Betting on broccoli to boost Maine’s farming economy and food availability

(From Portland Press Herald) Harvesting Good, a new, out-of-the-box company whose stock is owned by parent company, Good Shepherd, made a huge investment in Maine's economy that resurrected a 5th generation Maine farm and processing plant. Harvesting Good aims to help address food insecurity. Last year, MTI provided the Yarmouth-based company with funding through its PRIME Ecosystem program. Read more »

Waldoboro eel grower American Unagi receives $1.5M investment

(From Mainebiz) American Unagi Inc., a startup that is the only U.S. producer and processor of American eel, recently received a $1.5 million investment from RuralWorks Partners LLC, to support the company’s growth. The development and success of the Waldoboro company has been made possible in part by MTI. Read more »

Sea Bags Scores with NFL Licensing Deal, Launches Recycled Totes and Accessories

(From SGB Media) Sea Bags recently announced an exclusive collection that is officially licensed by the National Football League (NFL). The newly launched products will showcase the logos for 11 NFL teams. Each item in the NFL-licensed collection is handcrafted in Maine using recycled sailcloth, highlighting the brand’s commitment to sustainability. MTI has provided the Portland-based company with ongoing support. Read more »

Holy Donut! Popular Maine donut shop announces new location

(From WMTW) The Holy Donut recently announced that it will be opening its 5th location -- this time in Brunswick. The company creates its signature potato donuts by utilizing par boiled potatoes in the dough. MTI provided The Holy Donut with funding to help build its manufacturing line and scale operations. Read more »

University of Maine sees success with 3D-printed, sustainable house

(From Mainebiz) Last year, the University of Maine created a first-in-the-nation bio-based neighborhood using 3D-printed houses. The prototype was equipped with sensors for thermal, environmental and structural monitoring. After months of leaving it outside and measuring every inch of the place, the project team has confirmed the 600-square-foot house is livable. MTI supported the design of the prototype. Read more »

Saco packaging manufacturer Tanbark gears up for growth

(From Mainebiz) MTI portfolio company, Tanbark Molded Fiber Products, is rapidly expanding and looks to double its staff in the coming year. The Saco-based startup offers an environmental solution to single-use plastic packaging, turning wood pulp and plant fiber into a liquid solution which is then molded into eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Read more »

Engineering Firm KPFF, in Partnership with WholeTrees Structures, wins NCSEA “Outstanding Structure of the Year” Structural Engineering Excellence Award for innovative two-story Children’s Museum of Eau Claire

(From businesswire) The National Council of Structural Engineers Associations awarded the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire the Outstanding Structure in the New Building under $30M category and the 2023 Outstanding Structure of the Year. The highly innovative building was a result of collaboration across multiple partners, including Wisconsin-based, Whole Trees Structures. MTI has supported Whole Trees with its project to repurpose and ramp-up a currently dormant Maine facility. Read more »

Women’s health startup with Maine roots raises $500K in angel funding

(From Mainebiz) Hey Freya recently raised $500,000 in an angel round of funding. The startup offers a range of women's wellness products and plans to use the capital to begin clinical trials and support ongoing research with partner Northeastern University. MTI has provided assistance to the Portland-based company via the Maine Entrepreneurial Resources Corps (MERC) program. Read more »