MAINE MUSIC COLLECTIVO is an educational music collaborative that is dedicated to promoting the history of African influence in music across Maine. The project is being developed by Alejandro Graciano of Biddeford. Through IGNITE Maine Music Collectivo is developing a business plan and community networking opportunities that can help them grow their goals of regular performances, musical works and cross-cultural educational mechanisms therein. Follow Alejandro Graciano on Instagram @alejandro_graciano_music and Maine Music Collectivo at @maine_music_co.

THE CIRCULAR is a developing startup directed by Saco resident Nick Schroeder. The Circular will act as a civic hub through an evolving series of stylized arts, performances, discussions, reports, public scenes and other programming. Events will be frequent and inexpensive ($5 whenever possible) to the public, typically lasting under an hour. Programming will also be documented by video, archived and accessible to members virtually through a subscription-based newsletter and website. Follow Nick on Twitter at @n_schroeder.

BIDDEFORD COMMUNITY GARDENS, led by Biddeford resident Holly Culloton, is devoted to building and sustaining a vibrant, BIDDEFORD COMMUNITY GARDENS, led by Biddeford resident Holly Culloton, is devoted to building and sustaining a vibrant, healthy, and equitable community through the creation of safe green spaces where residents can grow food in a supportive and educational environment. The spaces created are not just gardens, they are meeting places where the diverse population and cultures in Biddeford come together to exchange knowledge and share experiences. Our green spaces and educational programs support the use of agriculture; and urban/suburban micro-farm entrepreneurship to address issues of hunger and food insecurity in the local community. Through Engine’s IGNITE grant, we are developing a business plan and marketing strategy, which will support our organization’s efforts well into the next decade. Follow on Instagram @biddefordcommunitygardens.

OTERRA DESIGNS, founded and run by Erin O’Toole of Biddeford is a small textile manufacturer of unique and expressive products for the mountain and rock climbing markets. Through IGNITE, Oterra will explore a growth strategy that considers long term sustainability goals including a system of managing employees and new value propositions that employ its existing infrastructure. Simultaneously Oterra is exploring funding for advanced manufacturing equipment that can improve her approach to  finished products and production efficacy. Follow on Instagram at @oterra.designs.

FORGING COMMONS, led by Rebecca Cote of Biddeford is an arts integration collaborative that designs and facilitates creative community inclusive public art experiences for all ages. A primary goal is the creation of vehicles for meaningful civic engagement through arts integration of public spaces in Biddeford and York County. Our programs and projects build a culture of increased sensitivity about place, connection and inclusivity as an integral part of building healthy communities. Through IGNITE Forging Commons will define its business strategy and planning in support of their community based public art and education agenda. Forging Commons partners with non-profits, civic entities and community leaders to further initiatives that aim to create individual and community well being. Follow on Instagram at @forgingcommons.

GENIUS BLACK is a music producer, rapper, business entrepreneur and social innovator based in South Portland. GEM CITY  is his brand of diverse humans who are telling a story of today’s culture, and who are all defined by the unmistakably quality of place that is, the Maine Coast. Genius represents a collaborative network of musical talent that works to drive the intersection of arts, culture, quality of place and to tell the stories of the social fabric of our communities. GEM CITY is being honed through IGNITE as an adaptive business model that works to create career paths for the arts workforce through packaged content and digital media campaigns that open up career scale opportunities for talent. Photo by Junes Thete. Follow Genius Black on Instagram at @realgeniusblack.