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Blitz 2026 Entrepreneurship Conference
Blitz 2026 brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, founders, makers, and ecosystem partners from across Maine for a day centered on sharing ideas, exchanging perspectives, and developing connections to deepen relationships across Maine’s entrepreneurial community.
- Wednesday, September 23
- 8:30am - 4:30pm EDT
- 250 Haskell Road Bangor, ME 04401 United States
Maine’s Entrepreneurs. One Day. Endless Connections.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Blitz 2026! Entrepreneurs, business leaders, founders, makers, and ecosystem partners came together for a day of learning, collaboration, and meaningful connections.
Centered on the theme of developing connections to deepen relationships in Maine’s startup ecosystem, this year’s conference brought people together to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and strengthen the relationships that help businesses grow.
We’re grateful to everyone who participated and helped make Blitz 2026 a memorable gathering for Maine’s entrepreneurial community.
Watch Clips of Blitz 2026
Revisit Blitz 2026 through the videos captured and shared from the event. Explore the people, perspectives, and moments that brought Maine’s entrepreneurial community together.
What You’ll Experience
Learn & Grow
Gain practical insights through workshops and discussions focused on the challenges, opportunities, and relationships that help Maine entrepreneurs succeed.
Connect & Collaborate
Meet founders, makers, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurial support organizations from across Maine’s startup ecosystem.
Build Your Network
Take advantage of networking breaks and an end-of-day reception to start meaningful conversations and build relationships that can last beyond the event.
Michael Duguay, Featured Keynote Speaker
Michael Duguay
Commissioner, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
We’re proud to welcome Michael Duguay as the keynote speaker for Blitz 2026.
Duguay has been part of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development since 1990 and most recently served as Vice President for Innovation and Executive Director of the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College in Waterville.
A native of Fairfield, Duguay has dedicated his career to economic and entrepreneurial development in Maine, serving in leadership roles with the Midcoast Council for Business Development, the City of Augusta, and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
His experience across Maine’s business and innovation landscape brings a unique perspective to this year’s conversation about building stronger connections within the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Lisa Liberatore, UpStart Maine Program Manager/Entrepreneur in Residence
Maine’s Startup Ecosystem Is Stronger When We Connect
Building a business doesn’t happen in isolation. The relationships entrepreneurs develop with mentors, partners, customers, investors, and fellow business owners can open doors to new ideas, resources, and opportunities.
Blitz 2026 is built around the idea that stronger connections lead to stronger businesses and a stronger entrepreneurial community across Maine.
“Maine’s startup ecosystem is thriving, and we’re showcasing that building connections in this space is vital to success.”
— Lisa Liberatore, Program Manager, UpStart Maine
From Kittery to Fort Kent and Eastport to Rangeley, Blitz brings Maine’s entrepreneurial community together to share knowledge, build relationships, and create opportunities for collaboration.
Get to Know Our Inspiring Speakers & Facilitators
Meet the leaders, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem experts who shared their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives at Blitz 2026, contributing to meaningful conversations and connections across Maine’s entrepreneurial community.
Michael Duguay
Sabina Hitchen
Ali Lane
Tanner Hanes
Terry Johnson
Matthew Lewis
Yellow Light Breen
Charlotte Mace
Heather Fogg
Jarod Mcbreairty
Dan McDonald
Lyndee Waldbauer
Abigail Naana Osei
Oyebanjo “Banjo” Ogunlela
Justin Dubois
Joe Powers
Chris Torina
Anik Derphilibossian
Blitz 2026 Sponsors
Blitz 2026 is made possible through the support of organizations committed to strengthening Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping businesses and entrepreneurs thrive.
Presenting Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Reception Sponsor
Community Partner Sponsors
In-Kind Partners
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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.