The Top Gun Pitch! …And Networking in Houlton

May 9, 2024

5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Six businesses from Aroostook County have been preparing for this day since January and now is the time!

You’re Invited

All are invited to The Top Gun Pitch! Enjoy a night of meeting and networking with light refreshments as you congratulate the six businesses in the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs 2024 Top Gun Class. These businesses are highly scalable Maine-based organizations who are savvy, growing, and competitive. 15 short weeks ago, these businesses applied and were accepted into the business accelerator program, but now they are ready to “WOW” you – each business will present a 5-10 minute pitch in hopes of winning favor with the judges. The winner brings home a $2,500 cash prize and the runner-up is awarded $500, both will move on from this regional competition to the Top Gun Showcase Pitch Event at the Maine Entrepreneurs Summit on May 16th.

Registration is requested, but not required. All are welcome.

RSVP Now

Come out to the Houlton Community Arts Center at 7 Bird Street in Houlton at 5:00 PM for light refreshments and networking. Your support of rural entrepreneurship means the world to not only these six businesses, but the network providers and sponsors who have worked together to make this programming possible in Aroostook County. The live pitches begin promptly at 6:00 PM and is meant to be a positive, casual evening to celebrate doing business in Maine.

Top Gun Participants:

  • LYFT AVENUE, Limestone- Jack Westfall
  • Chapped Hide, Cary Plantation – Suzanne Belle Hiltz
  • Caribou Painting Company, Caribou- James Dempsey
  • Automated Waste Recycle, Houlton – Charles Amara
  • The Maine Bean & Tea, Caribou – Patti Jo Thompson
  • Waved Medical, Presque Isle – Kendra Batchelder

Thank You

The first and second place prize money is proudly donated by Northern Maine Development Commission and Machias Savings Bank. Thank you to the many volunteers, mentors, sponsors, and teachers who make this program possible. It is their generous dedication and support that make this programming possible and to that we say, “Thank you!”

Supporting Sponsors: