(Portland, ME) The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) along with its partners, The Upstart Center for
Entrepreneurship, and the Northern Maine Development Commission announced today the 22 businesses
selected for the Top Gun 2025 Class. Beginning in 2009 with 12 companies, the Top Gun Program has proudly
worked with over 370 Maine entrepreneurs across the state to launch and grow their startups.
The competitive selection process included completing an online application and pitching their business at an
interview. Over the course of the 15-week program, staff and mentors will guide participants through the
“hands-on” training and group learning exercises taught by subject matter experts in finance, business and
marketing.
MCE is pleased to announce this year’s group of Top Gun businesses and entrepreneurs:
Bangor
Buba OG LLC – Jessie Muhlin
Bytesum Technologies – Austin Wickett
Chickadee Facilitation – Meg Hegemann
Haymay Creamery – Kate Turcotte
Red Kettle Foods – Ger Liang Tysk
Machias
Dennys River Homes – George McBride
Gin Majka – Gin Majka
Great Wass Shellfish – Kyle Pepperman
Kelly Hinkle – Kelly Hinkle
Theater of Dice LLC – Ambrosia Ross
Portland
Battambang Bistro – Christina Khin
CellField Technologies, Inc. – Mitch Nachtigall
HMS Career Coaching – Holly Smevog
K.Becker – Kimberly Becker
Lady Oyster Tours & Tastings – Virginia Shaffer
Life Ideals – Karen Lane
Maine Canned Fish – Erika Colby, Joshua Scherz
Mama Mia Making – Rory Nickerson
New Approaches – Hannah Curtis
Peace House Studio – Nick Bergmann
Seafood Mama – Heather Moretti
TEMO USA – Nicholas Steenberg
“We are excited to welcome the newest group of entrepreneurs to this year’s Top Gun class. These individuals
represent the diverse spirit of innovation that is driving the future of our state’s economy. The 15-year-old Top
Gun program provides an invaluable opportunity for entrepreneurs to not only refine and test their business
ideas but also gain critical skills, mentorship, and resources to bring their ventures to life. MCE and its partners
are proud to support the next generation of leaders who will shape the entrepreneurial landscape across the
state.” Said Laurie Johnson, Top Gun Program Manager.
Top Gun is sponsored and supported by the Maine Technology Institute, Maine Department of Economic and
Community Development, Pierce Atwood, partner economic development organizations, local businesses,
corporate and non-profit sponsors and dozens of volunteer advisors and mentors around the state.
About Maine Center for Entrepreneurs:
Established in 1997, MCE’s mission is to build and lead a community of growth-oriented businesses in Maine,
by providing the training, connections, coaching and mentors they need to commercialize and grow their
ideas, products and services so that their companies will drive the growth of Maine’s economy. Over its 25+
year history, the organization has accelerated the growth of hundreds of businesses and established a mentor
network of over 300 members.