federal stimulus grant as early as October 9. The economic development department has partnered with MTI and other organizations to help review applications for the second round of grants. Read more »