ABOUT
Big Gig is an unprecedented partnership between a motivated group of municipalities, universities, and organizations in Maine's Penobscot River Valley. We've been working since 2012 to create a local network of innovators and entrepreneurs and bring positive change and economic growth to our communities through our pitch competitions and networking events.
PRIZE SPONSOR
Bangor Savings has been living and working alongside the people of Maine for over 165 years. Longer than any other bank in Maine. In that time, they've learned to believe in the innate ability of the people of Maine to achieve their goals and dreams. It’s why they whole-heartedly support the entrepreneurial spirit of Maine with products and services that meet the unique and changing needs of Maine entrepreneurs. It’s why, in short, they give you everything you need to succeed. Because they know that you will.
BOOTSTRAP SPONSOR
A widely recognized and respected Maine law firm, with more than 40 attorneys in five officies across the state. Of particular interest for Big Gig attendees, the firm's Innovative Enterprise Program recognizes that most early-stage businesses have difficulty raising sufficient capital and, thus, offers core legal and business development services to qualified program participants with fees reduced and/or deferred.
MTI offers grants, loans, equity investments, and services to support Maine’s innovation economy. We support new ideas, products, or methods with the potential to grow and diversify Maine’s economy and increase the number of quality jobs throughout the state through direct support of innovators and through support of programs and infrastructure that encourage innovation.
CROWDFUNDER SPONSORS
The City of Brewer has a diversified portfolio of over 400 businesses, including a strong manufacturing sector, and was one of the first communities in the State of Maine to be recognized as a Certified Business-Friendly Community. Our City Councilors and staff understand that meeting the needs of our local businesses is a top priority and critical to the success of our City.
Local business leaders promoting economic development and job creation for the Old Town region.
Foster Center for Student Innovation
University of Maine, Orono
The University of Maine Office of Innovation and Economic Development helps support new and existing businesses. We provide business coaching and incubation services, access to talented students, provide access to facilities and equipment for prototyping and testing, and we help transfer university research and development into marketable products and services. Our work helps innovation across Maine grow, which creates future innovators and new jobs, and enhances the state economy.
The Town of Orono has a population of 10,700 and is host to the University of Maine, the State's flagship R&D university. It also is home to the UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship, one of region's leading small business incubators. Local businesses range from longstanding, venerable specialty manufacturers like Byers Manufacturing and Shaw & Tenney, to newer technology startups like RainStorm and O'Brien Medical, professional service companies like Stillwater Environmental Engineering, and regional health care service establishments. Orono sees itself as a university town with an historic village center and an abundance of creative and resourceful people, both on and off the university campus.
The Orono Economic Development Corporation's mission is to further, encourage, and assist with the location, settlement, or expansion of manufacturing and other business, educational or cultural enterprises in the Town of Orono.
STEERING COMMITTEE
Emma Wilson
UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship
Veena Dinesh
Foster Center for Student Innovation
Radhakrishna Jamadagni
AiSteth
Nicole Morgan
Bangor Savings and Eastern Maine Community College
Dave Milan
Orono Economic Development Corp.
Renee Doble
Brewer Economic Development
Bill Tisdale
Bill Tisdale State Farm Insurance
