What would you do for a chance at $100,000? For entrepreneurs and startups in Maine, it could be as easy as uploading a video.
A TV program called Greenlight Maine is now in the works, Portland Media Group announced recently. Maine entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to send in their three-minute pitch to potentially become one of 26 potential companies featured on the show.
Don Gooding, executive director of the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development, described the show as a “kindler, gentler Shark Tank.”
Each 30-minute episode will feature two companies and a three-person panel of judges. Both companies will pitch and then have the opportunity to speak with the judges. Judges will be entrepreneurs, professionals from the business community and service providers. At the end of each show, one winner will be selected by the panel.
After the initial 13 weeks of the show, the 26 companies chosen will be paired down to 13. The next 13 weeks will then be focused on the 13 finalists fielding questions from the business community and others, and will culminate in an overall winner.
Their prize: $100,000 and potentially more from crowdfunding.
Filming begins in June, and the show will start to air on WCSH6 and WLBZ2 come September 12, following the show Bill Green’s Maine.
“As small business owners ourselves, we are excited to pay it forward and pave the way for a new chapter of business to tap into the awareness, insights, mentoring and financial resources Greenlight Maine brings to the table,” said Brian Corcoran, Portland Media Group partner and Shamrock Sports & Entertainment founder.
Greenlight Maine has partnered with Gooding, Maine Start-up and Create Week founder Jess Knox, and Blackstone Accelerates Growth to lead the process of selecting the prospective companies.
Casting calls begin today (June 5) statewide. Potential applicants should visit GreenlightMaine.com for initial registration.