Discover Upstart Maine
Upstart Maine connects entrepreneurs, mentors, and community partners to spark innovation, build momentum, and fuel growth.
Upstart Maine Innovation Partners
INTRODUCING UPSTART MAINE
Igniting Entrepreneurship in Maine
Upstart Maine is a coalition of programs and partners dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage. Through events, mentorship, and community connections, we help founders turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.
Meet Our Program manager: Lisa Liberatore
At UpStart Maine, we know innovation starts with people, not just pitch decks—and Lisa Liberatore has been proving that for years. As co-founder of CoVort, Bangor’s first coworking space, Lisa built more than a workspace; she built a community where entrepreneurs, remote workers, and side hustlers could connect, collaborate, and grow. Her ability to spark authentic connections has helped launch ventures, strengthen resilience, and shape Bangor’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
When the pandemic brought change, Lisa leaned into new opportunities, transitioning into real estate while passing CoVort’s legacy to the next generation. Today, her impact lives on through Rize CoWorking & Collaboration and her ongoing work supporting people and possibilities in Bangor. Lisa’s journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship is never a solo act—it thrives on connection and community.
Ready to experience the power of connection? Connect with Lisa Liberatore and discover how Upstart Maine is fueling innovation, collaboration, and growth across our entrepreneurial community.
Mission & Vision That Drive Us
Guiding Entrepreneurs, Building Community
Our Mission
Upstart Maine empowers entrepreneurs by fostering meaningful connections, vital resources, and growth opportunities. We’re building a collaborative, resilient ecosystem where innovation thrives, businesses succeed, and Maine’s economy grows stronger every day.
Our Vision
Upstart Maine envisions a future where every entrepreneur in our region has the community, resources, and support needed to turn ideas into lasting impact. We strive to make Maine a recognized hub of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial success.
EXPLORE UPSTART PROGRAMS
Upstart Programs
UpStart’s Mission: UpStart Maine is the Bangor Region’s innovation hub that connects entrepreneurs statewide to resources to grow their businesses.
Top Gun is a 15-week program that combines hands-on mentoring with high-impact weekly gatherings. The program runs annually from January to May, with the application process starting in late Fall of the year prior.
MaineStream Finance is a non-profit organization dedicated to economic development in Central and Mid-Coast Maine by providing advisory and financial services that are often unavailable from traditional financial institutions.
Located in the heart of Bangor, ME, CoVort is a shared space designed to bring people together. Our community is made up of entrepreneurs, small business owners, remote workers and creatives, all working together under one roof. We provide dynamic physical spaces (and occasionally snacks!) in which members and guests can share skills, support one another and thrive.
Scratchpad Accelerator’s mission is to provide full-time support to help female-founded companies scale quickly while building a vibrant mentor network and increased visibility among investors; in Maine and across the country.
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 with local innovators and entrepreneurs since 2012 to create a supportive network and to bring positive change and economic growth to our communities.
At the UpStart Center, tenants have access to conference rooms, high speed, fiber optic internet, and community space. The incubator provides coaching services and support to entrepreneurs in order to build competitve, market-oriented companies. In the most recent year, incubator companies raised more than $10 million in grants, investments, and earnings.
The Bangor Innovation Center is a business “incubator” designed to support small businesses during their start-up and early growth stages. Operated since 1979 by the BanAir Corporation on behalf of the City of Bangor.
The Foster Center for Innovation is the hub of innovation-focused activities at the University of Maine
The base for UMaine programs and services that support entrepreneurship, business development and commercialization of university research, the center offers academic courses in innovation open to both undergraduate and graduate students and is home to a student business incubator.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out today and Lisa will personally connect with you to provide the guidance and support you need.