Maine Center for Entrepreneurs Announces 2025 Top Gun Showcase Winner at the Maine Entrepreneurs Summit
(Portland, ME) On Friday, May 16th, six Maine start-up companies from across the state went before a panel of judges and offered their best pitches, hoping to win a $25,000 prize to help build their business. The Top Gun Showcase capped the Maine Entrepreneurs Summit, a day focused on learning, connecting and celebrating Maine’s entrepreneurs. This year’s finalists had five minutes to share their story in front of judges and a live and virtual audience of over 250 at Hannaford Hall at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.
Panelists Dan Walsh of Norway Savings Bank, Courtney Cossgrove of FocusMaine, and Nina Sheepers of the Maine Venture Fund judged pitches on scalability, feasibility, innovation, and presentation.
The winning company Peace House Studio was founded by Kate and Nick Bergmann and is a handmade, eco-friendly sustainable clothing company.
Competing pitchers included:
Great Wass Shellfish – Premium oyster growers
Lady Oyster Tours and Travel – Guided oyster farm tours and tastings
Buba OG – Frozen cookie dough company
Peace House Studio – Handmade, eco-friendly clothing
Haymay Creamery – Artisan cheesemaking company
Theater of Dice – Safe, inclusive role playing game adventures
“Today was a strong showcase of Maine’s entrepreneurial energy — a statewide celebration of innovation, bold ideas, and the determination that drives our future. From workshops and inspiring speakers to an exciting pitch competition, the day truly reflected the boundless entrepreneurial potential in our State. I am so proud of all our Top Gun companies.” remarked Laurie Johnson, Top Gun Program Manager.
The Top Gun Showcase is the culmination of a 15-week program for competitively selected entrepreneurs that combines mentoring with high-impact gatherings held across the state. Since 2009, the Maine Center for Entrepreneur’s Top Gun program has assisted over 400 entrepreneurs accelerate their businesses.
The $25,000 Top Gun prize is sponsored by the Maine Technology Institute. Maine Entrepreneurs Summit sponsors included: Norway Savings Bank, FocusMaine,
J. Edward Knight, Maine Community Bank and Starc Systems.
