Starting a new business is no easy feat, and many entrepreneurs face a variety of challenges when trying to get their ideas off the ground. One of the biggest hurdles that startups face is finding dependable and affordable consulting and technical assistance.
This is where the Maine Technology Institute's (MTI) Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC) comes in.
The MERC program provides a valuable resource for entrepreneurs who need expert guidance and support in their business ventures. There are so many benefits of the MERC program, how it works, and how entrepreneurs in Maine can take advantage of this valuable resource to help them achieve their business goals.
MERC is committed to helping Maine businesses access reliable and affordable technical assistance so they can grow and thrive. This mission is achieved by utilizing the MERC database, which is filled with vetted, Maine-based consultants who are committed to offering support and guidance to Maine businesses.
When a business or “client” approaches MERC with a challenge or opportunity that requires outside expertise, the MERC coordinator will:
MERC projects are intended to be short-term, high-impact projects that positively contribute to the client company’s productivity and growth. Projects must be scoped for less than three months and cannot exceed $30,000. Although MTI will offer a 1:1 grant match of up to $15,000, companies may distribute this funding over several projects.
For example: An eligible business could undertake three, $10,000 MERC projects, and MTI would contribute $5,000 to each, totaling $15,000!
Wondering who is eligible to participate?
To participate in MERC, both clients and consultants must meet certain requirements:
- For MERC clients, the program is open to Maine-based businesses with under $2 million in annual revenue.
- Clients must be within MTI’s seven technology sectors and bringing an innovation to market, or operating within one of the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development’s (DECD) “pandemic-impacted industries” and pursuing domestic markets (see DECD’s Domestic Trade Program for more details).
- To join the MERC database, consultants must be Maine-based and able to demonstrate a history of client satisfaction.
To learn more, please visit the MERC webpage or contact the MERC Coordinator, Emily Braley, directly at ebraley@mainetechnology.org or by calling 207-481-7047.