When you live and build a business in Maine, one truth becomes clear fast: community matters.
For James Beaupre, co-founder of Devil’s Half Acre Distillery in Bangor, Maine, community wasn’t just support — it became the fuel that helped him scale his business, expand across state lines, and discover new opportunities he never imagined.
Today, his award-winning distillery is celebrating five strong years of growth. But behind the scenes? That momentum started with courage, connection, and one life-changing pitch.
This is the story of how one local entrepreneur used UpStart Maine’s Big Gig to unlock growth — and why your next step could start the same way.
From Small Start to a Growing Maine Brand
Born in Madawaska and a proud University of Maine alum, James launched Devil’s Half Acre Distillery during the height of the pandemic.
Their first product hit shelves in December 2020… and it hasn’t slowed down since.
Today, their spirits are sold not only in Maine, but throughout New Hampshire — a leapsupported by:
- Smart, strategic growth
- Strong regional partnerships
- Community guidance
- And the courage to put himself out there
One of the biggest turning points came in Fall 2022, when James stepped onto the Big Gig stage.
And won.
What Exactly Is Big Gig?
Big Gig, powered by UpStart Maine, is a high-energy pitch competition for innovators, founders, and big thinkers across Maine.
Participants deliver a 5-minute pitch, receive immediate insight from expert judges, and compete for:
- $500 semi-final prize
- $5,000 grand prize
- Valuable exposure
- Strategic feedback
- Media visibility
- Regional relationships
But for most founders?
The connections are the real win.
How Big Gig Helped Devil’s Half Acre Distillery Scale
When James won the Big Gig Finale, that $5,000 wasn’t symbolic…
…it was catalytic.
The prize money funded equipment that doubled distilling throughput, allowing them to:
- Increase production capacity
- Meet growing demand
- Expand their distribution footprint
- Position for multi-state reach
But that was just the beginning.
Through Big Gig, James gained:
- A new banking relationship
- A network of supporters and advisors
- Increased regional visibility
- The Bangor Innovation Award
- Research partners at the University of Maine
- Interns to support scaling operations
Big Gig didn’t just open a door.
It opened dozens of doors.
Why Big Gig Drives Real Growth Across Maine
Big Gig is designed specifically for entrepreneurs who need:
✔ Investment
✔ Validation
✔ Guidance
✔ Visibility
✔ Community
✔ Encouragement
It provides structure, connection, and confidence — the three things that move great ideas into real-world action.
If you’re building in Bangor, Orono, Brewer, Madawaska, Portland, or anywhere in Maine…
This is where momentum starts.
“Warm Smiles, Open Arms”
James now serves on the UpStart Board, offering his lived experience to help Maine’s next generation of doers, makers, and innovators.
His advice?
“Networking is huge. Plug into UpStart. Attend or participate in Big Gig. You never know where one conversation can take you.”
He adds:
“Learn to tell your story — it matters.”
For many founders, that first supportive room is the difference between hesitation and action.
And UpStart Maine works hard to make sure you never walk in feeling alone.
Is Big Gig Your Turning Point?
If James’s journey sparks something in you…
Trust that feeling.
Whether you’re:
- Building an idea stage startup
- Growing a local business
- Expanding a regional brand
- Seeking mentorship
- Exploring investment pathways
- Searching for community
You are exactly who Big Gig is built for.
And your next introduction might change everything.
Take Your Next Step Today
If you’re ready to explore support, meet new partners, or learn more about Big Gig in Bangor, Maine and across the region…
Start here.
📩 Email: innovation@upstartmaine.org
Attn: Lisa Liberatore, Program Manager, UpStart Maine
📍 Bangor, ME
Or check out Devil’s Half Acre Distillery — and taste the results of smart growth:
👉 thedevilshalfacredistillery.com
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