Dirigo Labs Announces Applications Are Open
Dirigo Labs Announces Applications Are Open for Fourth Cohort and Virtual Financial Modeling Program, Featuring New Curriculum and Extended Program Length
Waterville, ME – 12/11/2024 – Dirigo Labs is now accepting applications for its 2025 accelerator cohort, unveiling a revamped 12-week curriculum designed to prepare startups for scalable growth and investment. Alongside the accelerator, applications are also open for the Virtual Financial Modeling Program, which will commence on February 3, 2025, providing entrepreneurs with foundational financial skills critical for building and scaling their businesses.
This year, Dirigo Labs will offer additional targeted resources for cleantech, biotech, and forest products startups while strengthening its focus on investor readiness and capital strategy. Dirigo Labs will also feature a standalone financial modeling series prior to the main accelerator, providing entrepreneurs with essential financial foundations.
As Maine’s federally designated hub for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant support and host of the newly launched SBIR Resource Center, Dirigo Labs is uniquely equipped to support startups interested in pursuing federal funding. The accelerator's 2025 curriculum includes specialized guidance for navigating public grants and contracts, particularly for technology and R&D-driven ventures.
"Our 2025 cohort will benefit from an enhanced program that bridges knowledge gaps and accelerates growth for Maine's innovation-based startups," says Dirigo Labs Managing Director Susan Ruhlin. "With expanded investor-readiness training and focused resources for cleantech, biotech, and forest products, we aim to provide startups with both the tools and the confidence to scale their businesses and secure the funding they need to thrive."
The main accelerator program begins in March 2025, following the Virtual Financial Modeling Program, which kicks off on February 3. Entrepreneurs interested in joining the cohort or the financial modeling program are encouraged to apply at the Dirigo Labs website.
Participants will attend weekly workshops, one-on-one advisory sessions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. This year's curriculum emphasizes capital strategy, pitch preparation, and customer acquisition alongside market-driven support tailored to participating industries.
“Investor readiness is often a missing piece for startups entering competitive markets,” adds Emalee Hall, Dirigo Labs Assistant Director of Innovation Program and Partnerships. “Our 2025 program is designed to demystify the investment process, pairing founders with expert guidance in everything from financial modeling to pitch refinement.”
About Dirigo Labs:
Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine, with a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies. Operating under the Central Maine Growth Council, Dirigo Labs connects startups with people, resources, and organizations to ensure their success. The accelerator is supported by a diverse coalition of organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms dedicated to fostering business development and job creation.
For more information, please visit www.dirigolabs.org.