With So Much Ahead of You,

Wouldn't It Be Nice

To Have a Little Something Extra Behind You?

Founded in 2013, Gorham Savings Bank’s LaunchPad celebrates and supports Maine ingenuity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. The process is simple and straightforward, and the benefits of participating are many.

2014 LAUNCHPAD WINNER, KATE MCALEER, FOUNDER, BIXBY & Co.

HOW LAUNCHPAD WORKS

The goal of Gorham Savings Bank's LaunchPad is to help Maine's early-stage businesses. So we keep the application process as simple and straightforward as possible. At Gorham Savings Bank, we believe that anyone who’s out there pursuing their own small business deserves recognition and support. As such, we want to give as many small businesses the chance to win as we possibly can.
July17

Application Opens

The online application for the 2023 competition opens on Monday, July 17. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for entrepreneurs to apply, so you can preview the application. Be sure to watch our “Before You Apply” video to learn more from the LaunchPad Judges themselves about what they look for in an application.

August24

Deadline to Apply

Applying to LaunchPad takes only an hour or two. No formal documentation is required, and you can create an account to start your application, then stop and save a draft to complete later. Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on August 24.

Application deadline: Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 5:00pm 

September29

Finalists Selected & Notified

A team of independent, experienced, successful entrepreneurs and business leaders will review every completed application against the judging criteria including viability, scalability, uniqueness, management and impact. Those selected to advance will be notified on or before Friday, September 29, 2023.

October17

Finalist Orientation

The $50,000 LaunchPad finalists will participate in a orientation with the LaunchPad team to prepare you for the live event. This includes an overview of the agenda and a review of requirements and best practices for your live pitch. Finalists will also arrive early on event day to walk-through the venue and know what to expect.

October24

Live Event

The $50,000 LaunchPad finalists will deliver a pitch to, and then field questions from, a panel of three independent, experienced, successful business leaders live in-person on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The no-strings-attached $50,000 LaunchPad grant and Emerging Business Award winners will both be announced at the conclusion of the event.

Evaluation Criteria

The judges will score the presentations on the following criteria

Official Rules

  • Viability
  • Scalability
  • Uniqueness
  • Management
  • Impact
  • Presentation

ELIGIBILITY

The application period for the 2023 competition starts on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 8:00am and ends on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 5:00pm. Legally registered, Maine-based businesses and/or legal residents of Maine age 18 or older can apply. Past LaunchPad applicants and finalists are also welcome to reapply. No formal business proposals or supporting documents are required. Selected finalists will deliver a live pitch in-person to a panel of judges on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The Emerging Business Award and $50,000 LaunchPad winners will be announced at the conclusion of the live event.