Maine Venture Fund is a venture capital firm established in 1995 and based in Newport, Maine. It focuses on investing in small and medium-sized growth companies across various industry sectors that demonstrate potential for high growth and public benefit. The fund primarily targets Maine-based companies, investing between $0.1 million and $0.3 million in initial funding, with additional capital available for ongoing support. It specifically seeks to invest in companies with gross sales of $5 million or less within the past 12 months. Maine Venture Fund operates as a revolving "evergreen" fund, having received $13 million in capital contributions from the State of Maine. The firm aims to exit its investments within five to seven years, aligning its mission to attract and support eligible small businesses that can significantly contribute to the economic prosperity of Maine.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.

Founded in 1994, CEI Ventures is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Brunswick, Maine. It specializes in seed/startup to mid-stage investments, typically ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. The firm focuses on underserved markets across the United States, with a preference for New England and Maine. CEI Ventures seeks board seats in its portfolio companies and aims to exit investments within five to seven years.

Maine Farmland Trust, founded in 2004 and based in Belfast, Maine, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting farmland, supporting farmers, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Its mission encompasses not only the preservation of agricultural lands but also the revitalization of rural landscapes across the state. Maine Farmland Trust works to ensure that farmland remains productive, helping farmers thrive and enhancing the well-being of their communities. Through various initiatives, the organization provides grants and resources to bolster the agriculture and food sectors, reinforcing its commitment to the future of farming in Maine.

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is an economic development agency located in Augusta, Maine, founded in 1983. Its primary mission is to provide innovative financial solutions that support Maine citizens in their pursuit of business ventures and higher education. FAME offers a diverse range of business assistance programs tailored to meet the financing needs of the state's business community. These include traditional loan insurance programs aimed at both small and larger enterprises, as well as tax credits for investments in dynamic, growth-oriented, manufacturing, or export-related firms. Additionally, FAME has established both taxable and tax-exempt bond financing programs designed to assist creditworthy businesses in accessing necessary capital. Through these initiatives, FAME plays a vital role in fostering economic growth and development within Maine.

Dirigo Labs, established in 2020 and based in Waterville, Maine, is an accelerator and incubator firm focused on supporting visionary founders who aim to disrupt traditional industries. The company invests in early-stage startups operating in the cleantech, software, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing sectors, providing resources and guidance to foster innovation and growth.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government established in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns in the United States. The SBA's mission is to help Americans start, build, and grow businesses by providing loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions, and other forms of assistance. Through a network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The SBA's programs include financial and federal contract procurement assistance, management assistance, outreach to women, minorities, and armed forces veterans, as well as providing loans to victims of natural disasters and specialized advice and assistance in international trade.

Blue Highway Capital is a private equity firm that focuses on providing growth capital to small and middle-market companies, particularly in rural communities within the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as specialty manufacturing, distribution and logistics, business and technology services, healthcare and medical products, as well as natural resources and environmental services. With a target equity investment range of $2 million to $5 million, Blue Highway Capital seeks companies with revenues exceeding $2 million, typically preferring to take either majority or minority stakes. The firm operates from its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Biddeford, Maine.

Anania & Associates Investment Company LLC is a private equity firm based in Portland, Maine, established in 2008. The firm specializes in investing in a diverse range of sectors, including natural resources, industrials, healthcare, education, manufacturing, software, and distribution. With a focus on the Maine region, Anania & Associates aims to support the growth and development of companies within these industries through strategic investments.

Established in 1917, HarborOne Bank is a Massachusetts-based commercial bank with $2.7 billion in assets. It serves the financial needs of individuals, businesses, and municipalities through its network of branches across Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The bank offers a range of services including deposit solutions, business services, cash management, online banking, loans, and educational programs through 'HarborOne U'.

Camden National Bank, headquartered in Camden, Maine, operates as a full-service community bank that provides a wide range of banking products and services to individuals, businesses, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. Founded in 1874, the bank offers various deposit accounts, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, along with time deposits and certificates of deposit. It specializes in originating residential and commercial loans, including single-family, multi-family, and commercial real estate loans, as well as business and municipal loans. Camden National Bank also provides personal loans and tailored financial solutions to small businesses across various sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare. Additionally, the bank offers investment management, wealth management, and insurance services, enhancing its role as a comprehensive financial partner. With a network of branches and ATMs across several counties, Camden National Bank is committed to serving its diverse customer base effectively.

Founded in 1875, Churchill Downs Incorporated is a leading gaming entertainment company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. It owns and operates the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, along with various racetracks, casinos, and online wagering platforms across the United States. The company also owns Big Fish Games, one of the world's largest casual games producers, and provides racing-related telecommunications services.

Established in 1977 by businessman and community leader Bernard Osher, this San Francisco-based foundation aims to enhance quality of life through support for higher education, lifelong learning, integrative medicine programs, and arts organizations. It provides post-secondary scholarships, funds the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes across the U.S., supports integrative medicine centers, and benefits various performing arts groups and educational programs.

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. specializes in developing, manufacturing, and distributing diagnostic products and services for the companion animal, livestock, poultry, dairy, and water testing markets globally. The company operates through several segments, including Companion Animal Group, Water Quality Products, Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy, among others. IDEXX offers a wide range of point-of-care veterinary diagnostic tools, instruments, and rapid assay test kits, as well as reference laboratory services and practice management software for veterinarians. Additionally, the company provides diagnostic tests for livestock and poultry health management and water quality testing to ensure safety. IDEXX's products enhance veterinary care capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and support the economic success of veterinary practices. With over 4,900 employees, IDEXX Laboratories serves customers in more than 100 countries and generates a significant portion of its revenue from international markets. The company is headquartered in Westbrook, Maine.

Founded in 2003, Supply Chain Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Biddeford, Maine. It specializes in angel and early-stage investments in companies utilizing information technology to enhance global marketing, sales, and supply chain management.

Founded in 2021, LoneTree Capital is a New York-based private capital firm that invests $5 million to $30 million per transaction into high-growth sectors such as software, digital infrastructure, healthcare IT services, business and consumer services, and financial technology.

Aqua America, Inc. is a holding company that operates regulated utilities providing water and wastewater services across multiple states in the United States, including Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Indiana, Virginia, Maine, and Georgia. The company's primary subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, is a significant contributor to its operating revenues, accounting for approximately 56% as of 2011. Aqua America has expanded its service offerings through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of several water systems and a wastewater system in 2014. Notably, Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater acquired the wastewater assets of Penn Township in Chester County, while its Illinois subsidiary acquired the McHenry Shores Water Company in McHenry, Illinois. Through its various subsidiaries, Aqua America aims to deliver essential water and wastewater services to a diverse customer base across its operational regions.

UMaine is a top 100 national public research university, located 10 miles from the state's second largest city (Bangor), a 4 hour drive from Boston, and a 1 hour flight from New York City. It serves as the flagship university of the University of Maine System. Nationally ranked and recognized by US News & World Report, Forbes Magazine and The Princeton Review. Visit us at go.umaine.edu/apply today!

Postmates Inc. is an on-demand food and grocery delivery platform based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2011, the company connects customers with local couriers to facilitate the delivery of products from a wide range of stores and restaurants across the United States. With access to over 600,000 merchants, including exclusive offerings, Postmates enables users to discover, order, and track groceries, alcohol, and meals with ease. The platform is particularly prominent in Los Angeles and covers 80% of U.S. households, serving customers in all 50 states. Additionally, Postmates offers a subscription service, Postmates Unlimited, which provides free delivery from all participating merchants, enhancing the convenience of its service.

Blackstone Accelerates Growth (BxG) creates jobs and economic development through entrepreneurship and growth. They work with their partners to create statewide programs with coordinated, focused activities to accelerate companies, connections, and the next generation of Maine entrepreneurs. They operate as part of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, a $50 million Entrepreneurship Initiative to support innovative programs that drive job creation.

Plastic Industries is a manufacturer of blow-molded, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles, catering to various sectors including dairy, water, food, industrial, nutraceutical, automotive, healthcare, specialty chemicals, and personal care. Established in 1999 and headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, the company produces a diverse array of containers in both large and small formats, including gallon, half-gallon, quart, and single-serve sizes. It also offers custom-design services tailored to meet specific client needs. Plastic Industries operates six manufacturing facilities across the United States, located in Poland Spring, Maine; Reading, Pennsylvania; Newark, Delaware; Hebron, Kentucky; Fresno, California; and Corona, California.

WEX Venture Capital, established in 2023 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, is the corporate venture capital arm of WEX. It specializes in investing in early-stage companies that focus on electric mobility, including fleet electrification, electric vehicle charging solutions, and energy management.

