Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

Don't miss Maine Community Bank’s LaunchPad Live Pitch Event | October 20 Join them on Tuesday 10/20 for Maine Community Bank’s LaunchPad, Maine’s premier competition for innovative small businesses! Come support and celebrate the finalists as they pitch live to compete for a $75,000 grant and Emerging Business Award, valued at $25,000. Networking with local founders, funders, and mentors begins at 4:00pm, followed by the competition at 5:15pm at UNE’s Innovation Hall in Portland. RSVP now at https://lnkd.in/gRDY2CDC to save your seat!

Assistance is available for Maine farmers, forestry businesses, and other eligible producers recovering from qualifying 2023–2024 weather losses. Hurry, deadline to apply is November 6, 2026! Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/g6ZvTDer

➡️ Visit https://lnkd.in/gk9ZzfSi to learn more and register for upcoming agritourism webinars! Know a Maine farmer who has a farm stand, offers tours, hosts pop-ups, attends farmers' markets, or creates other agricultural experiences for visitors? Tag them or share this post to help spread the word about an upcoming agritourism webinar series! 🌾 💻 Register: receive the live webinar link or access to the recording. 📅 When: The 5-part webinar series kicks off July 15. 📚 Who should join: Maine farmers of all experience levels. 📸: Apple Creek Farm's, Maybelline, a beef cow, eats vetch while grazing in a summertime pasture. https://lnkd.in/gs2cgTt2

Join the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for their once-a-month Connecting Over Hospitality sessions. LAMCC creates a casual, virtual space for sharing updates impacting the Hospitality sector, peer sharing and support, and networking. The format will include full group updates, introductions, and sharing at the top of the hour, and at least two small group breakout sessions to support meaningful connections across members in the Hospitality. Members and non-members representing the hospitality sector, which includes restaurants, lodging, and customer care will meet the Third Thursday from 8:00 AM-9:00 AM once every month. For more information, and to register: https://lnkd.in/gYHb4yMU

The State of Maine is hiring! Whether your background is in public health, agriculture and conservation, social work, finance and grants, policy, IT, engineering, and so much more, there's likely a career opportunity for you in Maine state government. If you're passionate about public service and making a difference in Maine communities, check out Virtual CareerCenter's career page or set up a time to meet with a member of the Bureau of Human Resources (HumanResources.BHR@maine.gov). The HR team will kick off the meeting each week with a presentation starting at 10am. Topics will include the application process in state government, career paths and opportunities, and tips for improving your job search. There will be plenty of time for questions during and after the presentation. Click on the link to join the virtual office hours on Thursdays from 10 am to 11 am and an HR staff member will assist you. Find the link here: https://lnkd.in/gKvxtHQX

MERIT (Maine Retirement Investment Trust) is an easy, no-fee way to provide your employees a workplace retirement savings opportunity. Learn more about Maine's state-sponsored Roth IRA program requirements at meritsaves.com.

Got a small business idea that needs a little financial fuel? The Maine Funding Network can help Maine businesses connect with funding partners through one simple form. Check out their website for the latest news and information. 🔗 mainefundingnetwork.com

Introducing First Tracks Northeast Snow Show—a new gathering for the brands, resorts, retailers, and innovators shaping winter recreation across New England. Taking place November 7–8, 2026 at Thompson's Point, this event is designed to bring the industry together to connect, collaborate, and grow. First Tracks will also offer a consumer-facing weekend experience, giving families and outdoor enthusiasts the chance to explore gear, meet brands, and get energized for the winter season. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon. Presented by Maine Outdoor Brands and Thompson’s Point. Learn more and get tickets here: https://lnkd.in/g7XyCWKB

Save the Date for the HospitalityMaine 2026 Summit on November 16 & 17 2026 at the Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks in South Portland! Learn more here and register: https://lnkd.in/gG6fV3VQ

📣 Join Maine's Workforce Leaders at the 2026 Maine Talent Summit! Maine's workforce is evolving, and collaboration is key to meeting the challenges ahead! The inaugural Maine Talent Summit brings together business owners, employers, educators, workforce professionals, and economic development leaders for a day of collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions. Attendees will explore strategies to: ✔️ Attract and retain talent ✔️ Access workforce training and funding resources ✔️ Navigate evolving hiring practices and emerging technologies ✔️ Build stronger talent pipelines and future-ready teams 📅 November 17, 2026 🕗 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📍 Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine 💲 Registration: $150 | Deadline: November 1 Be part of the conversation shaping Maine's workforce future! 🔗 Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/eGd9nWvQ #MaineTalentSummit #MaineWorkforce #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment #MaineBusiness