2024 Maine Entrepreneurs Summit

2024 Maine Entrepreneurs Summit

An exciting event supporting Maine entrepreneurship!

By Maine Center for Entrepreneurs

Date and time

Thursday, May 16 · 1:30 - 8pm EDT

Location

Abromson Community Education Center

88 Bedford Street Portland, ME 04101

Agenda

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

High Impact Workshops

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Summit Keynote

3:45 PM - 5:30 PM

Trade Show & Networking

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Top Gun Statewide Pitch Competition

About this event

  • 6 hours 30 minutes

DETAILED AGENDA:

1:15 PM REGISTRATION OPENS

1:30 PM HIGH IMPACT WORKSHOPS

Workshop I: Supporting New Mainers Towards Entrepreneurial Success

A workshop focused on supporting and empowering new residents in Maine who aspire to become successful entrepreneurs. Facilitators and experts in immigrant entrepreneurship share insights and resources. Featuring Kerem Durdag (Facilitator), Stella Hernandez, Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, Claude Rwaganje, Prosperity Maine, Grace Mo-Phillips, CEI Women’s Business Center and Christa Franzi, Camoin Associates.

Workshop II: Pitching for All - Mastering your business pitch

A practical workshop aimed at helping entrepreneurs perfect their pitch, which is a critical skill for attracting investors, customers, and partners. Featuring Brian Walker, Maine Angels and Julene Gervais, Greenlight Maine


3:00 PM MAINE ENTREPRENEURS SUMMIT OPENING

Welcome Remarks: Tom Rainey, Executive Director, Maine Center for Entrepreneurs

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Embracing Shared Leadership: Empowering Entrepreneurial Growth Featuring Kevin Hancock, Chairman, Hancock Lumber

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurial businesses, the traditional model of hierarchical leadership is evolving. Entrepreneurs and visionary leaders are increasingly recognizing the power of shared leadership as a driving force behind their success. Shared leadership, a collaborative approach to guiding and growing a business, embodies the idea that leadership is not confined to a single individual but is a collective effort involving the entire team.


3:45 PM TRADE SHOW & NETWORKING RECEPTION

Featuring products and services from Top Gun companies, industry funders, and sponsors. This Networking Reception provides opportunities for attendees to connect, discuss ideas, and build valuable relationships.

Industry Lounge: A special area for entrepreneurs to engage with potential investors, mentors, and industry experts. Open during the entire event for quieter conversations.


5:30 PM WELCOME REMARKS & TOP GUN SHOWCASE PITCH COMPETITION

Top Gun finalists pitch their innovative ideas, products, or services to a panel of expert judges.

7:30 PM JUDGES RETREAT TO DETERMINE PITCH WINNER

8:00 PM TOP GUN PITCH AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCED


HOSTED BY:


Thank you to our SPONSORS:

Organized by

Established in 1997, MCE’s mission is to build and lead a community of growth-oriented businesses in Maine, by providing the training, connections, coaching and mentorship they need to commercialize and grow their ideas, products and services in an effort to drive the growth of Maine’s economy. Over its 20-year history, the organization has accelerated the growth of hundreds of businesses.