What is MERC?
MTI staff and E-Residents identified a need to provide short-term consulting services to Maine start-ups to address critical skill deficiencies on their teams. Though small businesses are eager to receive such services, many struggle to find competent consultants and resources to pay for projects. In response to these challenges, MTI developed the Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC) database.
The MERC database contains a list of vetted consultants in 40+ expertise categories. This information is used to match Maine start-ups with reliable, affordable consultants who will assist in developing short-term projects to address specific skill shortcomings.
MTI is committed to paying 50% of approved projects upon 14 days of project completion.
Interested in becoming a MERC consultant?
Interested in becoming a MERC client?
What Are The General Expertise Categories?
- Corporate Governance and Projects
- Engineering
- Financial Resources
- General Marketing Consulting
- Training
- Information Technology
- Legal Resources
- Manufacturing Consulting
- Human Resources
- Organizational Development Resources
- Sales Resources
- Grant Writing
- Custom Software Development
What Is An Ideal Project?
MERC projects are designed to be short-term, high-impact projects that will contribute to a company’s long-term growth plan. The ideal MERC project is…
- Consistent with the company’s VIRAL assessment
- Less than three months in duration
- Under $30,000 ($15,000 paid by MTI)
What Constitutes A Client?
MERC clients are typically Maine-based startups in need of expert assistance with short-term projects. These companies have under $2 million in annual revenue, are within Maine’s 7 Technology Sectors, meet MTI’s innovation requirements, and exhibit competent management. The MERC program is designed to strengthen and support companies that need an extra boost in specific areas of their team.
What Is A Quality Consultant?
Ensuring the quality and reliability of our consultant pool is key to the success of the MERC program. All consultants are asked to provide references and additional background information to guarantee a history of customer satisfaction and quality service. Upon project completion, MERC clients are asked to issue a consultant performance rating.
Who Should I Contact?
If you have questions or would like further information, please e-mail our MERC Coordinator, Emily Braley or call 207-481-7047.
Workshop Presentations
Below are links to resources from MTI and our partner organizations that provide more in-depth information about the MERC program.
MERC Introductory Workshop, June 20, 2022
Hosted by the Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE), MTI’s Lead E-Resident, Matt Hoffner and MERC Coordinator, Emily Braley presented an overview of the Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC) program.
Crafting Comprehensive Consulting Agreements Workshop, October 21, 2022
Co-hosted by MTI and the Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE), this interactive online workshop provided participants with a better understanding of well-drafted contracts, consulting agreements, and statements of work.