WATERVILLE, MAINE, January 2021 — The Harold Alfond® Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College and Central Maine Growth Council are delighted to once again announce that they will be partnering with the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs to host the Top Gun business accelerator program in February 2021. This year’s program is being hosted online and is the third year that Thomas College and Central Maine Growth Council have hosted the program for the Waterville region.
This year’s Central Maine Top Gun program will consist of seven companies ranging from a software company to a high-end pizza dough manufacturing company. The entrepreneurs selected for participation in the program completed a rigorous application process that included pitching their business and one-on-one interviews with program staff and volunteer business leaders.
One of the program’s hallmarks is providing each business with a mentor and this activity will take place before the program begins in early February. Top Gun consists of “hands-on” training and group learning exercises taught by subject matter experts in finance, business law, marketing, and other critical aspects of business development.
“Entrepreneurship is perhaps the signal most important aspect of any economy. Being able to consistently start and grow companies is not only beneficial to the entrepreneur, it creates jobs for the region and ultimately wealth for the community,” says Executive Director of the Harold Alfond® Institute for Business Innovation, Mike Duguay. “The Top Gun program is one of the most innovative and hands-on business assistance programs that entrepreneurs have access to within Maine and we’re truly honored to be able to host it again this year.”
Duguay also said: “This year’s group of entrepreneurs are especially innovative in their respective industries. I’m personally excited to see how we may be able to help them scale their ventures as quickly as possible in order for them to establish themselves in their niche and secure market share.”
Businesses participating in the Waterville program include: HusseyMedical LLC, The Cubby, SledTRX, The Good Crust, SubLocal, Wela and The Acadian.
About Thomas College: Thomas College has been preparing students for success in their personal and professional lives for over 125 years. Thomas College nurtures the unique potential within each student. Our Guaranteed Job Program, 3-year accelerated offerings in all undergraduate degrees, individualized advising, career counseling, and our Innovation Centers in Business and Education meet a student’s determination to succeed with the direction, confidence, and tools to realize the highest version of themselves. Our graduate degree offerings fit your lifestyle ranging from in-person accelerated programs to evening online courses. From the classroom to community activities, or on the athletics field with our 19 varsity sports, Thomas College provides a personalized experience that prepares you for the workplace of tomorrow. Data reported by the New York Times ranks Thomas in the top 13 percent of all higher education institutions in the U.S. for upward mobility of its graduates, and U.S. News & World Report ranks us #7 among colleges in the Northeast. For more information, visit wwwold.thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at [email protected] or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.