Which of These Local Start-Ups Do You Think Will Win $50,000?
On June 4th, finalists representing five local business will compete for a generous no-strings-attached grant of $50,000 from Gorham Savings Bank in their Shark Tank-esque contest, Launchpad.
For 6 years, GSB has allowed small businesses in Maine to grow with this multi-stage contest where owners of start-ups in various stages of development present and defend their company's mission in hopes of being awarded the lofty prize of $50,000. Another business will walk away with the $10,000 Emerging Idea Award grant in addition to $10,000 of in-kind business and marketing services!
You can watch the finalists take the stage and make their pitches this Tuesday, June 4th at USM's Hannaford Hall from 5-8pm. It is free to attend but seating is limited so be sure to RSVP online and check out the order of events while you're at it.
Below are this year's finalists. Which business will you be rooting for to walk away with $50k?
Casco Bay Creamery (Portland - Jennell Carter, Alicia & Andrew Menard, Sue Konkel): A returning finalist from 2015, Casco Bay Creamery provides creamy, delicious butter and cream cheese to customers who want to make breaking bread a joyful occasion.
CourseStorm (Orono - Brian Rahill, Matt James): CourseStorm provides simple online tools for class registration that help educational organizations save time and money while increasing enrollment.
GO Lab (Belfast - Joshua Henry, Matthew O'Malia): GO Lab makes non-toxic, renewable wood fiber insulations that cost the same and perform better than commercially available insulations.
Sidewalk Buttler (Scarborough - Mike Roylos, Nan McLaughlin): The leading creator of a cigarette litter receptacle which removes, reduces, and recycles cigarette waste.
Vintage Maine Kitchen (Freeport - Kelly Brodeur): Kelly makes small batch Maine potato chips that transport boomers with nostalgia, impress millennials with flavor, and impress chefs with technical proficiency.
Good luck to all the finalists and stay tuned for the announcement of this year's grant winner!