ORONO, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) celebrated Maine innovation and entrepreneurship at the unveiling of the newest renovations to the UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship in Orono. The renovations were funded in part by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Maine Technology Institute. The Center, known formally as the Target Technology Center, is Maine’s longest running incubator for startup businesses and provides resources, technological support and coaching for future entrepreneurs.

“Maine people are, by their nature, innovative, thoughtful, and always looking for opportunities for improve their communities,” said Senator King. “The UpStart Center provides critical support for Maine-based entrepreneurs, giving them the tools needed to build and expand their businesses. The UpStart Center is a vital resource for our entire state that furthers our spirit of entrepreneurship, and its continued growth is an investment in the future of Maine.”

The renovations to the UpStart Center created two new modern wet labs, enabling the Center to provide support for late-stage incubating companies. The UpStart Center for Entrepreneurship is owned and operated by Bangor Target Area Development Corp., and partners with the University of Maine Incubator Program to provide the developing businesses with support services.

Senator King has met with business leaders throughout the state over the past several days. On Tuesday, he met with management at Origin Maine, a martial arts and athletics-wear manufacturer in Farmington, as well as  leaders of Nine Dragons Paper LLC at the company’s Rumford mill, which was recently purchased from Catalyst Paper. On Wednesday he visited with a number of Lewiston businesses, including Elmet Technology and Central Distributors. Also on Wednesday, Senator King ate lunch with a group of entrepreneurs who are members of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.