Business planning course begins Sept. 6, 2016
New entrepreneurs or existing business owners are invited to apply for a free 12-week course in business planning offered by New Ventures Maine.
Venturing Forth, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 6, will help participants create a written business plan from start to finish with feedback from facilitators and fellow entrepreneurs. The 60-hour course covers topics including customers, competition, marketing, recordkeeping, taxes, financing, legal aspects and more.
In-class activities, guest speakers and homework assignments lead to the completed business plan. The course includes three monthly follow-up networking sessions. Class size is limited to 15, and those interested must complete an application, attend an orientation and individual interview and be accepted into the class.
Applications are due by Friday, Aug. 26. Individual interviews will be scheduled following the class orientation from 9:30-11:30 AM on Sept. 6. The Venturing Forth class will meet on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. from Sept. 13 through Dec. 6 at the Presque Isle CareerCenter.
Karin Petrin, trainer for the New Ventures course, said, “Watching businesses open and close around our communities and being a business owner, it is clear to me, a written plan is crucial to building and sustaining your business. This class will help you explore all aspects of your business as you write your business plan.
“It answers questions we don’t realize we have as we explore the legal aspects, tax implications, and financing options to help you grow your business with tools to succeed,” she said.
There is no fee for the class. Anyone with a business idea is welcome to apply. The course also qualifies for three pass/fail credits from the University of Maine at Augusta upon approval of a completed business plan and payment of a small processing fee.
For more information, contact Petrin at New Ventures Maine’s Presque Isle office, 768-9468, or karin.petrin@maine.edu, or register and download the application packet online at www.newventuresmaine.org/schedules/venturing-forth-business-planning-for-entrep-2/.
