Event Sponsorship

Event Sponsorship

Connects Maine innovation organizers with Event Sponsorship support for events that promote networking, training, and entrepreneurial visibility.

The Maine Technology Institute (MTI), a quasi-public corporation established by the Maine Legislature in 1999, operates an Event Sponsorship program that provides small grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to Maine-based organizations hosting innovation-aligned events. MTI has invested more than $372 million in Maine's innovation economy since its founding, and the Event Sponsorship program represents its most accessible, lightweight funding vehicle. Eligible events must advance at least one of three explicit goals: marketing MTI programs and the achievements of its portfolio companies, celebrating partner or program milestones, or providing educational and networking opportunities for Maine entrepreneurs.

Applicants must be registered in Maine or demonstrate a significant Maine presence. No sector restrictions apply — the program is open to any innovation-adjacent event organizer meeting the geographic and purpose criteria. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per event, with no annual limit per organization specified in the program materials. A sponsorship contract is required before funds are released. The program is fully rolling with no published deadline.

The process is unusually fast for a public funding vehicle: applicants submit an interest form, meet with MTI leadership within five to eight business days, and receive a funding decision within five to ten business days of that meeting. Organizations most likely to succeed are those whose events directly intersect with MTI's portfolio sectors and whose programming demonstrably benefits Maine-based entrepreneurs or amplifies MTI's visibility and mission.