Waterville, ME 3/30/2023 – Dirigo Labs is pleased to announce today Skowhegan Savings Bank will, once again, fund the pitch competition prize for its second cohort of Maine-based startups. The accelerator’s pitch competition will be held in downtown Waterville at the Maine Film Center on Thursday, May 4 from 5-8 pm. Judges will evaluate 11 individual startup’s pitch delivery, capital strategy, innovation, team, and potential for economic impact in Maine. The cohort cycle began on January 26 and is based at the Hathaway Creative Center in Waterville.
“Our foundation is pleased to again partner with Dirigo Labs to offer the pitch prize for their second accelerator program and pitch contest,” said David Cyr, president and CEO of Skowhegan Savings. “At Skowhegan Savings, we are here to support Maine entrepreneurs and their local businesses that continue to bring innovation into the state. We feel that this program is in alignment with our values, by giving these start-ups additional tools to set them up for success in the future. Last year, we saw 12 very impressive Maine start-ups and look forward to seeing what this year’s cohort brings to the table.”
The 12-week program guides startups representing various industries through a targeted curriculum and helps founders execute their individual project plans. Each cohort company is matched with a curated board of local and national advisors from various industries. Seminar topics included utilizing public-private sector grants and economic incentives, customer acquisition strategies, capital planning, and intellectual property evaluation. Dirigo Labs’ second cohort includes a dynamic composition of 11 startup companies and 1 Innovation fellowship from a diverse array of industries, including health care and manufacturing to clean energy technologies.
“We are grateful for Skowhegan Savings Bank’s investment in Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” stated Susan Ruhlin, Managing Director of Dirigo Labs. “With this funding, we can continue to support and elevate Maine’s innovators, empowering them to turn their ideas into reality and drive economic growth for our state.”
For startups and potential mentors interested in learning more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org.
About Dirigo Labs:
Dirigo Labs is a startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow the greater Waterville area’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms. To learn more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org
About Skowhegan Savings:
Skowhegan Savings Bank has been dedicated to strengthening Maine’s families, businesses, and communities by providing personalized and competitive banking services to the regions they serve for 150 years. An independent mutual savings bank based in Skowhegan, our mission is to provide customers with exceptional service in an innovative banking environment that effectively and efficiently puts the financial needs of the customer first. Skowhegan Savings takes pride in not only being a great place to bank but also a great place to work. For more information about Skowhegan Savings, please visit Skowhegan.com or contact our Customer Service line at 800.303.9511.
Last modified: May 30, 2023
