About Top Gun
Top Gun is a four-month program that combines mentoring with high-impact weekly gatherings. Top Gun classes will be hosted in Portland, Orono, Brunswick and Lewiston/Auburn. The application process for TopGun 2018 is closed. Please look for 2019 Applications to open in October of 2018. Top Gun identifies high potential entrepreneurs in Maine through a competitive application process in January. In February they are matched with mentors who help guide them as they continue to develop their innovative products, business models, and companies. The classes of six to 12 entrepreneurs in each location will convene weekly for networking, workshopping and mentor meetings over dinner. Sessions can include opportunities for pitch practice, brief presentations by experienced entrepreneurs, and lively discussions about such diverse topics as salesmanship, bootstrapping, hiring, firing and legal issues. The program concludes by bringing together a statewide community of 300 to celebrate and encourage these high potential entrepreneurial teams at the Top Gun Showcase. Six entrepreneurs are selected through a round of semi-finals in each location to give a five-minute pitch in front of panelists (which may include potential investors, business leaders, and the press). Participants get to engage in the experience of promoting their business to a relevant and appreciative audience.