FocusMaine

FocusMaine operates as a private sector-led, non-profit initiative dedicated to fostering economic development within Maine by concentrating on high-growth industries. It was co-founded by Andrea Cianchette Maker, who now serves as President, and Michael E. Dubyak, the former CEO of WEX Inc., to propel job creation in sectors where Maine holds a competitive advantage. Maker, a lawyer by training with a history in government relations and public service, and Dubyak, a seasoned corporate executive, established the organization to address the decline in the state's traditional manufacturing industries by focusing on future-oriented markets.

The organization's business model is rooted in strategic partnerships and data-driven analysis to channel investment and support into specifically targeted sectors: the food economy and the bioeconomy. Its core mission is to create quality "traded jobs," which involve selling goods and services outside of Maine, thereby importing new revenue into the state's economy. Funding for FocusMaine's operations and programs is primarily sourced from grants, with the Harold Alfond Foundation being a significant and consistent supporter since 2014.

FocusMaine does not directly provide services to companies but rather functions as a coordinating body that funds and collaborates with a network of partner organizations. These partners, including entities like the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs and the Maine Aquaculture Association, deliver specialized programs designed to help businesses scale. The services offered through these partnerships include accelerator programs, business plan development, market access support, and financial consulting for entrepreneurs and established companies in agriculture, aquaculture, and biopharmaceuticals. For instance, the 'Tastemakers' initiative helps food and beverage companies expand production, while the 'Cultivator' program provides mentorship to help businesses scale. Additionally, a major focus is on workforce development through initiatives like the Maine Career Catalyst internship program, which aims to build and retain a talented labor pool within the state.

The two main pillars of its strategy are the Food Economy and the Bioeconomy. The Food Economy initiative capitalizes on Maine's land and sea resources, supporting growth in agriculture, aquaculture, and value-added food production. The Bioeconomy initiative seeks to establish Maine as a key development and manufacturing partner for the life sciences ecosystem, leveraging the state's proximity to Boston's research hub. Between 2018 and 2024, FocusMaine's efforts have supported the creation of over 1,400 direct and indirect jobs and generated over $309 million in sales revenue for participating companies. Keywords: Maine economic development, food economy, bioeconomy, aquaculture, agriculture, biopharmaceuticals, job creation, workforce development, private sector initiative, Harold Alfond Foundation, Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, traded jobs, rural development, life sciences, sustainable economy, food production, business accelerator, economic strategy, public-private partnership, Maine business growth