Stronger Together: The Power of Shared Spaces for Entrepreneurs

At UpStart Maine, our mission is simple: to connect entrepreneurs with the resources, spaces, and networks they need to thrive.

Entrepreneurship can be lonely—An Inc. magazine survey found that 50% of CEOs reported feeling lonely in their role, and the majority say they wish they had more peers to lean on. But when you work in a space surrounded by other entrepreneurs, the journey gets lighter, ideas flow faster, and solutions come easier.

Being part of a shared space means you can:

• Bounce ideas off like-minded peers.
• Build accountability through connections and informal check-ins.
• Collaborate and network with people who understand the challenges of starting and
  growing a business.
• Gain access to resources—from mentors to funders—that you won’t find working
  alone.

That’s why UpStart champions the spaces in our ecosystem that bring entrepreneurs together:

• Bangor Innovation Center (Bangor) – Flex and production space for businesses ready
  to take the next step.
• UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship (Orono) – Office and lab space with incubation
  services for high-growth startups.
• RIZE CoWorking (Bangor) – A collaborative space with multiple workspace options and
  supportive services.
• Union River Center for Innovation (Ellsworth) – An incubator in a hub for biosciences
  and high-potential startups.
• MainStreet Business Building (Machias) – A growing co-work facility offering startup
  services in rural Maine.

Each of these spaces is more than four walls—it’s a community. A place where ideas are tested, encouragement is given, and collaboration drives growth.

If you’re ready to explore which space fits your journey—or just want to talk about what you
need as an entrepreneur—reach out to Lisa at UpStart Maine. Let’s find the right connections
and community to help your business thrive.