Solutions for Maine R&D and Innovation Hub
The Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan is Governor Mills’ plan approved by the Maine Legislature to invest the State’s share of federal American Rescue Plan relief funds provided by Congress. With $2.5 million in Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan funding, the University of Maine has expanded programming and services to help stabilize and support small businesses and startups dealing with ongoing pandemic challenges that are hindering their growth.
The Solutions for Maine R&D and Innovation Hub, directed by the University’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources and Engagement (SPIRE), is designed to help Maine companies with fewer than 250 employees access no-cost services, including technical assistance, counseling, and student talent, to help the achieve recovery and long-term growth.
Through the hub, startups and small businesses can access services, including:
- Prototyping, testing, and manufacturing design assistance
- Training and coaching on how to identify and reach potential customers
- Counseling from entrepreneurs-in-residence to support business planning and recovery from pandemic delays
- Support from a cadre of undergraduate and graduate students who assist with key business development tasks
Several aspects of the hub’s services — including the award-winning Innovate for Maine internship program and market-fit support for entrepreneurs — have been in place prior to the pandemic but scaled to serve more businesses and provide assistance year-round.
This initiative simultaneously provides experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for success in Maine careers and strengthen business partnerships that spark new innovations for Maine’s economy.
The Solutions Hub launched on Jan. 1, 2023. In its first six months of operation, the Solutions Hub has supported 53 Maine companies on 62 projects that have provided work experiences for 54 students.