Solutions for Maine R&D and Innovation Hub

Small business support for pandemic recovery. Designed to help Maine companies with fewer than 250 employees access technical assistance, counseling and other services that will help their recovery and long-term growth.
A person in a chef's coat stands before a table in a food production facility. On the table is a rolling pin, flour, other items related to baking.

How does this program work?

It’s simple. The Solutions for Maine R&D and Innovation Hub draws on resources available at the University of Maine to help Maine small businesses (< 250 employees) recover from the pandemic and grow even stronger. We can support you through product design and prototyping, supply student talent to accomplish projects big and small, and offer expert coaching services on a range of topics.

These services are available at NO COST to eligible Maine small businesses thanks to funding from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan.

Am I eligible?

Please contact us to discuss eligibility questions in detail, but here are the essentials:

  • Your Maine-based business has fewer than 250 employees, at least 50 percent of whom are located in Maine
  • Your ability to develop and launch new products has been hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • You can point to specific impacts on your business, such as reduced revenues (compared to 2019); reduced labor availability; supply chain disruptions, increased costs 

*Please note that non-profit organizations are not eligible for support under this program. 

Available Services

Prototyping, Testing and Manufacturing

UMaine is home to unique facilities and state-of-the-art equipment available to support companies throughout the state. Through this program, your company can access UMaine resources and experts to help with prototyping, testing, and manufacturing design assistance. UMaine’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, Food Pilot Plant, and Process Development Center are among the facilities available for project work. If you’re just getting started and aren’t sure who can help, connect with our intake coordinator to discuss your needs.

Entrepreneurs in Residence

Gain access to vetted executives who can provide guidance on short-term projects, help with business planning, and assist in bringing new products to market. Examples might include executive coaching resource planning, financial planning, product development, and building an effective team.

Market Match powered by I-Corps

Market Match (M²) is a six-week program focused on customer discovery and market development to guide companies through finding the best market entry point for their new products. You’ll receive weekly coaching and support for conducting interviews with customers and key stakeholders to help you validate their needs and ensure you deliver a product or service that will resonate. In addition, you’ll receive coaching to find additional funding for growth.

Connect with Student Talent

Does your business need help with projects that a student could support? We offer two programs that connect businesses with students trained in innovation for short- and longer-term projects. Black Bear Consulting Corps operates during the academic year, and Innovate for Maine operates during the summer months. Students can work on projects such as conducting market research and customer interviews or surveys, leverage their technical skills to design and build prototypes, support a range of marketing needs and much more.

How do I get started?

First, please complete our intake form. Once you have done so, our intake coordinator will route your request or contact you to set up an initial consultation.

Logo for the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan

 

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.