Some of the programs designed to help entrepreneurs, especially those in high-tech industries include:

	Applied Technology Development Centers (ATDC): ATDC is a network of seven self-managed, state-coordinated centers, located strategically throughout Maine. This system of business incubators is aimed at accelerating the early-stage development of technology-based companies through continual and focused business assistance, information exchange, technical relationships, shared services and reduced overhead.
	Maine Technology Institute (MTI): Each year, MTI receives more than $6 million to provide grants to Maine companies and research laboratories for R&D activity leading to the commercialization of new technology products and services.
	Maine Patent Program:  The Maine Patent Program helps Maine inventors and small businesses understand how to identify and protect their intellectual property. It provides education on the patent process and other means of intellectual property protection, helps inventors learn what needs to be done to obtain and maintain legal rights, and provides assistance with the patent process to those who qualify.
	Maine Investment Exchange (MIX): MIX provides forums allowing entrepreneurs and companies to present their ideas to an audience of potential investors.
	Finance Authority of Maine (FAME): FAME is an independent state agency that offers more than 20 financing programs, including the Small Enterprise Growth Fund – providing up to $500,000 in capital to small businesses – and the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit Program – providing income tax credits to qualified investors in Maine business.
	Small Business Development Center (SBDC):  The Maine Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program provides business counseling support offices strategically located throughout the state.  In January 2004, Maine SBDC became only the fourth SBDC in the nation to be granted a prestigious national accreditation authorizing it to provide technology business support services under the Maine SBTDC banner.
	Pine Tree Development Zones: Strategically located throughout Maine, these zones offer qualified businesses powerful tax incentives, no-cost employee training, financing, and R&D programs.