Cultivator

Cultivator Program

Program Type: Food Accelerator Program

Geographic Scope: Maine-based food & beverage companies

Focus Areas: Food, beverage, and agriculture companies at various stages of growth

Program Overview

MCE has supported over 80 Maine food & beverage companies through this program.

Key Features

• Expert Guidance: Industry leaders in grocery, retail, e-commerce, and foodservice sectors
• Program Managers: Managed by Program Managers with 20+ years of real-life food industry experience
• Mentor Network: Access to over 90 food industry experts and 300+ business area experts via MCE Maine Mentor Network
• Industry Data & Resources: Access to SPINS' Satori and Nielsen syndicated data for specialty, natural, conventional grocery, and big box stores
• Workshops & Webinars: Tactical workshops, webinars, and business roundtables designed on real-time needs
• Partnerships & Connections: Access to industry associations and state organizations for additional support and funding opportunities
• Maine Food Producers Showcase: Bi-annual showcase (fall of even years) for networking and market development

Eligibility

• Headquartered or have production in Maine
• Food, beverage, or agriculture companies
• At various stages: startup, scaling up, or expanding market distribution

Contact

Program Managers:

• Janine Bisaillon-Cary
• Naomi Neville
• Emily Lane, Seafood & Aquaculture Specialist

Application Process

1. Complete intake form on MCE website
2. Program manager outreach - Janine Bisaillon-Cary, Naomi Neville, or Emily Lane will contact you
3. Discussion of next steps regarding Food Accelerator journey
4. Enrollment in appropriate Food Accelerator track

Required Materials

• Brief intake form completion
• Company information
• Business goals and stage assessment