WATERVILLE — Dirigo Labs is now accepting applications for its 2025 accelerator cohort, unveiling a revamped 12-week curriculum designed to prepare startups for scalable growth and investment.

Alongside the accelerator, applications are also open for the Virtual Financial Modeling Program, which is to commence Feb. 3, providing entrepreneurs with foundational financial skills critical for building and scaling their businesses.

This year, Dirigo Labs will offer additional targeted resources for cleantech, biotech, and forest product startups while strengthening its focus on investor readiness and capital strategy. Dirigo Labs will also feature a standalone financial modeling series prior to the main accelerator, providing entrepreneurs with essential financial foundations, according to a news release from Dirigo Labs.

As Maine’s federally designated hub for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant support and host of the newly launched SBIR Resource Center, Dirigo Labs is equipped to support startups interested in pursuing federal funding. The accelerator’s 2025 curriculum includes specialized guidance for navigating public grants and contracts, particularly for technology and R&D-driven ventures.

The main accelerator program begins in March following the Virtual Financial Modeling Program, which kicks off on Feb. 3. Entrepreneurs interested in joining the cohort or the financial modeling program are encouraged to apply at the Dirigo Labs website at dirigolabs.org.