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The Soft Landing Program is a tool created to help international companies establish joint ventures and Maine-based subsidiaries as a means of growing into the North American marketplace. We get it, deciding to do business in a new country comes with many challenges. This program helps companies understand the requirements to enter the U.S. market, connects decision makers with a network of industry resources and domestic business development services, and offers access to the infrastructure and community at the Hús.

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Building an international community at the Hús.

Operating out of the Hús in Portland since 2020, the Soft Landing Program is ideally situated within 8 hours drive, or a short flight, from more than 65 million people, including the major metropolitan markets of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC. Maine is home to a rapidly growing startup community, an educated workforce, and modern transportation infrastructure, ideal for growing startups from a broad cross-section of industries. The Hús is proudly an international hub with companies from:

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  • Australia

  • Chile

  • Denmark

  • Faroe Islands

  • Iceland

  • Netherlands

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Who is the Soft Landing Program For?
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  • Businesses of any size, including startups, entrepreneurs, or pre-revenue founders, based outside of the United States with an interest in conducting business in the US.

  • Someone who is unsure of the steps required to enter the US marketplace.

  • Must be collaborative in nature, hardworking, and willing to spend the time necessary to leverage new relationships formed through the program.

  • Have a commercially viable idea, product, or service.

  • This program is open to all industries!

  • Can be conducted in-person or remotely.

 

Sponsorship Details​
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  • Needs assessment – We always start with a meeting over coffee (or your preferred beverage) so that we can most effectively understand your needs. We’ll chat core business functions and chart a path that will help you increase the likelihood for success in the US market

  • Warm introductions and relationship building – We’ll directly connect you with trusted partners who can help answer specific questions and establish a clear road map for US market entry. From business structure to building a strong market entry strategy

  • Network growth – You’ll have access to a diverse network of people and organizations with a wealth of experience to draw from as you begin your new endeavor

  • Community and business culture immersion – You’ll be positioned to become a part of Maine’s collaborative startup community and gain a deeper practical and cultural understanding of what it’s like doing business in the US.

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Eligibility and Cost?
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  • ​Thanks to our Transforming the Blue Economy Partners, there is no participation fee and no minimum revenue requirements. 

  • Participants may rent rooms and purchase day passes at the Hús at member rates at their own discretion.

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