AUGUSTA — New Ventures Maine (NVME) is offering a free online general business planning class, Venturing Forth, to the public starting Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
For new entrepreneurs or existing business owners, Venturing Forth helps participants create a written business plan from start to finish with feedback from facilitators and fellow entrepreneurs. The 60-hour course covers topics such as customers, competition, marketing, recordkeeping, taxes, finance, and legal aspects. In-class activities, guest speakers, and homework complete your business plan and roadmap to success. This comprehensive course includes three follow-up networking sessions.
Individuals complete an application online and attend an orientation and one-on-one interview to attend classes. Applications can be accessed online and the deadline is noon on Tuesday, August 27th. Class size is limited to her 15 students.
“This class is designed to support small business owners in all aspects of creating a business plan,” said Alicia LaFosse, NVME Microenterprise Specialist. She said, “Participants not only learn through class content, but also from their peers and the entrepreneurs in their community as they refine their vision and develop their plans.”
Venturing Forth classes will be held via Zoom at the following dates and times:
- September 3rd – October 15th: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- October 22nd – December 3rd: Tuesdays only, 9:30am – 3pm
- (There will be no classes on Tuesday, November 26th.)
Anyone with a business idea or currently running a business is welcome to apply.
This class is also eligible for three pass/fail credits from the University of Maine at Augusta upon approval of a completed business plan.
To request or fill out an application, register for orientation, or for more information, contact Alicia LaFosse at 207-621-7457 or alicia.lafosse@maine.edu or visit the New Ventures Maine website please.
About New Ventures Maine: NVME's mission is to help Maine people succeed in a changing economy and achieve financial security for themselves and their families. NVME accomplishes its mission by offering classes and individual coaching on career planning, entrepreneurship, and money management. New Ventures Maine is a statewide education and economic development program of the University of Maine System at the University of Maine at Augusta, an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. For more information about the Venturing Forth program and other classes and services offered by New Ventures Maine, please visit www.newventuresmaine.org.
