Maine Center for Entrepreneurs Launches SmartLaunch Program to Guide Food & Beverage Innovators into Market-Ready Success

Photographed: Naomi Neville and Mark Ozimek

Announces Inaugural Cohort of Emerging CPG Brands

PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) is proud to announce the launch of its newest initiative: SmartLaunch for CPG, a targeted accelerator program designed to help emerging food and beverage companies strategically assess and prepare for successful product launches in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector.

This structured, data-informed program supports a select cohort of 10–12 early-stage brands in evaluating the market feasibility of their new products. Through access to Nielsen and SPINS Satori market data—resources often out of financial reach for small businesses—participants will work with experienced CPG mentors to uncover real-time insights into category trends, consumer demand, white space opportunities, and competitive dynamics.

“Launching new products is inherently risky. Small and mid-sized food brands often rely on gut instinct or personal preference when developing new products,” said Naomi Neville, Food Programs Manager at MCE. “SmartLaunch bridges that gap by providing a data-driven framework and expert guidance, ensuring these brands go to market with a clear strategy and a solid understanding of their category’s potential.”

MCE is also pleased to welcome Mark Ozimek as the new Independent Contractor leading the SmartLaunch for CPG program. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge to the role as a long-time business mentor with extensive experience in positioning, innovation, and go-to-market strategies. He has worked with leading brands including Tyson Foods, Sunny Delight Beverages, Airheads, Mentos, and Maine’s own Scott & Jon’s.

Introducing the Inaugural SmartLaunch Cohort

MCE is thrilled to welcome the first group of forward-thinking companies to participate in the SmartLaunch for CPG program:

• Batambang Bistro – Authentic Cambodian ready-to-cook meals
• Buba OG Cookies – Convenient frozen cookie dough balls in limited edition Maine flavors
• CHUH – Shelf stable matcha beverage
• Maine Canned Fish – Locally sourced tinned seafood
• Maine Garum – Maine green crab garum (fish sauce made from the invasive green crab)
• Maine Gravy – Plant-based Worcestershire sauce
• Mar Mar Noodle – Gluten-free glass noodles using Maine grown kelp
• Mousam Valley Mushrooms – Freeze dried and dehydrated mushrooms
• Seafood Mama – Frozen kids’ meals featuring local seafood
• The Fishermen’s Net – Shelf stable award-winning seafood sauce
• Union Bagel – Frozen sourdough bagels

Over the next several weeks, these brands will participate in a mix of workshops, one-on-one consultations, and curated market analysis sessions aimed at refining their product concept and defining the path to retail success.

“We’re super excited to be part of MCE’s Smart Launch program as we bring CHUH’s canned matcha to life online and on shelves here in Maine. As a newcomer to the CPG world, their deep retail insights and tight-knit network are exactly what we need to make a strong first splash.” Shares, Andrew Schundler, CHUH’s founder.

About the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs

Founded in 1997, the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) helps Maine’s most promising start-ups launch and grow through world-class mentoring, targeted curriculum, and a rich network of industry experts and business leaders. Our focus is to accelerate companies with scalable, innovative products and services, helping to build a thriving Maine economy.

Media Contact:

Elissa Pike English
elissa@mced.biz