The Quiet After the Climb

We wrapped our final calls with Scratchpad Accelerator cohort this week. Just like that—12 intense, high-energy weeks came to a close. It's a strange kind of silence that follows. Not a bad silence, just… different.

For the past few months, my days were filled with big-thinking meetings, rapid-fire idea exchanges, and deep dives with founders doing seriously cool work. Every conversation filled with energy. Every session was about solving real problems, pushing through stuck points, making the right connection at just the right moment. It’s the kind of work that pulls you all the way in.

And now? It’s quiet.

We’ll reconnect in a month, sure. But right now, I’m sitting with the space that used to be filled with updates and questions and breakthroughs. Instead, I’m crunching numbers, reflecting on what we did and what’s still to come. The impact isn’t fully realized yet—but it’s brewing. You can feel it.

These companies are onto big things. Some will pivot. Some will scale. Some will blow past every expectation. I’m just grateful to have been part of the journey—this strange, beautiful stretch of time where ideas fly and momentum builds. Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation, one connection to change the trajectory of a company.

It’s exciting. It’s bittersweet. And it’s exactly why I love this work.

If you want to experience that high energy and the buzz of possibility firsthand, join us at Startup Maine Week. On May 20 from 12–1:30 PM, the 2025 Scratchpad cohort will be sharing what they’ve built—come hear their pitches, enjoy lunch, and meet others in the ecosystem who care deeply about building up Maine’s founders.

The week is packed with amazing sessions like "The Art of the Pitch – Using Storytelling to Engage and Inspire Audiences” and “Responsible AI: Considerations for Developing and Deploying AI in Your Startup”—there’s real, practical magic happening in every room.

Grab your ticket here, and come be part of it.

Want to learn more about the cohort? Check them out:

• Singing Pastures

• Watermelon Pie

• P3rd Earth

• Nauti Sisters Sea Farm

  
  

Each one is working on something bold, fresh, and deeply rooted in purpose. I can't wait for you to meet them.