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)
Critérios de Financiamento
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
Ethical Digital Stewardship
A MTI tem sido um multiplicador dos esforços da nossa equipe. Seu financiamento e orientação foram fundamentais para nos ajudar a progredir da prova de conceito para o MVP e, consequentemente, para parcerias empresariais. Ao permanecermos firmes no Maine enquanto construímos para o mundo, estamos demonstrando que o impacto global não precisa ser feito às custas da conexão local. – Thomas Law,…
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Earth-Friendly Prefab Building Panels
Vemos um futuro em que os edifícios se regeneram em vez de se esgotarem; onde a construção é uma força para a restauração climática, a resiliência econômica e o bem-estar humano. – Equipe Croft Uma Revolução Pré-fabricada Enraizada nas Florestas e Campos do Maine Diante do déficit habitacional de 84.000 unidades no Maine, a Croft é pioneira em uma abordagem revolucionária para a construção que é ambientalmente regenerativa, econômica,…
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Advancing Sustainable Marine Protection
O suporte da MTI foi fundamental para nos ajudar a expandir as operações, contratar um consultor de vendas, conectar-nos com as principais partes interessadas do setor e desenvolver nossa estratégia de marketing e distribuição. –Bernard Hidier, Inovação e Desenvolvimento de Negócios Soluções pioneiras e ecológicas para proteção marinha O extenso litoral e a herança marítima do Maine fazem dele o ponto de partida perfeito para a Finsulate USA,…
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