The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, along with its partners, the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College, and the Northern Maine Development Commission, have announced the 38 businesses selected for the Top Gun 2024 Class.

Beginning in 2009 with 12 companies, the Top Gun Program has worked with over 340 Maine entrepreneurs across the state to launch and grow their startups.

The competitive selection process included completing an online application and pitching their business at an interview. Over the course of the 15-week program, staff and mentors will guide participants through the “hands-on” training and group learning exercises taught by subject matter experts in finance, business and marketing, according to a news release from the center.

Several Waterville businesses are among this year’s group of Top Gun businesses and entrepreneurs, including AIM Academy Inc. with Derek Session; Concepta Jones; Scrap Dogs Compost with Davis Saltonstall; Watermelon Pie with Kachina Miller; and Watts Works with Nick Watts.

“The 2024 group of Top Gun entrepreneurs is our most industry diverse group yet,” said program manager Laurie Johnson. “With the program’s expansion to Maine’s Northern and Downeast regions, the participants are a great representation of Maine’s ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Top Gun is sponsored and supported by the Maine Technology Institute, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Bangor Savings Bank, partner economic development organizations, local businesses, corporate and nonprofit sponsors and dozens of volunteer advisors and mentors around the state. Additionally, the Maine Technology Institute will provide a $25,000 cash prize to be awarded at a final statewide showcase pitch-off to be held on May 16.