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)

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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

Learn more about the MERC Application Process

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.