Celebrating Innovation with Scratchpad’s Fifth Cohort
Scratchpad Accelerator, based in Bangor, Maine, recently wrapped up its fifth cohort with a high-energy celebration at Startup Maine’s annual Maine Startup Week. The latest program focused on a rapidly growing sector in Maine—food innovation—and highlighted the incredible work being done by local, mission-driven entrepreneurs.
Each year, Scratchpad selects four companies with high-growth potential and gives them the tools, support, and visibility they need to accelerate their journey. This year was no different.
Meet the 2024 Cohort: Maine-Born, Mission-Driven
The fifth Scratchpad cohort featured four standout companies building bold solutions with a Maine-made twist:
Nauti Sisters – Yarmouth, ME
A woman-owned oyster farm producing premium oysters from the cold, clean waters of Casco Bay. Nauti Sisters also offers hands-on oyster farm tours and coastal charters, providing immersive, educational experiences for locals and tourists alike.
P3RD.Earth
Bringing together marine science and pulp and paper engineering, this innovative company is developing high-performance packaging that’s compostable, recyclable, and safe for marine life. It’s a smarter, cleaner future for Maine’s waters and beyond.
Singing Pastures
Makers of pasture-raised pork meat sticks, Singing Pastures offers products that are antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and ethically farmed. Their approach honors traditional farming methods and focuses on sustainability, animal welfare, and the health of rural communities.
Watermelon Pie
A social recipe-sharing platform helping home cooks collect, evolve, and share their most cherished recipes. It’s a tech-enabled tool that brings generations together through the love of food.
What Scratchpad Accelerator Offers Startups
Each Scratchpad cohort receives access to hands-on, high-impact support designed to prepare businesses for growth, fundraising, and market expansion:
- Weekly 1:1 Consulting
Focused sessions to work through real-world business challenges. - Mentor Network Access
Connections to successful entrepreneurs and subject matter experts across Maine and beyond. - Cohort-Based Financial Modeling
Group learning designed to build strong, flexible financial plans. - Monthly Workshops
Covering topics like PR strategy, debt financing, coachability, and pitch development. - Ecosystem Involvement
From media coverage to pitch events like Big Gig, Scratchpad companies become part of Maine’s dynamic entrepreneurial community.
A Proven Track Record Across Maine
Over the years, Scratchpad has worked with companies that are now well-established across the state. Past alumni include:
- CourseStorm
- Kinotek
- Coffee Hound
- Heiwa Tofu
- Marin Skincare
Each of these businesses has contributed to Maine’s growing innovation economy, showing how local support can lead to long-term success.
Looking Ahead: Scratchpad’s Next Chapter
Scratchpad plans to continue its work with another cohort in the future. If funding is successfully raised, the next program is expected in 2026.
In the meantime, Scratchpad continues to build Maine’s startup ecosystem, supporting founders who are ready to grow, raise capital, and scale strategically—while staying deeply connected to their roots.
Get Involved or Stay Connected
Are you a startup founder in Maine ready to take your business to the next level? Do you know someone who should be in the next Scratchpad cohort? Want to get involved as a mentor, supporter, or partner?
📍 Contact innovation@upstartmaine.org to learn more
🤝 Refer a friend, share this post, or follow our journey
Let’s grow the next generation of Maine companies—together.
If you have questions or need guidance, we’re here to help. Contact us at innovation@upstartmaine.org.
UpStart’s mission is to be the Bangor Region’s innovation hub that connects entrepreneurs statewide with resources to grow their businesses.
For more information on UpStart, contact innovation@upstartmaine.org