January 2024 Edition
Innovation
Sponsored by Central Maine Motors Auto Group
January ’24 Speaker Series: Visible Logic’s Branding Compass - Helping Brands Clarify and Communicate Their Message
January 11 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. |
Bricks Coworking, Hathaway Creative Center, Waterville

Join Emily Brackett, President of Visible Logic, as she explores Branding Compass—a self-guided platform designed to empower entrepreneurs with expert guidance, valuable suggestions, and clear instructions to elevate the image of their business.
Thu, Jan 11, 2024 5:30 PM EST
January Speaker Series - Visible Logic’s Branding Compass
Bricks Coworking and Innovation Space, Waterville
Emalee Hall, Dirigo Labs' Program Manager, recently traveled to Maryland to attend the SBA SBIR/STTR Innovation Conference. Here is a recap of her experience!

Tell us a little about the conference and why you attended:

Attending the SBA SBIR/STTR Innovation Conference was a fantastic opportunity for me to delve deeper into the world of Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The chance to engage with program managers from various agencies directly and gain insights into their perspectives was invaluable. The conference provided a platform to network with other individuals and organizations offering entrepreneurial support services. Learning more about these support services was crucial for me, as it provided key insights into how we can best support entrepreneurs looking to apply to the SBIR/STTR program.

I also found it particularly exciting that the conference was combined with the TechConnect Defense conference. This combination allowed me to explore innovative ideas not only within the context of SBIR/STTR but also in the broader landscape of defense technology. The intersection of these two conferences created a unique environment for cross-pollination of ideas and opportunities.

How did the conference inform your perspective to provide support to entrepreneurs looking to pursue funding, and what are some things potential SBIR applicants should know about SBIR/STTR funding?

One of the key takeaways was recognizing the unique nuances among different government agencies. Each agency has its own set of best practices, publishing methods for topics, and varying amounts granted. Discerning these differences is crucial for tailoring application strategies to align with the specific requirements of each agency. Another eye-opener was the emphasis on the broad categories for funding and the potential for collaboration among government agencies. The idea that a single technology could span across multiple agencies’ interests was intriguing. This underscores the importance of exploring collaborative opportunities and thinking beyond siloed approaches to maximize the impact of innovations.

The conference shed light on the integral components of successful funding applications, including the demonstrating need in the market and outlining the risk of failure that accompanies all innovative technologies, a unique aspect of this funding program. It was interesting to learn that the USDA, for instance, is open to funding innovative business models, showcasing the diversity of opportunities available. The taxation aspect of SBIR/STTR was also a notable point, emphasizing the importance of comprehending financial implications. Knowing that Phase I focuses on derisking and research, while Phase II is geared towards commercialization, provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs to navigate the different stages of the funding process.

How will this information inform Dirigo Labs curriculum?

The information gathered at the SBA SBIR/STTR Innovation Conference is incredibly valuable for shaping the Dirigo Labs curriculum and providing our cohort members with a comprehensive understanding of the funding landscape. One of the first key elements we'll be addressing is eligibility for applying. By clearly defining the criteria and requirements, we aim to guide entrepreneurs in assessing whether they meet the necessary qualifications for the SBIR/STTR programs. We'll also be delving into the specificities of agencies like USDA and DOD, helping cohort members tailor their projects to align with the unique priorities and goals of each agency. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of successful applications and maximizes the impact of their innovations.

To further enrich our curriculum, we're exploring the possibility of running workshops in collaboration with organizations like the Maine Technology Institute (MTI). These workshops will provide hands-on guidance, practical tips, and real-world examples to enhance the learning experience for our cohort members. Additionally, we are considering hosting specific workshops tailored to the unique requirements of agencies such as USDA, ensuring our entrepreneurs are well-prepared for success. It's exciting to note that we’ve seen keen interest within our past and future cohorts, with six members of our preview cohort expressing their intent to apply. This positive response reaffirms the relevance of incorporating SBIR/STTR insights into our curriculum, and we're eager to support our entrepreneurs in navigating the application process and unlocking funding opportunities that align with their innovative ventures.
Virtual Speaker Series Recordings
Dirigo Speaker Series conversations have been made available for viewing anytime. You can watch recordings of past conversations on our YouTube Channel.
New Business Grants
Business Investment
Top Stories of December 2023
Contact: Don Plourde
207-861-2462
dplourde@cbplourde.com
Central Maine Real Estate Spotlight
Featured Commercial Property:
Building Size: 4,291 sq. ft.
Lease Rate: $10/sq.ft. (annual)
Context: 
  • Elevator Access
  • Ample Office & Conference Room Space
  • Access from Main Street & Concourse
Quality of Life
Sponsored by MaineGeneral Health
It’s been just over 10 years since the opening of the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta. Just after that accomplishment, MaineGeneral completed renovation of the Thayer Center of Health to be the most comprehensive outpatient center in Maine with a 24/7 Emergency Department. Look back at these accomplishments and more on our special 10th Anniversary Web Page at https://www.mainegeneral.org/10years.
Workforce Investment
Workforce Training & Professional Development: 
Maine Community College System Announces Historic Investment in Workforce Training
Advance your own skillset or train your workforce with program options from KVCC. We have grants available to reduce (or sometimes eliminate) the cost for these training courses. KVCC provides training in trades, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, and more. For more information on our training programs visit us at www.kvcc.me.edu/workforce. KVCC also offers a variety of training programs free and open to the public: https://www.kvcc.me.edu/workforce/training/ 

To learn more about custom training options, please contact Elizabeth Fortin at 207.453.5858 or by email at workforce@kvcc.me.edu to take advantage of this incredible opportunity for free or low-cost training. 
Coworking & Collaboration
Stay connected with CMGC:
If you are an investor in CMGC and would like to submit content to
CMGC Intelligence, simply reply to this email.