Developing connections to deepen relationships in Maine’s Startup Ecosystem
BANGOR –UpStart Maine’s Blitz Bangor Entrepreneurship Conference will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s theme focuses on developing relationships with partners in Maine’s startup ecosystem. Registration is now open via Eventbrite.
Blitz is a one-day event for entrepreneurs of all stages, partners in the business and venture capital realms, and those who are considering starting their own business. Attendees will attend workshop sessions, discussions and network with founders, makers and corporate entrepreneurs. Sessions include topics on building trust and advancing your reputation, what partners wish entrepreneurs understood earlier, and Maine’s competitive edge in the startup marketplace. Multiple networking breaks throughout the day serve as opportunities for attendees to expand their networks and ask questions of presenters and the day ends with a happy hour networking event.
The keynote address will be given by Michael Duguay, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Duguay has been part of the DECD since 1990, and recently served as the vice president for innovation and executive director of the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College in Waterville. A native of Fairfield, Duguay worked his way from executive director of the Midcoast Council for Business Development to director of economic development for the City of Augusta, and through the ranks at the DECD.
“Maine’s startup ecosystem is thriving, and we’re showcasing that building connections in this space is vital to success,” Lisa Liberatore, program manager at UpStart Maine, said. “From Kittery to Fort Kent and Eastport to Rangeley, entrepreneurs who find community report more collaboration and higher positive outcomes in their business. Blitz has proven to be an event where folks can develop these relationships.”
Included in your ticket are refreshments and light breakfast fare, a full lunch, and additional refreshments during the end-of-the-day networking session. Act now and get early bird pricing!
Sponsors for Blitz 2026 are Maine Technology Institute (Presenting sponsor), Silver sponsors Acadia Federal Credit Union, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Networking Reception sponsor Northern Maine Development Commission, Community sponsors the City of Bangor, Freeman & Company CPAs and in-kind sponsors Joy Sinclair Marketing and the Hilton Garden Inn Bangor.
The Blitz Bangor Area Entrepreneurship Conference has united entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners since 2018. This year’s conference will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 250 Haskell Road, Bangor. Registration is now open at https://upstartmaine.org/entrepreneurial-events/.
Direct ticket links Blitz Entrepreneurial Conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blitz-2026-tickets-1991059445399?aff=oddtdtcreator
UpStart Maine (www.upstartmaine.org) is an innovation hub in the Bangor region, dedicated to building a community that fuels entrepreneurship by connecting scalable ventures with resources, customers and each other. UpStart Maine supports entrepreneurs statewide with programs in the Bangor region, including Bangor Innovation Center, Bangor Region Top Gun, Big Gig pitch-off, Blitz Bangor, Foster Center for Innovation, MaineStream Finance, RIZE Coworking, Scratchpad Accelerator and UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship.