Guiding Maine’s Outdoor Industry
What to Expect
The Compass Program is designed to provide training and networking to outdoor industry product, service, and retail companies seeking to expand their businesses.
Timeline
Compass is a 10-week program that includes 8 online learning sessions and culminates with an in person business showcase event (dependent on public health safety standards).
Program Topics
| State of the Outdoor industry – preparing your business to take advantage of the opportunity |
| Product Innovation and Development using design thinking |
| Online & Social Media Strategy |
| Funding Business Growth |
| Data -Driven Marketing |
| Sales Strategy and Tactics – Forecasting for Success |
| Scaling up of National and International Markets |
| BREAK – no session this week |
| Doing Good – Sustainability and Social Responsibility |
| Business Showcase – In Person Event – if public safety permits |
Peer Networking & Connections
Participants share and discuss their unique perspectives with peers facing similar challenges and issues, with a goal of brainstorming better ways to address and overcome the obstacles they face.
Maine Mentor Network
Participants will have access to MCE’s Maine Mentor Network (MMN) which is made up of over 200 seasoned entrepreneurs and business professionals from a range of industries (including outdoor industry specialties) with a variety of business experiences.
Showcase Event
In an effort to provide participants with visibility to the outdoor industry community and continue to make connections that are critical to growth, participants will have a chance to showcase their products and business to an audience of potential investors, business leaders, and journalists at the end of the program.
Membership Cost
Through the support of MCE’s generous partners and sponsors, we are able to offer this 10 week program at a reduced cost of $200 per company.
Results
From Millinocket to Lewiston (and everywhere in between), 19 Maine outdoor industry focused companies participated in our 2022 Compass program representing adventure, equipment, products and services designed to make the most of your experience in the great outdoors!
“The Compass program was an eye opening experience. Getting to hear the ups and downs of industry leaders’ experiences was really helpful for setting my bearings for my path forward. Thanks to Maine Center for Entrepreneurs and Maine Outdoor Brands for the opportunity! Great program, highly recommended!”
