MAINE STARTUP CHALLENGE

A statewide business plan competition for students and aspiring entrepreneurs across Maine.

THE MSC APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN!

Get started today with our Applicant Guide. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 1.

Join us to recognize the finalists at the MSC Showcase on May 20th at 4:30 PM.

WHAT IS THE MAINE STARTUP CHALLENGE?

The Maine Startup Challenge (“MSC”) is a statewide competition where students and aspiring entrepreneurs turn an idea (app, business or side hustle) into a one-page business plan and compete for cash prizes.

Ideas and early-stage concepts are welcome! No experience is required!

GET STARTED HERE:

Bring MSC to your classroom.

Application resources and how to apply.

OUR IMPACT ACROSS MAINE:

Since launching in 2022, MSC has worked to inspire entrepreneurial thinking at every age and support the next generation of innovative Maine founders.

300 ideas submitted
15 Maine counties participating
300+ attendees at Showcase
$50K of prize money awarded
4 years of Maine Startup Challenge

From Houlton to Kittery, MSC reaches students and entrepreneurs across the state.

PAST WINNER SPOTLIGHT

COMPETITION TIERS & CASH PRIZES

MSC has four entry tiers. Each tier awards a 1st Place and a Runner-up prize to the best ideas in each category.

Prizes by Tier:

- K-8: $1,000 (Runner-up: $500)
- High School: $1,500 (Runner-up: $500)
- College: $2,500 (Runner-up: $1,000)
- Open: $8,000 (Runner-up: $2,000)

Business plans are evaluated by a panel of Maine entrepreneurs and investors.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Classroom planning starts here.

Learn how to apply.

KEY DATES:

May 1: The deadline to submit an idea to the Maine Startup Challenge is Friday, May 1 at midnight.

May 20: The MSC Showcase will be held on Wednesday, May 20th at 4:30 PM at UMaine’s Maine Center in Portland.

We invite all applicants and community members to attend. Please RSVP here. Maine Startup Challenge is a part of Startup Maine Week this year, and you can see the full agenda here.