PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Starting Sept. 4, New Ventures Maine will offer a free 12-week course in business planning.
The Venturing Forth class will meet on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Sept. 4 through Nov. 27 at the Presque Isle CareerCenter, 66 Spruce St., Presque Isle.
“If you are a new entrepreneur or existing business owner, Venturing Forth will help you create a written business plan from start to finish with feedback from facilitators and fellow entrepreneurs,” said course trainer Karin Petrin, New Ventures microenterprise specialist.
The 60-hour course will cover topics including customers, competition, marketing, recordkeeping, taxes, financing and legal aspects. Class activities, guest speakers, and homework assignments lead to the completed business plan and road map for your success. The course includes three follow-up networking sessions.
“Watching businesses open and close around our communities and being a business owner myself, it is clear to me, a written plan is crucial to building and sustaining your business,” Petrin said. “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.”
Class size is limited to fifteen (15). Those interested must submit an application by Aug. 24, attend an orientation and individual interview, and be accepted into the class. Individual interviews will be scheduled following the class Orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
There is no fee for the class. Anyone with a business idea is welcome to apply. Participants qualify for three pass/fail credits from the University of Maine at Augusta upon approval of their complete business plan and payment of a small processing fee.
To register, request an application or for further information, contact Petrin at New Ventures Main, (207) 768-9468, karin.petrin@maine.edu, or go online to bit.ly/classesnvme.
For more information on the Venturing Forth program and other classes and services offered by New Ventures Maine, visit www.newventuresmaine.org.