Founded in 2016, TruStage Ventures is a venture capital arm of CUNA Mutual Group. It invests in early-stage financial technology, data analytics, education and protection, and digital channel sectors to advance financial solutions for consumers and credit unions.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, established in 1887 and located in Bar Harbor, Maine, is an independent community banking institution. The bank provides a comprehensive array of financial services tailored for individuals, families, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Its offerings encompass personal banking, business banking, trust services, investment planning, as well as insurance and risk management. Through its commitment to the local community, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust aims to meet diverse financial needs while fostering long-term relationships with its clients.

Founded in 1999, Logically is a leading national provider of managed security and IT solutions. They offer outsourced IT consulting, managed services, and cybersecurity solutions tailored for small to mid-sized businesses across various industries. Their expertise spans cloud migration, network design, risk mitigation, and end-to-end technology optimization.

Eastern Bank is a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The bank provides checking and savings accounts, online and mobile banking, and a wide range of loans for individuals and businesses, along with related insurance products. It also offers advisory services to corporate, government, and nonprofit clients in areas such as capital markets activities, equipment leasing, cash management, commercial real estate, international trade, and foreign exchange. In addition, Eastern Bank delivers trust and wealth management, treasury management, and related financial services. Serving individuals, investors, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and small and midsize businesses, the bank operates a broad branch network in eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Established in 1818 and headquartered in Boston, it is recognized as the largest independent mutual bank in New England and the largest community bank in Massachusetts.

Founded in 1986, North Atlantic Capital is a private equity firm specializing in growth capital investments for later-stage companies. It focuses on technology sectors such as software-as-a-service, information technology, and managed services, typically investing $1 million to $10 million in companies with revenues between $5 million and $50 million.

The John T. Gorman Foundation, based in Portland, Maine, is a private foundation dedicated to advancing innovative ideas that enhance the lives of Maine's most vulnerable individuals. Established in 1995, it focuses on four priority areas: improving educational outcomes for young children, facilitating successful transitions into adulthood for at-risk youth, supporting struggling families, and enabling low-income seniors to age in place.

Brinker International, Inc. operates casual dining restaurants, primarily under the brands Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. Chili's is known for its bar and grill offerings, featuring a menu that includes signature items such as slow-smoked baby back ribs, craft burgers, fajitas, and tableside guacamole. Maggiano's specializes in Italian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes appetizers, chicken, seafood, veal, prime steaks, and desserts. As of June 2013, Brinker International's system included 1,591 restaurants across 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as locations in various countries including Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The company generates the majority of its revenue from the Chili's segment, reflecting its strong presence in the casual dining market.

Unitil is a utilities company focused on the local distribution of electricity and natural gas in the northeastern United States, serving customers in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Through its subsidiaries, it operates two main segments—Electric Operations and Gas Operations—and also provides energy brokering and advisory services to commercial and industrial customers, as well as real estate management. The company serves about 106,100 electric customers and 83,900 natural gas customers and maintains 86 miles of interstate underground natural gas transmission pipeline in Maine and New Hampshire. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire, Unitil is dedicated to reliable energy delivery and related services across its service territories.

Macellum Capital Management is an activist investment firm. Macellum invests in undervalued companies that it believes can appreciate significantly in value as a result of a change in corporate strategy or improvements in operations, capital allocation or corporate governance.

Brigade Capital Management, established in 2006, is a global financial services firm headquartered in New York, with affiliated offices in London and Tokyo. The company specializes in providing debt services and investment strategies to energy companies worldwide, focusing on leveraged finance, equity, and fixed income markets. Its primary objective is capital preservation.

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with deep local connections, dedicated to promoting informed and engaged communities, which it views as vital for a healthy democracy. The foundation invests in journalism, the arts, and the development of cities where its founders, John S. and James L. Knight, once published newspapers. Through its Knight Enterprise Fund, it provides early-stage venture funding specifically aimed at media innovation. By supporting early-stage companies at the intersection of media and technology, Knight Foundation seeks to enhance access to quality information, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of communities.

Founded in 2015, True Wealth Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas. It specializes in investing in early-stage women-led companies focused on environmental health, human health, and sustainable consumer products.

M&T Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization. The M&T Charitable Foundation strives to strengthen communities by providing support for a diverse range of civic, cultural, health and human service organizations through grants, employee volunteerism and in-kind services.

