Top Gun - University of Maine System

Where ambitious Maine entrepreneurs launch further, faster.

Accelerate your business growth with Top Gun.

Top Gun, originally developed by Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) and now part of the Maine Center, has supported more than 400 companies since 2009. Of those, 40% were already generating revenue, at an annual rate of up to $1 million. Most of the rest were in product and business model development, with a handful still in research or in the product and business model-definition stage.

What to Expect

First and foremost; expect to put in effort and to be challenged at every turn. In addition to keeping your expectations high (for both the program and your business), you can expect the following as a participant in the Top Gun program: Access to a cultivated mentor network with over 300 business professionals, high impact learning, Statewide and regional gatherings and pitch coaching and events.

Timeline

Top Gun is a 15-week program that combines hands-on mentoring with high-impact weekly gatherings. The program runs annually from January to May, with the application process starting in late Fall of the year prior.

Eligibility

Participants in the program are competitively selected. They are promising, coachable entrepreneurs with innovative and scalable companies. Applicants are required to undergo an intense application process, followed by an in-depth panel interview, to ensure we are providing our expertise and resources to startups with the heart and destination to succeed. All ages and experience levels are welcome to apply. Since 2009, the Top Gun Program has had the opportunity to work with some of Maine’s most promising entrepreneurs.

Investment Cost

The cost to participate in the Top Gun Program is $600 per team. That’s just 10% of actual costs, thanks to our generous partners and sponsors.

Key Program Elements

Participants work closely with one to three mentors, who provide guidance and answer questions along the way, while also connecting with many others in their industry who can help them to achieve their goals.

Top Gun participants are given the opportunity to listen and engage with successful entrepreneurs as they discuss vital business topics, and then apply what they’ve learned to their own businesses.

Participants workshop with their mentors and other peers in the program throughout the five-month period to come up with strategies and plans of action to accelerate their businesses.

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.

Participants work together with mentors and peers to develop effective pitches, and to practice delivering them in a powerful and action-inspiring manner. Mentors provide successful pitching techniques, as well as guide and provide feedback to participants throughout the program.

Top Gun participants will have a chance to deliver their pitch or showcase their business to an audience of over 300 potential investors, business leaders, and journalists at the Maine Entrepreneurs Summit, and may even walk away with the $25k prize!

Top Gun 2027 applications open Fall 2026. Check back soon for details!

Questions?

For questions about the Top Gun program or application process, please contact mainecenter@maine.edu.