Greenlight Maine, the weekly television show that began with 26 Maine entrepreneurs competing for a chance to win $100,000, has narrowed the field down to two finalists.
Based on a non-televised live competition that featured 13 semifinalists, a panel of judges selected Chimani and Garbage to Garden to move on to the final pitch event being held June 24 during Maine Startup and Create Week.
A third yet-to-be-determined company will also vie on June 24 for the $100,000 check. That company will be chosen by the public from among the original 26 competitors. Online voting for this “People’s Choice” award will run through May 21.
The television show has aired Saturday evenings since last September on WCSH 6 in Portland and WLBZ 2 in Bangor.
While the Greenlight competitors came from across Maine, both finalists are based in Portland.
Chimani is an app developer focused on making mobile travel guides for the country’s national parks. CEO Kerry Gallivan said the company has benefitted from competing in the first season of Greenlight Maine.
“The competition has allowed the Chimani brand and story to reach a very diverse audience — one which we wouldn’t have been able to reach otherwise,” Gallivan said.
If Chimani does win, Gallivan said the funds will be used to grow the company’s sales and marketing efforts. “Two areas of critical importance at this stage of Chimani’s growth,” he said.
Garbage to Garden provides curbside composting services in the greater Portland area. Its founder, Tyler Frank, said he was thrilled to be moving on to the final round of Greenlight Maine.
“Since the competition began, we’ve had the good fortune to be leaders on the crest of a growing national food waste awareness movement,” he said. “We’re grateful that right here in Maine, Greenlight Maine has provided us the platform, support and opportunity to share our story.”
The other 11 companies that competed on Saturday were Rapport, Northern Maine Distilling, Revolution Research, STARC Systems, Team AR, Good to Go, Finest Kind, MedRhythms, Beltane Solar, MadGabs, and ComposiMold.
The $100,000 that will be presented to the winner on June 24 is being provided by Maine Accelerates Growth through a grant from the Maine Community Foundation.
Greenlight Maine is currently accepting applications through May 15 from entrepreneurs who want a chance to compete during the television show’s second season.
