Central Maine Converge and Create Weekend
Photos from 2017 Central Maine Converge and Create Weekend
Calling all Innovators, Creators, Technologists, and Entrepreneurs!
During our first ever Central Maine Converge and Create Weekend we had over 40 people attend and learn how to learn from established business owners and utilize state resource providers to start successful businesses. Thank you to all attendees, speakers, partners and volunteers who helped make this event so successful.
Check back later to see next year’s date, schedule and speakers!
Event Description: This event will help transform your idea from a dream to a reality. Participants will engage in thought-provoking keynotes, workshops, breakout sessions, and network with experts in their fields. A must-attend event for those looking to start businesses in food and agriculture, technology, and craft/novelty and service businesses. Resources from across the state will be available to answer your questions. Maine Technology Institute, Maine’s Small Business Development Center, Finance Authority of Maine, CEI, SCORE and more will be in attendance! Open to members of the community as well as area college students.
Central Maine Converge and Create Weekend in the news
Kennebec Journal/Waterville Sentinel recap
Lexi Clark ’20 plans to open her own bakery after graduation, learns valuable information at Central Maine Converge and Create Weekend
2017 Program Schedule
Stay tuned for the fall 2018 schedule!
Friday, November 17th
12:30 – 1:00 PM –Registration
Summit Room
1:10 – 1:30 PM Opening Session
Summit Room
Mike Duguay – Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College
1:35 – 2:45 PM – Breakout Sessions “Framing Your Startup”
1. Food and Agri-Businesses AL 228
Stephanie Gilbert (Maine Dept. of Agriculture)
Jean Dempster (New Ventures Maine)
2. Technology-based BusinessesAL 116
Shane Beckim (Maine Technology Institute)
Brad Swanson (SBDC)
3. Product, novelty or service-based Businesses AL 208
Rose Creps (SBDC)
Linda Diou (SCORE)
3:00 – 5:00 PM – Financing Expose: Applying Equity Capital to the Framework
Ayotte Auditorium
Brett Richardson (Coastal Enterprises Inc.)
Shane Beckim (Maine Technology Institute)
John Burns (Maine Venture Fund)
Charlie Emmons (FAME)
Michael High Esq. (Drummond Woodsum)
5:10 – 6:10 PM – Dinner
Spann Student Commons
6:15 – 7:15 PM – Keynote Speaker
Ayotte Auditorium
Bonnie Rukin (Slow Money Maine)
7:15 – 8:30 PM – Networking
Hall of Flags
Saturday, November 18th
8:30 – 8:50 AM – Opening Session Summit Room
9:00 – 10:00 AM – Breakout Sessions
“Launching Your Business”
1. Food and Agriculture Businesses AL 228
Karen Getz, Creator and Founder (Maine Crisp Co.)
Nate Towne (Christopher Hastings Confections)
Amber Lambke, CEO (Maine Grains)
2. Product, Novelty or Service-Based Businesses AL 208
Pamela Fortin (North Circle Studio)
10:05 – 10:35 AM Coffee Break & Networking
Jeanie’s Café
10:40 – 11:40 AM – Breakout Sessions
1. “The Lean Startup” – Summit Room
The anatomy of a technology startup – Sam Pratico, CP Majgaard, Theo Satloff, Walter Griggs – Summit Room
2. Specialty Food and Beverage Producers Confab Meet-Up – AL 228
11:45 – 12:30 PM – Plenary Session and Closing Remarks
Summit Room
Organizing Partners
Directions to Campus
Thomas College is located at 180 West River Road in Waterville, Maine. Please park in the “North Lot” which is located at the bottom of the hill near the Alfond Athletic Center and Ayotte Auditorium.
From the North: From Interstate 95 exit 127 (formerly 33), go east on Kennedy Memorial Drive (Route 137). In approximately 1.5 miles, turn right onto West River Road (Route 104 South). Thomas College is 1.5 miles on the left.
From the South: From Interstate 95 exit 124, turn right onto Trafton Road, at the stop sign, turn left onto West River Road. Thomas College is 1.6 miles on the right. Take the second entrance on the right. For additional directions and campus map: Click here
