Outstanding Women in Business: Katie Shorey is Maine’s startup and talent attraction impresario

Photo / Tim Greenway Katie Shorey, director of engagement at Live + Work in Maine and president of Startup Maine, is a self-described connector and convenor of people, resources and opportunities.

Write a Comment

By Renee Cordes

See all the 2025 Mainebiz Outstanding Women in Business profiles
More Information

Katie Shorey, director of engagement for Live + Work in Maine and president of Startup Maine, is a force of nature in Maine’s business community. She is a self-described connector and convener of people, resources and opportunities. Startup Maine, a volunteer-run nonprofit she helped create in 2018, evolved out of Maine Startup and Create Week.

Growing every year since then, Startup Maine Week attracted close to 800 attendees this May. A brand ambassador for Maine on the national and international stage, Shorey volunteers with Junior Achievement of Maine and recently joined the board to have an even greater impact. She was also this year’s commencement speaker for Central Maine Community College in Auburn.

Mainebiz: How do your roles with Live + Work in Maine and Startup Maine complement each other?

Katie Shorey: At Live + Work in Maine, I focus on talent attraction and retention on a statewide scale. With Startup Maine, I get to zoom in on a specific, high-potential sector of that ecosystem — entrepreneurship. A robust startup scene is a critical part of talent strategy. When Maine positions itself not only as a place where large employers thrive, but also where founders can flourish, we broaden our appeal.

MB: What are Maine’s biggest selling points as a place to live and work?

KS: The people. Maine is a community-centric state where relationships matter. There’s a sense of accessibility and openness that makes it easy to build real connections quickly. In Maine, you’re not just a cog in a machine — you’re visible, valued and have the chance to shape your workplace, community and industry. And of course, our beautiful outdoors.

MB: And the biggest obstacles?

KS: Housing affordability is a significant challenge. While Maine may seem more affordable than large urban markets, wages don’t always align with the cost of living — especially in high-growth areas. In addition, awareness remains an issue. Many out-of-staters still perceive Maine as seasonal or remote, rather than as a viable year-round hub for modern careers.

MB: What’s one thing Maine employers could change immediately to lure more job applicants?

KS: They need to sell more than the job — they need to sell the life. Employers should highlight professional networks, opportunities for advancement and the broader community talent pool.

MB: In your commencement speech for Central Maine Community College this May, what was your message to graduates?

KS: My message was simple: You don’t need to leave Maine to succeed — you can thrive right here. I spoke from personal experience. Growing up in rural Maine, I felt pressure to go elsewhere because I didn’t see examples of people like me staying and building fulfilling careers. But things have changed. Maine is now full of opportunity, across industries and communities. I encouraged graduates to stay curious, stay rooted and realize that they can write their own story here.

MB: What’s driving the growth of the Startup Maine conference?

KS: There’s a new wave of energy moving through Maine’s innovation ecosystem. New talent is arriving with fresh ideas, deep networks and a desire to contribute. Startup Maine is growing because it reflects this momentum. We’re cultivating a space that’s both welcoming and growth-oriented — where early-stage entrepreneurs and those who are startup-curious can find the resources and mentors they need.

MB: What’s in the works for next year’s gathering?

KS: We’re designing next year’s event to be even more dynamic and inclusive. Expect more national-caliber keynotes, activations across downtown and curated tracks for founders, investors and others.

MB: What keeps you grounded?

KS: I’m rooted in the idea of being an ecosystem builder. It’s not a job title — it’s a mindset. This work isn’t about fast wins; it’s about slow, steady progress. It’s about relationships, trust and showing up consistently. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by others who share that ethos. Knowing I get to play even a small part in that keeps me grounded — and hopeful.