Cultivator is a 12-month program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Applicants should be food, beverage, or agriculture companies who:

• Have a proven value-added product
• Have a scalable business model
• Are ready to grow and scale

Applicants should be value added food, beverage, or agriculture companies who have a proven sales history, have dedicated resources to sell out-of-state, are looking to secure more grocery and retail shelf space, and/or interested in growing foodservice distribution. Participants will be selected into the program based on their readiness to sell nationally. Key consideration factors will include: 

• Food safety and labeling requirements/compliance
• Current sales in the retail, grocery, e-commerce and/or foodservice sectors
• Understanding of product costs, profitability and capacity to do market development
• Dedicated sales personnel
• Compelling product value proposition and ability to scale to regional/national distribution

• Maine based company.
• Maine agriculture, aquaculture or fishery companies or companies that source from Maine agriculture, aquaculture, or fisheries.
• Companies that produce food and beverages for human consumption. At this time, we cannot consider cannabis or hemp businesses for the Tastemakers initiative. Preference will be given to companies making every day, healthy foods.
• Recipients of Tastemakers funds in 2023 are not eligible to apply for 2024 funding.
• Projects must be ‘shovel ready.’ All Tastemakers projects must be completed by 12/1/2024.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Participants meet virtually approximately every 3 weeks from January – June 2024.

• Senior or Emerging Leaders of a Maine-based company.
• Employ 5 or more employees.
• Have a growth mindset.

Applications are now open and the program is launching this fall. Fill out the Contact Us form or email the FoodTech Maine team to learn more: foodtech@mced.biz

Applicants should be Maine-based, growth-driven companies with a product or service that utilizes technology, innovation, or science to improve the food value chain. Possible applications include:

• Food Production & Harvest
• Agriculture Tech
• Food Processing & Value Add
• Food Safety & Traceability
• Sustainable Packaging
• Ingredient Supply
• Sales & Distribution
• Digital Products & Automation
• Next-Gen Food & Drink
• Consumer Apps & Services
• Surplus & Waste Management

Participants in the program are competitively selected scalable companies. Applicants are required to undergo an intense application process, followed by an in-depth interview. All ages and experience levels are welcome to apply.

• Businesses of any size, including startups, entrepreneurs, or pre-revenue founders, based outside of the United States with an interest in conducting business in the US.
• Someone who is unsure of the steps required to enter the US marketplace.
• Must be collaborative in nature, hardworking, and willing to spend the time necessary to leverage new relationships formed through the program.
• Have a commercially viable idea, product, or service.
• This program is open to all industries!
• Can be conducted in-person or remotely.

• Businesses of any size, including startups, entrepreneurs, or pre-revenue founders, based outside of the United States with an interest in conducting business in the US.
• Someone who is unsure of the steps required to enter the US marketplace..
• Must be collaborative in nature, hardworking, and willing to spend the time necessary to leverage new relationships formed through the program.
• Have a commercially viable idea, product, or service.
• This program is open to all industries!
• Can be conducted in-person or remotely.

• Applications open in March and close in April
• Recipients are announced at the end of April

Can I still apply if I’m getting paid for my internship, co-op, or apprenticeship?

• Yes. Applicants may be receiving alternate pay or stipends for their positions and will not disqualify them from consideration. We know that your summer income may need to cover a lot of areas and our goal is to support you to remove financial barriers to succeeding in your role.

Do I have to be from Maine or go to a Maine school to apply?

• No. Applicants do not need to be a student at a Maine-based university or a Maine resident to qualify. Any applicant must only be working for a Maine-based company this summer in an internship, apprenticeship, or co-op position.

I’m from Maine but I’m working out of state this summer. Can I apply?

• No. All applicants must be working for a Maine employer. Positions can be in-person, virtual, or hybrid.

When will I receive my stipend?

• Stipends will be awarded no later than July 1st following confirmation of your position acceptance and the successful start of your position at your employer.

What can I use my stipend for?

• Financial barriers come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Our goal is to help you remove what stands in your way. Housing and transportation have been the top two uses of the stipend funds however food, technological support/access, and tuition have also been listed as uses for the funds.

Am I responsible for payroll for a Pioneer hired through this program?

• Yes. Pioneers hired through this program are employees of your organization. Maine Career Catalyst is here to support you and advise, where appropriate.

How am I reimbursed for the wages of the Pioneer I hire?

• Educate Maine will provide a stipend to reimburse for the associated Pioneer wages paid throughout the summer. The subsidy stipend for Pioneers are as follows and accounts for a rate of $15 per hour:
  • 12 weeks (480 hours), $7,200
  • 10 weeks (400 hours), $6,000

When will I receive my stipend?

• Stipends will be awarded following the successful completion of the summer program. Invoices received by August 15 will be paid out no later than August 30, 2023. Invoices received after August 15, 2023 will be paid not later than September 30, 2023.

Am I responsible for the entire interview process and hiring decision?

• Yes. Pioneers will be selected by the host company through their own interview process. Maine Career Catalyst will serve to facilitate marketing open Aquaculture Pioneers positions through our networks for participating employers. MCC will share appropriate applicants to facilitate strong matches of talent to open positions. Should you want information or tools to create an effective interview process, please contact Kate Howell at kate@educatemaine.org.

I would love to have a Pioneer work in our office to help our company grow but it wouldn’t be an on-the-water position. Can I apply?

• Yes. There are many ways that these positions can give valuable experiences to Pioneers and grow the industry. Our requirement is that Pioneers be given meaningful assignments that grow their career and fulfill a need within your organization. Should you want information or support designing a strong project or job description for the Aquaculture Pioneers program, please contact Kate Howell at kate@educatemaine.org.

I have plans to hire interns or apprentices outside of this program. Am I still eligible to apply?

• Yes. We welcome all applications for employers interested in creating or expanding experiential learning programs in the aquaculture industry of Maine.

Do I have to be from Maine or go to a Maine school to apply?

• No. Applicants do not need to be a student at a Maine-based university or a Maine resident to qualify. Any applicant must only be ready and willing to work for a great Maine-based company this summer in an experiential learning position.

When will I receive my pay?

• Pioneers will not receive a stipend or pay from Educate Maine. All Pioneers are hired by the employer and will receive pay based on the employer pay schedule.

I’m interested in one specific company on the list. Can I apply to just that position?

• Sort of. In the application, you’ll see that you are asked to identify which positions interest you most and which areas/towns of the state you are available to work in this summer. Your answers shape which employers your application is shared with but we may identify additional employers that fit your criteria as we move through the matching process.

Am I guaranteed an interview and/or a position?

• Unfortunately, no. All hiring and interviewing decisions are at the discretion of the employer. We will work to make the best matches possible for our employers and applicants and hope that will result in strong interviews and offers for everyone involved.

What do I need to have ready to apply?

• Be prepared with your resume to upload along with your application. You’ll also need to have reviewed the available positions so you can accurately share which positions interest you most. Lastly, you will be asked to share a brief essay on your career aspirations and how a position through this program would help you achieve your goals.