In-Person Workshop with EmergeCPG – Clarify + Communicate Your Value

If you’re mostly focused on product features and not sure how to connect with your audience—you’re not alone. This session will help you start shifting your messaging to reflect your leadership position and what your consumer actually values.

In this 90-minute workshop, we’ll explore:

• How to move beyond talking about features and price

• The kinds of pain-points your audience is navigating—and how your brand can provide solutions to their problems

• What makes your brand different—and how to begin saying it more clearly and confidently

• Messaging shifts that can help you engage the right people and build more connection

This is a working session—bring your Consumer Clarity Audit worksheet and be ready to apply what you’re learning in real time. You’ll leave with clearer direction, stronger ideas, and language you’re excited to keep building on.

***This session will last 1.5 hours with a networking reception beginning at 5:00PM***

Exciting Opportunity for Tech Business Leaders & Innovators! Join us on May 19th from 2pm - 4pm at the New England Ocean Cluster Building for a free viewing of the Montenegrin Technology and Startup Bridge (MTSB) IV Cohort pitch competition!

The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs has been assisting seven startups from the West Balkans through our first international Acceleration Program, in support of the Maine National Guard's mission there. The pitch competition is the final event of their five month virtual program. Local business leaders are invited to attend, watch the pitches, and network with the founders.

Where: New England Ocean Cluster Building, Portland, ME

When: May 19th | 2pm - 4pm

Light reception to follow

This is a unique chance to be part of an exciting international exchange of innovation, as these companies take major steps towards exploring market entry in the U.S. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with the next wave of global entrepreneurs!

Registration is open! Sign up to attend the pitch competition here: https://www.mced.biz/may19reg

Talk Like a Brand That Knows Its Worth—and Knows Its Consumer

If your messaging feels too vague, too product-focused, or just isn't landing—you’re not alone. Many early-stage brands struggle to clearly communicate what makes them valuable. This two-part workshop is designed to help you change that.

Step 1: Consumer Clarity Audit (45-minute virtual session, prior to the workshop) May 13th 12pm
Get out of your own head and into the mind of your consumer.

During this group call, you’ll be guided through a simple process to start uncovering insights you may be missing. We’ll talk through:

• What you’ve heard at markets, events, demos, and trade shows

• What feedback actually matters—and what to look for in it

• How to spot gaps, patterns, and signals that show what your audience really cares about

This step helps you gather the kind of input you need to sharpen your messaging. You’ll bring what you discover to the live session.

This program is for Food Accelerator companies. FMI, email Naomi Neville

Dive into the latest trends shaping the seafood industry with the Maine Seafood Market Report Webinar! Join us on April 16, 2025, for an exclusive look at Nielsen retail data covering 8 key Maine seafood species across U.S. census regions and emerging trends in seaweed products at retail. Discover how to analyze key data to uncover brand insights and set strategic goals in the top regions and metropolitan areas for seafood growth.

This is a webinar produced exclusively for Food Accelerator clients. Please contact Naomi Neville nneville@mced.biz to learn more!

MCE Food Accelerators Webinar Series Presents:

Scaling Success: Leveraging Hannaford's Local Program to Grow Your Brand

Tuesday, March 25th / 12:00 – 1:00 pm

• Are you curious about what it takes to navigate Hannaford’s Shop Local process?

• Do you want insider tips directly from Hannaford's team to help you maximize your growth potential?

• Looking for inspiration from real-life success stories of local brands who have achieved Hannaford central distribution?

Join the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs on March 25 at 12:00 PM for an exclusive webinar featuring Ivory Rieger from Hannaford's Shop Local program. Discover best practices for working with Hannaford, navigating the approval process, and unlocking growth potential. Case studies will showcase how Maine brands have leveraged this program to achieve central distribution and broaden their reach. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable strategies, interact with the Hannaford team, and elevate your business to the next level!

 This is a webinar produced exclusively for Food Accelerator clients. Please contact Naomi Neville nneville@mced.biz to learn more!