ABC’s TV Show ‘Shark Tank’ Bringing Casting Call to Portland

Earmuffs, toothpicks, and L.L. Bean all got their start in Maine, now your invention or idea could too!

The casting call will be in Portland, sometime in July or August, dates have not been officially released yet. However, applications are available on their website.

The show is open to the public and people with existing businesses and asks for a one-minute pitch of a business product or idea. The open call guarantees the first 500 applicants will get an audience with first-round judges.

The investors became attracted to Portland after it was featured in the magazine 'Popular Mechanics' in an article profiling "Start-up Cities". The show knows Portland is booming with new business after the 'Maine Start-up and Create Week', a week focusing on local entrepreneurship, that took place last year.

The show featured 'Cousins Maine Lobster' in 2012 where they got national exposure and $55,000 from an investor. You can see some of their 'Shark Tank' experience below.