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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 95 Fact Book / Doing Business in Maine I N N OVAT I O N / R & D He has 15 years of experience in partnership development, program design and implementation, and non- profit management as the co-founder and former co-CEO of Valpo Surf Project, a youth mentorship and com- munity development organization in Valparaíso, Chile. He continues to drive the organization's growth as a member of its board of directors in the U.S. and Chile. Startup takes root e initial concept for Seascale and the Maine Scallop Pot started in August 2024 and was registered as an LLC with the state of Maine in September 2024, Steuber told Mainebiz. e base of operations is in omaston — in a barn with no heat or electricity and with offices in Walsh's living room and Steuber's kitchen. So far, each has invested about $2,000 in initial startup capital plus sweat equity working nights and weekends. Walsh and Steuber continue to work other jobs to pay the bills. Last fall, both were working at Pemaquid Oyster Co. in Damariscotta. e commutes and work- days "allowed ample time for discussing the design, implementation and business development for Seascale," said Steuber. e two continued to hatch plans while working for St. George carpenter and boatbuilder George Emery. Walsh continues to work on carpentry and boat projects while Steuber is work- ing as a stern man for fisherman Gerry Cushman out of Port Clyde. Financing "We are currently bootstrapping Seascale's operations through our own funds, generating some income through initial sales and pursuing some early grant funding," said Steuber. In addition to the founders' seed capital and Dirigo Lab's pitch awards, they've received mentorship and busi- ness education from Dirigo and its business accelerator program, support through in-kind consulting services and non-dilutive funding from others, including the Gulf of Maine Research Institute's Blue Tech Boost Incubator program, in which they participated last fall; Maine Technology Institute's Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps pro- gram and Maine Technology Institute's Business Innovation Funding. "We've also benefited from a variety of academic and nonprofit partners who have provided guidance and support in developing the company, includ- ing the Maine Aquaculture Innovation woodhullmaine.com SP ONSORED BY The Mainebiz 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes Forum brings together a panel of six Maine CEOs and leaders to each share 10 ideas that business executives can learn from. Covering everything from how to successfully run and operate a business, to effective ways to motivate and manage people, our panelists will discuss and expound on their secrets to success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone looking for inspiration, you'll walk away with 60 actionable ideas that can transform your career and life. MAINEBIZ.BIZ/60IN60PORTLAND REGISTER TODAY AT OCTOBER 8 7:30 –10:30A M / DOU B LETREE B Y H I LTON H OTEL, S OU TH PORTLAND C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »