The business pitch competition TV series “Greenlight Maine” is launching a spinoff series called “Elevating Voices” that will present stories of various immigrant entrepreneurs working across the state.

Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank, the series will feature Maine business owners originally from places such as Ghana, Iraq, Rwanda, Kenya, India, Bolivia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hosted by “Greenlight Maine” personalities Julene Gervais and Alyne Cistone, the show will “elevate the distinctiveness and strength of our friends, our neighbors and our job creators – the very people who help make Maine the special place that it is,” the show said in a news release issued Wednesday.

The upcoming show received a shout-out from Gov. Janet Mills.

“Over the last year, we’ve been tested like never before, but Mainers have risen to the challenge with the resolve and resilience that is at the heart of our character,” Mills said in the release announcing the show. “That character and resilience is also embodied in the 12 small business owners you will learn about in the ‘Elevating Voices’ series. I thank these business owners for their inspired entrepreneurship and leadership; your contributions to our state make Maine, and the nation, a better place.”

The series will premiere on Maine Public Television on April 29 and will air every Thursday night through June 3. Along with added visibility, each featured business owner will receive a $5,000 grant from Bangor Savings.