The 2017 class will be largest in the accelerator program’s eight-year history. That’s due largely to the addition of a fourth regional class. When the program began in 2009, it was based solely in Portland, which limited the accessibility for entrepreneurs in other parts of the state. Since then, the program has added locations in Bangor and in Rockland. This is the first year a class will convene in Lewiston/Auburn. Since Top Gun’s inception, 144 startups have gone through the accelerator program, according to Tom Rainey, the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development’s executive director. Based on the center’s research, Rainey said 121 of them are still in business. Successful entrepreneurs who have gone through the program include Jason Cianchette, who founded Liquid Wireless, which eventually sold to Publishers Clearing House; John Rooks and Justin Jaffe, cofounders of Rapport, which went on to receive a $100,000 investment from Steve Case; and Joel Alex, founder of Blue Ox Malthouse, whom Maine Startups Insider recently featured in Founder Forum. Entrepreneurs accepted into the four-month program, which begins this month and runs until the end of May, will meet weekly for several hours to work on their businesses, meet with mentors, and learn about best practices for scaling a business. The program will culminate in the Top Gun Showcase event on June 7, where a few finalists will pitch their businesses before a live audience. The Maine Technology Institute is providing a grand prize of $10,000 to the winner. Following are the 38 startups (along with 44 founders and cofounders) accepted into the 2017 class, arranged by region:
Portland Class
Thrivant Health – Michael RoyalsCodeweaving Inc. – Joan DrapeauRadient Beginings Yoga – Julie CampilloBreakTogether – Elizabeth Ross HolmstromThe Hop Yard LLC – Ryan HoughtonGTFO Escape Room – Richard ReynoldsThe One Gallon Soap Company – Tristan CorriveauFyood Kitchen – Maddie PurcellOnLearning Point – Megan & Patrick SelbyBranding Compass – Emily BrackettChoomi Cookies – Peter ZinnHiTecHiTouch LLC – Susan Woods
Bangor Class
GO Labs Inc. – Joshua HenryPortions – Brian RossUnrest Roasting Co. – Micah BeaulieuWilcox Wellness & Fitness – Paige WilcoxHappy Endings/Happy Cookie – Melissa SmithDowneast Turbines – George F. McBride, Chris SuggsCityLIFE Nature Kits – Deanna Fahey & Mary Ellen McAllisterHouse of Maples Cafe – Derek Porter
Lewiston/Auburn Class
Allah Edutainment – Hashim A’AllahSpinDoc Inc. – Susan ThomasAutoLink – Benjamin NussbaumSOFIA FIMA – Dianna PozdniakovSpringworks Farm – Trevor Kenkel, Sierra KenkelLittle Beaver Development – Ben WhiteGrojo Inc. – Jared Pinkham, Aaron Hasting, Brandon Bergman
Midcoast Class (Rockland)
Versatile Metal Surfacing – Thomas McCutchanKadonoff & Associates LLC – David KadonoffCash Flood – Bryan McCarthyBroken Egg – Heather SymmtHeiwa Soy Beanery – Jeff WolovitzCustom Skills – John DeFrancescaPodzooks – Judith BernierHerbal Revolution Farm – Katheryn LangelierNorthern Vertical – Ryan HowesTempest in a Teapot – Tammy SmithMidcoast Music Academy – Tom Ulichny
Ruhlin said the most important element that has allowed Top Gun to succeed over the years is the support it has received from numerous organizations and individuals across the state. Institutional partners supporting the 2007 class include the University of Maine, Camden National Bank, First National Bank, the Lewiston/Auburn Economic Growth Council, and MaineStream Finance. The post Top Gun accepts 38 startups into 2017 accelerator appeared first on Maine Startups Insider.
