Top Gun Bangor Program
Upstart Maine’s Board of Directors is made up of visionary leaders and entrepreneurs dedicated to strengthening Maine’s startup ecosystem.
Upstart Maine Innovation Partners
INTRODUCING TOP GUN BANGOR
From Idea to Impact: How Top Gun is Transforming Maine's Startup Landscape
The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs’ flagship accelerator, Top Gun, is shaping the future of innovation across the state. Now in its 16th year, the program continues to help Maine founders transform bold ideas into thriving businesses.
The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE), in collaboration with The Upstart Center for Entrepreneurship and the Northern Maine Development Commission, has announced the 22 businesses selected for the Top Gun 2025 Class.
Since its launch in 2009 with just 12 companies, the program has supported over 370 entrepreneurs statewide, providing them with hands-on training, mentorship, and access to subject matter experts in finance, business strategy, and marketing. Participants were chosen through a competitive application and interview process, where each entrepreneur pitched their business vision.
Over the 15-week journey, founders will work closely with experienced mentors and peers, sharpening their skills and refining their growth strategies. This year’s cohort represents a diverse group of innovators, including Bangor-based ventures like Buba OG LLC (Jessie Muhlin), Bytesum Technologies (Austin Wickett), Chickadee Facilitation (Meg Hegemann), Haymay Creamery (Kate Turcotte), and Red Kettle Foods (Ger Liang Tysk).
For more information about the Top Gun 2025 Program, please contact Lisa Liberatore at lisa@poweroftransparency.com.
Meg Hegemann
Austin Wickett
Jessie Muhlin
Ger Liang Tysk
The Drew Baker Scholarschip
The Drew Baker Scholarship Fund, generously contributed by the Haverlock, Estey & Curran CPAs team in honor of Drew’s tenacious entrepreneurial spirit, is designed to support program applicants by helping alleviate the associated costs.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Drew Baker Scholarship Fund. Please conact Rebecca Jones at UpStart Maine innovation@upstartmaine.org.
A Huge Shoutout to our Incredible Top Gun Sponsors
Your unwavering support propels us forward, charting the course for success. Thank you for being the wind beneath our wings!
A Huge Shoutout to our Incredible Top Gun Sponsors
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.