Third Nature Ventures, established in 2021 and located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, is an early-stage investment firm dedicated to addressing significant challenges within critical earth systems. The firm specializes in multi-stage investing, targeting promising innovations and technologies that have the potential to create meaningful impact. By identifying businesses at critical inflection points in their models, Third Nature aims to support the development of solutions that contribute positively to environmental sustainability and resilience.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

Advantage Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that provides growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt to United States companies at various stages, with a focus on small businesses and underserved communities. It pursues investments in companies that develop or apply proprietary technologies across information technology, telecommunications, business services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, energy, and related sectors, and considers opportunities in rural agriculture supply chains. The firm offers a mixed debt and equity toolkit, including senior and subordinated debt, mezzanine financing, and government-guaranteed lending, sometimes providing equity to real estate projects; it often co-invests with other investors to support bank lending. Its geographic focus spans multiple states, reflecting a commitment to economic development by backing ventures that create jobs and strengthen local economies. Founded in 1992, the firm is headquartered in New Orleans with additional offices across the United States and has supported thousands of small businesses and development projects.

Founded in 2012, Momenta is a leading venture capital firm based in Meggen, Switzerland. It focuses on investing in digital solutions within the energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chain sectors.

Exposition Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage entrepreneurs who are developing and scaling hardware and software companies. Exposition Ventures targets a diverse range of sectors, including 3D printing, robotics, machine vision, artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, sensors, big data, blockchain, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Through its investments, Exposition Ventures aims to support innovative technologies and drive growth in these emerging industries.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

TT Capital Partners is the private equity arm of TripleTree and an independent investment firm based in Minnesota, with offices in Minneapolis and New York. It concentrates on growth equity investments in healthcare and technology companies, including healthcare services, clinical services and healthcare technology, aiming at innovative, high-growth firms expanding their customer base or entering new markets. The firm typically seeks majority stakes and combines principal investing with advisory capabilities rooted in its merchant banking heritage. TT Capital Partners focuses on opportunities within the healthcare and technology sectors and supports portfolio companies through strategic growth initiatives.

Founded in 2006, Felicis is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. It focuses on early-stage investments across various sectors, including AI, health, and security, backing founders building iconic companies.

Greenline Ventures is a Denver-based investment firm that operates across capital markets and financial services in the United States. The firm engages in asset management and targets buyout investments within the financial services sector, with a focus on opportunities across the U.S. It also maintains a venture investment arm that backs startups in healthcare, financial technology, big data, clean technology, digital health, food technology, health technology, the Internet of Things, and software as a service, and it pursues impact investments. The firm emphasizes a diversified approach across traditional finance and technology-enabled sectors, aiming to create value for its clients and portfolio companies while supporting sustainable solutions.

WisdomTree is a global provider of exchange-traded products and asset management services, offering a broad range of ETFs and related products across equities, fixed income, currencies, and alternatives. The company develops its own fundamentally weighted indices, licenses its indexes to third parties, and supports retirement and advisor platforms with integrated solutions. It provides investment advisory services and is expanding into digital funds, tokenized assets, and a blockchain-native wallet called WisdomTree Prime. Founded in 1985 and based in New York, WisdomTree operates as an ETF sponsor and asset manager with a growing focus on digital investing.

Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC, established in 1999, is a prominent alternative investment management firm specializing in credit opportunities. With approximately $5 billion in assets under management, the firm invests in both performing credit and special situations, including debtor-in-possession financing, convertible strategies, and event-driven opportunities. Tennenbaum has invested around $9 billion across over 170 portfolio companies since its inception. The firm is known for its continuity in management, with all five partners staying on following a majority stake acquisition by BlackRock in 2018.

York IE is a global venture capital and advisory firm founded in 2019, headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire. It focuses on early-stage B2B SaaS startups, providing strategic growth support through its 200+ person operating team and data-driven approach.

Established in 1983, Northwood Ventures is a private equity firm based in Hobe Sound, Florida. The company invests in venture capital and buyout opportunities across various sectors, including consumer goods and services, communications, manufacturing, and financial services. With a unique long-term investment horizon, experienced professionals, and an entrepreneurial approach, Northwood Ventures partners with successful management teams to generate superior returns.

Battery Ventures is a technology-focused investment firm founded in 1983 and based in Boston, Massachusetts. It invests through venture capital and private equity, targeting technology companies that can become category-defining leaders in areas including application software, IT infrastructure, consumer internet and mobile services, industrial technologies, and life sciences tools.