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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S S TA R T- U P S / E N T R E P R E N E U R S understand that, 'Why are you working as a housekeeper?' But it's basically doing what you have to do." Start-up synergies In addition to the innovation cen- ter's business services, collaboration between startups is important, the entrepreneurs agree. "You talk with other people who are trying to do the same thing," say LeDuc, whose day job is serving as a consultant for Eaton Peabody. "ey don't have to have your same experience, but it's important to support each other and learn from others. We do that regularly here. Everyone at the center knows everyone else and talks with everyone else, even the day-use folks who are there for co-working space." For example, GenoTyping Center's test tubes must be racked in a specific configuration for the incubation oven. e racks they had didn't supply adequate heat transfer. "We talked with Clyde and he said, 'Hey, I do 3D printing. I can make you the racks,'" says LeDuc. "It's all the tiny synergies that make all of us better," says Aaron Cox, brand manager for SteriPEN, maker of ultraviolet, handheld water purifiers. "Small businesses can't afford a mar- keting department and an accounting department and an IT department and all that. But I can speak with someone who says, 'Oh, I know the pitfalls of spending this kind of money on that kind of marketing technique.' Once we get to know each other, which is key, we're just willing to help each other." The next IDEXX Applicants must fit with the STEM mission, says Fitzpatrick. "en we have other relatively stan- dard evaluation criteria," Fitzpatrick says. "Do they have a good business plan, do they have a good product, is it innovative, is it scalable? Where do they plan to be in five years?" e incubator is itself a startup, so it's difficult to measure outcomes just yet. "We're a couple of years into its life cycle," he says. "Twenty years from now, hopefully, we can talk about suc- cessful companies that have spun out of it. What we hope comes out is the next IDEXX. at's shooting big. But if we can be a net importer of smart people with great ideas and a lot of energy, that's a good shot in the arm for the entire state." Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz Biddeford • Kennebunk • Scarborough • Waterboro biddefordsavings.com 207-284-5906 Business Banking Team: Left to Right: Cindy Convery, Ma-Li Guillerault, Doug Jones, Dan Colby, Laurie Warchol, Naomme Paris and Laura Warner. We have a strong commitment to small businesses. As your business partner, our goal is to understand your business and help you achieve your short and long-term goals. When you're ready for a dedicated team of local bankers who genuinely care about your financial well-being, we should talk. We understand the unique needs of running a business. After all, we're a local business, too. Helping you and your business on the path to prosperity. Entrepreneurship and Innovation are Deeply Rooted in the Maine Economy When starting a business, you have a lot to keep your eye on. Sometimes it's hard to see the opportunities and the risks clearly. That's where Drummond Woodsum attorneys Michael High, Aaron Pratt, Gary Vogel and Lisa Magnacca can help. We provide expertise in all phases of your business, from formation and nancing to strategic relationships and business combinations. It's important for start-ups and young companies to get the legal insight they need, so that they can focus on growing their business. We offer practical, business-focused advice and have shepherded many companies from formation through ultimate sale and liquidity for founders. We practice law differently. Since 1965. dwmlaw.com | 800.727.1941

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