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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 11 A P R I L 2 , 2 0 1 8 Gorham Savings readies Launchpad for another season B y M a u r e e n M i l l i k e n G orham Savings Bank's Launchpad program was started six years ago as a way for the bank to help startups who aren't in a position to get traditional bank fi nancing. The program "really puts the spotlight" on the state's entrepreneurs and startups, says Caitlin Ouellette, market- ing specialist at the bank. "[It was started] because we see so many come in the doors who have an access-to-capital issue," she says. "We believe in what they're doing and we want to be there for them." The bank gets about 150 applicants for the program, which offers a $50,000 grand prize and, beginning this year, an emerging ideas prize that includes a $10,000 grant and $10,000 of in-kind services. The deadline for applying is April 15, and applications may be done in writing or by video. Five fi nalists are chosen to pitch before a panel of judges on June 5. The emerging ideas winner will be picked from those who aren't among the fi ve fi nalists. Kim Donnelly, director of business banking, says that applicants should also keep in mind that the panel of judges is looking at all the applications, and while each one doesn't get feedback, it may draw attention despite the fact they don't win. She says the more information an applicant provides, the more it will help them, even if it's not in the contest. She also says any of the applicants are welcome to meet with a lender at Gorham Savings to discuss how to proceed with a business plan and ultimately be in a posi- tion to move their business forward. B I Z M O N E Y MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER Growing a business? TALK TO A NEIGHBOR. 1-800-447-4559 | bathsavings.com You had the vision to build something meaningful in the community. We have the experience to help it grow. Custom lending solutions are here for you — and so are we. Let's talk. Rob Tod Founder, Allagash Brewing Company Mara Pennell Vice President, Commercial Lending For more information on Gorham Savings Bank's Launchpad program, and to apply, go to https://launchpad.gorhamsavingsbank.com @ [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] [Launchpad was started] because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many because we see so many come in the doors who have an access-to-capital issue. — Caitlin Ouellette Gorham Savings Bank U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King said that the city of Bath re- ceived a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development as well as a $6.5 million Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan to improve its wastewater manage- ment system and begin a series of immediate upgrades. Ecocor LLC, a home builder in Searsmont, launched an enhanced website to assist customers interest- ed in building to Passive House stan- dard understand the high-performance, green-building technology. Waterfront Concerts seeks permanent venue Waterfront Concerts promoter Alex Gray is seeking a long-term lease extension on city-owned land in order to build a permanent open-air venue. Gray presented the plan to offi cials at the Bangor City Council's N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N

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