We had the chance to talk with Julie Viola from Gorham Savings Bank about LaunchPad - Maine's premier small business competition. We chatted about this year's contest, how business owners and entrepreneurs can apply to be part of it throughout March, some tips on applying, past winners, why Maine is a great place to start a business, and much more!

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Gorham Savings Bank’s LaunchPad is Maine’s premier small business competition and a showcase for the state’s dynamic entrepreneurial community. Innovative early-stage and established small businesses are invited to apply online March 1 through March 31, 2022. An independent panel of judges will select five finalists to pitch live and compete for the Bank’s $50,000 LaunchPad Grant. Five additional finalists will be selected to compete for the Emerging Business Award. All applicants will be considered for both prize levels.

Julie Viola is VP, Commercial Banker and Manager of Small Business Banking at Gorham Savings Bank. With her solid background and over 20 years of experience, she’s helped establish the Bank as a leader in the marketplace with a robust small business portfolio, a large commercial portfolio, along with corporate credit cards, and accounts receivable financing. As small business banking manager, she’s responsible for a lending team as well as her own customer relationships.

To learn more about LaunchPad and submit your application, go to gorhamsavings.bank/launchpad now. Be sure to follow Gorham Savings Bank on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR:

Headquartered in Gorham, Maine since its founding in 1868, Gorham Savings Bank is a depositor-owned community bank delivering a full suite of financial services tailored to the needs of Southern Maine's businesses and consumers. As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, GSB serves and supports businesses that value local management, know-how and accountability. The bank offers consumer savings accounts, personal loans, mortgages, HELOCs, CDs, IRAs and financial planning services through its 12 branches and growing network of ATMs, video teller machines, and mobile services. Gorham Savings Bank is a tireless advocate for the wellbeing of the communities it serves, donating thousands of volunteer hours to dozens of community-based initiatives annually. Learn more at gorhamsavings.bank. Member FDIC.

ABOUT KEEP IT LOCAL MAINE:

We are a way for local businesses to promote themselves to thousands of people in and around their communities - letting them know what great services and products they offer right here in Maine! We currently publish four issues in areas around Southern Maine in addition to our podcast. To learn more about us, visit keepitlocalmaine.com or follow us on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.