FocusMaine - Our Approach

The Challenges

Maine needs to add at least 62,000 people to its workforce by 2029

We must attract and grow high-growth, globally competitive businesses to transform our economy
Between 2000 and 2022, Maine’s manufacturing sector suffered a total job loss of almost 27,000 jobs , representing a 33% decline

Our entrepreneurs need mentors, market access and capital to scale their businesses
Of Maine businesses, 99.2% are small businesses, accounting for more than half of the state’s workforce, 56.5%

FocusMaine’s Unique Approach

Dedicated to Maine’s highest potential sectors
High potential for accelerated job growth because they serve a growing global market
Are uniquely based on Maine assets so that they cannot relocate to another region
Provide jobs that create goods or services for export from the state of Maine, bringing new private dollars into Maine’s local economies
A neutral coordinator and facilitator among organizations
Led by an experienced and knowledgeable board of private sector leaders
Nimble and responsive to evolving sector needs and opportunities

Selecting Maine's Highest Potential Sectors

In April 2015, FocusMaine hired a global consulting company to conduct an in-depth analysis of global trends and market opportunities, Maine’s competitive advantages related to those opportunities, and on-the-ground perspectives from Maine business leaders, economic thought leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers — the result: a focus on two globally competitive, high-growth industry sectors, Maine’s food economy and Maine’s bioeconomy, and building the workforce talent and skills needed for these sectors, as well as cross-cutting sectors

Growing Opportunity for Innovation

Life Sciences companies are already thriving in Maine. Here, you’re close enough to be able to take a scenic drive to Boston without the burden of big city expenses and distractions. It’s the perfect ecosystem for innovation.

Global Trends

Onshoring trend to bring manufacturing closer to R&D
500+ biopharma companies exist in Boston/Cambridge alone
Growth in Boston bioscience requires 12,000-22,000 new jobs in next 12-18 months
35% of all biotech IPOs in 2018 were MA-based companies

Maines’s Advantages

Lower business costs
An abundance of affordable land and resources
Favorable business incentives
Close proximity to Boston
A robust talent pool supported by 20+ colleges and universities in Maine offering life sciences degrees

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Maine Food

Whether the food is cultivated in soil or the ocean, the “Made in Maine” brand means more than just a product’s origin.

Thanks to Maine’s reputation for clean air, pure water, and hard-working people, “Made in Maine” means instant credibility in the hearts and minds of trust-seeking consumers throughout New England and beyond.

Global Trends

Rising demand for locally sourced, responsibly cultivated food products
A new generation of farmers who are embracing the farm-to-table movement
Rising need for secure local food supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic

Maine’s Advantages

Abundant water resources
Affordable land
Proximity to some of the largest U.S. cities
8,000 farms and 1.5 million acres of farmland already fueling the region’s food economy

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Transforming Maine into a hub for top talent

Our goals for Maine require a workforce with the skills and experience to contribute to their employers right away, respond to change, and advance to expanded roles. We’re building bridges between Maine’s businesses and Maine’s colleges and universities to cultivate a hub for top talent.

Global Trends

Career paths that help combat the effects of climate change
The rise of AI and its effects on the workforce and the knowledge economy
The rise of remote work has enabled stronger national and international connections and collaborations within and across organizations

Maine’s Advantages

Quality of life:
- Low crime rates
- Abundant natural beauty and access to outdoor recreation
- Nationally recognized food & restaurant scene
- Minimal traffic/congestion compared to major metro areas
A strong culture of collaboration
World-class colleges and universities
Nationally ranked K-12 public schools
Top-tier healthcare

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Contact Us

We are available for meetings by appointment at our Portland office in The Hús, located at 68 Commercial Street. We are a hybrid organization that works statewide.