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)

Shuruudaha maalgelinta
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
MTI waxa ay u noqotay wax badan dadaalka kooxdeena. Maalgelintooda iyo hagitaankoodu waxa ay fure u ahaayeen in ay naga caawiyaan in aan ka gudubno caddaynta fikradda una gudubno MVP una gudubno iskaashiga ganacsiga. Marka aad joogtid Maine inta aad dunida u dhisanayso, waxa aanu muujinaynaa in saamaynta caalamku aanay ahayn in ay ku timaado kharashka xidhiidhka maxaliga ah. – Thomas Law,…
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Earth-Friendly Prefab Building Panels
Waxaan aragnaa mustaqbal ay dhismayaashu dib u soo kabtaan halkii ay ka dhammaan lahaayeen; halkaas oo dhismuhu uu yahay xoogga soo celinta cimilada, adkeysiga dhaqaalaha, iyo fayo-qabka aadanaha. -Kooxda Croft Kacaanka Horudhaca ah ee Kacaanka Maine ee Kaymaha iyo Beeraha ee Maine Marka ay wajahdo yaraanta guriyeynta Maine ee 84,000 ka kooban, Croft waxa ay hormood u tahay hab kacaan ah oo dhismo ah kaas oo deegaan ahaan dib u soo kabanaya, kharash-ool ah,…
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Advancing Sustainable Marine Protection
Taageerada MTI waxa ay door muhiim ah ka ciyaartay in ay naga caawiso cabirka hawlaha, shaqaaleysiiso lataliye iibka, la xidhidhiyaha daneeyayaasha warshadaha muhiimka ah, iyo horumarinta istaraatijiyadayada suuqgeyneed iyo qaybinta. -Bernard Hidier, Hal-abuurka & Horumarinta Ganacsiga Horu-marinta Xalka Saaxiibtinimada leh ee Ilaalinta Badda ee Maine ee xeebta ballaaran iyo hidaha badda ayaa ka dhigaya meesha ugu fiican ee laga bilaabo Finsulate USA,…
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