Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC)
Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC) Helps Entrepreneurs Get Expert Consulting
Consulting and technical assistance are vital to businesses, especially those just starting out. Although many startups are eager to enlist the help of experienced consultants, it can be challenging to find assistance that is both dependable and within budget. To help overcome these two challenges, MTI offers the Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC).
MERC maintains a database of vetted, Maine-based consultants to facilitate short-term projects (three months or less) with eligible businesses. If a business submits a project that is approved by MTI, MERC covers 50% of the project fee, up to $20,000.
What Kind of Expert Consulting Can MERC Provide?
Our most popular projects fall into the following categories:
- Marketing
- Financial
- Legal
- Custom Software Development
If you don’t see your need on the list, don’t worry! MERC can provide a range of business support. If you have a need that can be addressed by a third party, we can likely turn it into a MERC project. Reach out to the MERC Coordinator to learn more.
Funding Structure
Types of Funding
Grants
Typical Funding Amount
Half of the project fee, up to $20,000 (cumulative accross all MERC projects)
Funding Criteria
Your organization or project must meet the following criteria to be eligible for MERC.
- Under $5 million in annual revenue
- You must be a Maine-based organization
- Your innovation must fall within one of the seven targeted technology sectors
- Your organization must have an innovation
- Your innovation must enable your organization to create additional Economic Impact in Maine
- You must have access to matching funds
How to Apply
Step 1: Fill out the interest form
Step 2: Meet with the MERC coordinator
Step 3: Application
Step 4: Choose your consultant
Step 5: Scope of Work
Curious About How AI Can Support Your Business?
MERC AI helps Maine businesses build foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence through free access to Coursera’s GenAI course catalog. Learn how AI can enhance your operations, from marketing and customer service to workflow and finance. Click below to see if you’re eligible to join and how to apply.
Are You Interested in Becoming a MERC Consultant?
Joining our MERC consultant database is a great way to connect with a potential pool of clients while supporting Maine entrepreneurs. Click the button below to find out if you’re eligible to be a MERC consultant and how to apply.
MERC Innovator Spotlights
Earth-Friendly Prefab Building Panels
MTI has been a multiplier for our team’s efforts. Their funding and guidance were key in helping us progress from proof-of-concept to MVP to enterprise partnerships. By staying grounded in Maine while building for the world, we’re demonstrating that global impact doesn’t have to come at the expense of local connection. –Thomas Law,…
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Earth-Friendly Prefab Building Panels
We see a future where buildings regenerate rather than deplete; where construction is a force for climate restoration, economic resilience, and human well-being. –Croft Team A Prefab Revolution Rooted in Maine’s Forests and Fields In the face of Maine’s 84,000-unit housing deficit, Croft is pioneering a revolutionary approach to construction that’s environmentally regenerative, cost-effective,…
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Advancing Sustainable Marine Protection
MTI’s support played a key role in helping us scale operations, hire a sales consultant, connect with key industry stakeholders, and develop our marketing and distribution strategy. –Bernard Hidier, Innovation & Business Development Pioneering Eco-Friendly Solutions for Marine Protection Maine’s extensive coastline and maritime heritage make it the perfect launching point for Finsulate USA,…
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