Venture Forward partners with Maine municipalities to advance business innovation and growth at every stage — empowering emerging startups, established companies, and multi-generational local businesses to evolve, scale sustainably, and strengthen community and economic resilience.
Venture Forward is more than a program—it’s a collaborative partnership between Northeastern University’s Roux Institute and Maine municipalities designed to fuel business innovation and economic growth from the ground up. Through immersive learning, mentorship, and access to top-tier university resources and expertise, we help both new and established small businesses unlock growth, adapt to change, and achieve measurable results.
What Makes Venture Forward Different:
From Learning to Implementation—in Just 8 Modules
Venture Forward blends customized hybrid learning, expert mentorship, and hands-on support to help business owners design, refine, and activate growth strategies tailored to their goals.
8 Interactive Modules: A hybrid learning journey combining in-person sessions, Roux Institute experiences, and virtual workshops.
Mentorship & Support:
Final Showcase at the Roux Institute
Participants present their growth strategies to mentors, community leaders, and key stakeholders at the Roux Institute’s world-class Portland campus—celebrating progress, receiving feedback, and outlining next steps for implementation.
Dr. John Daggett, Yarmouth Direct Primary Care
Built on accessibility, trust, and personalized attention, YDPC centers on the individual — their health, story, and goals
Krista Cole, Gather Restaurant
A beloved neighborhood eatery partnering with local farmers, artists, and makers to celebrate Maine’s vibrant food and culture
Tom Estabrook, Estabrook’s Farm and Greenhouses Inc.
A family-owned garden center that has been a Yarmouth staple for generations, helping Mainers grow beautiful, thriving gardens
Nathan Waller & Emily Silver, Shepherd Financial
Taking a holistic approach to guiding clients to understand their financial “hard-wiring” and make confident, informed decisions
Alicia Gaiero, Nauti Sisters Sea Farms
A woman-owned oyster farm cultivating premium oysters in Casco Bay, offering immersive coastal experiences
Kate and John Peelen, Maggie Mae’s
Offering healthy, delicious meals made fresh daily, crafted with the finest ingredients sourced from local farms
Brian Deerwester, Royal River Threadworks
Creating durable, handmade gear built to last — crafted with integrity, rooted in tradition, and proudly made in Maine
Toby Ahrens, Diggables Buckwheat Puffs
A mission-driven sustainable snacking brand delivering delicious, feel-good food that’s better for people and the planet
Jo Miller, Cuppa Jo’s Coffee Shop
Serving exceptional coffee with a warm smile, with each bean hand-sorted and roasted to perfection
Bonnie Freitas & Danielle Gaglini, River’s Edge Acupuncture
A welcoming space where people feel supported, grounded, and truly well — blending ancient healing practices with modern, compassionate care
We are now accepting applications for our Augusta cohort! Program starting on July 14
We are seeking mentors for Venture Forward Augusta!
Venture Forward is a cohort-based program designed by Northeastern University’s Roux Institute to support local entrepreneurs and business owners as they grow and strengthen their companies. Mentors play a key role in this program by sharing their experience, offering practical guidance, and helping business owners navigate challenges and opportunities.
We are currently recruiting mentors from the Augusta region and would greatly value your participation.
What the mentorship involves
If you choose to participate, you would be matched with a local business owner for a structured mentorship experience. We ask mentors to:
You do not need prior mentoring experience — just a willingness to share your knowledge and engage consistently with a small business owner.
Next steps & timeline
If you are interested in being considered as a mentor, please complete this brief Mentor Interest Form by June 16.
Venture Forward is built for business owners who are ready to strengthen, evolve, and grow their companies. Ideal participants include:
Established Local Businesses:
You’ve built a solid business foundation and are ready to scale sustainably—in your community and beyond
Growth-Minded Entrepreneurs:
You’re seeking proven frameworks, tools, and expert support to elevate your business to the next stage
Community-Driven Leaders:
You care about growing your business and contributing to a thriving local economy
Innovation-Ready Owners:
You’re open to fresh ideas, new technologies, and modern business models to increase efficiency, impact, and revenue
We’re partnering with municipalities across Maine to launch the next round of Venture Forward cohorts. If you’re a community leader ready to boost local business innovation—or a business owner who wants to see this program in your town—let’s talk.
Want to Host a Cohort?
Partner with the Roux Institute to bring Venture Forward to your community. We’ll collaborate with you on program design, facilitation, and recruiting the right mix of local business owners to make the cohort a success.
