The Maine Community Foundation’s Start Up/Scale Up Grant Program seeks applications from Maine nonprofit organizations that help new ventures start and grow through programs such as collaborative workspaces and incubator and accelerator programs.

Grants will be awarded to organizations and projects that meet the criteria and that have the greatest potential to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Maine. Priority will be given to projects or organizations that:

-actively engage entrepreneurs through programs, networking, problem-solving with peers and others, and providing access to resources
-support entrepreneurs and businesses in rural communities and in areas with limited access to resources
-serve entrepreneurs and businesses founded or led by women and black, indigenous, and other people of color
-include partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, individuals, businesses, or institutions. 

Deadline for applications is April 1, 2021. Guidelines, application, and a list of 2020 grants can be found at www.mainecf.org. Maximum grants of $25,000 may support a range of program expenses as well as capital investment in equipment, technology, and buildings. 

Last year, Start Up Scale Up awarded $200,000 to ten nonprofit organizations, including:

-Our Katahdin, to develop affordable space in downtown Millinocket to incubate small businesses and create a vibrant environment for entrepreneurs and community to connect and access resources
-Sunrise County Economic Council, Machias, to provide co-working space, broadband access and training, programming for cohorts, and business incubators for Washington County small businesses
-Tear Cap Workshops, Hiram, to support Rent-a-Bench makerspace program and to develop a new workspace for an entrepreneur or artisan. 

Questions about the grant program should be directed to Senior Program Officer Maggie Drummond-Bahl at mbahl@mainecf.org or (207) 412-0839.    

Headquartered in Ellsworth, with additional personnel in Portland, Dover-Foxcroft, Rockport, and Mars Hill, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to provide strong investments, personalized service, local expertise, and strategic giving to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.