WATERVILLE — Highlighting a focus on financial knowledge and expertise, Dirigo Labs is announcing a final call for applications for its third cohort of companies. The accelerator, housed at Hathaway Creative Center in downtown Waterville, has continued to empower startups statewide to secure funding, create jobs and encourage business expansion and retention.

Extended to 16-weeks, the accelerator’s curriculum will emphasize revenue projections, capital strategy, customer acquisition, and tactics to scale. Dirigo Labs uses its network of local and national mentors to connect participating entrepreneurs with a tailored board of advisors to help them execute their project plans. The accelerator has continued to support entrepreneurs and startups in a range of industries, including biotechnology, healthcare technology, manufacturing, clean tech, and medical devices, according to a news release from the regional startup accelerator.

“We look forward to selecting our third cohort of startup companies, further emphasizing our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and business development,” states Dirigo Labs Managing Director Susan Ruhlin. “Dirigo Labs is dedicated to empowering these innovative entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and support needed to secure funding, create jobs, and contribute to the growth and retention of businesses in our communities.”

Startup teams are selected based on the stage of development, founder experience and potential to scale. Founders will also attend weekly seminars while engaging in customized curriculum to execute their project plans. Seminar topics will cover a wide range of subjects, including how to utilize public-private sector grants and economic incentives, customer acquisition strategies, capital planning and intellectual property evaluation.

“In today’s competitive business landscape, financial literacy is an indispensable asset for founders seeking grants or technical assistance; our extended 16-week accelerator program places a strong emphasis on equipping entrepreneurs with the essential skills in pitch preparedness, revenue projections, budgeting, and business model refinement, “Dirigo Labs Program Manager Emalee Coutures said. “At Dirigo Labs, we recognize the critical role financial knowledge plays in the success of startups across diverse industries, and we’re here to ensure our founders are well-prepared to secure the support they need to thrive.”

The cohort will convene its first sessions in February. Startups who are interested in learning more about Dirigo Labs and applying can visit dirigolabs.org.