The Top Gun Pitch! …And Networking in Machias

May 7, 2025

5:00 PM - 7:15 PM

Five businesses from Washington County have been preparing for this day since January and now is the time!

You’re Invited

All are invited to The Top Gun Pitch! Enjoy a fun night of networking and light refreshments as you congratulate the six businesses in the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs‘ 2025 Top Gun Class. These businesses are highly scalable Maine-based organizations that are savvy, growing, and competitive. 15 short weeks ago, these businesses applied and were accepted into the Top Gun business accelerator program, but now they are ready to “WOW” you – each business will present a 5-10 minute pitch in hopes of winning favor with the judges. The judges will award first ($2,500) and second place ($1,000) winners, but YOU and the spectators vote for a People’s Choice Award worth up to $500. The Top Gun Pitch winner moves on from this regional competition to the Top Gun Showcase at the Maine Entrepreneurs Summit on May 16th.

Registration is requested, but not required. All are welcome.

Register To Attend Now
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2025 Machias Top Gun Businesses:

  • Eastern Edge Sea Salt, Kelly Hinkle
  • Great Wass Shellfish, Kyle Pepperman
  • Gin Majka
  • Theater of Dice, Ambrosia Ross
  • Dennys River Homes, Phil McBride & George McBride

The Top Gun Pitch! …And Networking takes place at the Edward L. Hennessey Jr. Education Center at 1 Colonial Way in Machias at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 7th. Enjoy light refreshments, meet the businesses, network, and celebrate entrepreneurship in Washington County. Your support of rural entrepreneurship means the world to us. The live pitches begin promptly at 6:15 PM and are intended to be a positive, casual evening to celebrate doing business in Maine.

Thank You

The grand prize and second-place prize money is proudly donated by Northern Maine Development Commission and Machias Savings Bank. Thank you to the many volunteers, mentors, sponsors, and teachers who make this program possible. It is their generous dedication and support that make this programming possible and to that, we say “Thank you!”

Supporting Sponsors:
Machias Savings Bank
Sunrise County Economic Council
MaineStreet Business Building
Maine Mentor Network
Northern Maine Development Commission
Maine Center for Entrepreneurs