HOULTON, Maine — Starting Sept. 5, New Ventures Maine will offer a free 12-week course in business planning.
Venturing Forth will help participants create a written business plan from start to finish with feedback from facilitators and fellow entrepreneurs. The 60-hour course will cover topics including customers, competition, marketing, recordkeeping, taxes, financing and legal aspects. Class activities, guest speakers and homework assignments will lead to a completed business plan.
The course includes three follow up networking sessions. Class size is limited to 15. Those wishing to participate must complete an application, attend an orientation and individual interview, and be accepted into the class.
Applications are due by Friday, Aug. 25. Individual interviews will be scheduled following orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Venturing Forth will meet on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from Sept. 5 through Nov. 28 at the Houlton Higher Education Center, 18 Military St, Houlton.
“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,” said Karin Petrin of New Ventures, instructor. “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.”
There is no fee for the class. Anyone with a business idea is welcome to apply. The 60-hour 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 768-9468, karin.petrin@maine.edu, or go online to http://newventuresmaine.org/schedules/venturing-forth-business-planning-entrep-4/.
