Tuition-free February classes cover career, business, financial education

New Ventures Maine plans this month to offer tuition-free workshops and classes in career, business and financial education.

Self-paced, interactive-online, and in-person workshops are designed to help people in Maine gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to start a business, build a career and manage money, according to a news release from Jennifer DeJoy, communications and development manager, New Ventures Maine in Augusta.

The full class schedule with new class offerings for February, March, and beyond is accessible at newventuresmaine.org/class-schedules.

Single- and multi-session workshops are offered, including:

• My Next Career Move (self-paced, online): Assess skills, interests, and experiences and relate them to career options. Enroll by Wednesday, March 1. Work at one’s own pace.

Job Search Workshops: Wednesday, Feb. 1-15, 10-11 a.m. Online. Ready for a new job or a career change? Join one or two workshops. Feb. 8: Resume Strategies; and Feb. 15: Interview Strategies. Also offered Tuesday mornings, March 14-28.

Business Basics: Thursdays, through Feb. 16, 10-11:30 a.m. Online. This class covers the basics of a business plan, marketing, and cash planning. It will help one assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of their business idea and get them started with a plan.

Matched Savings Information Session: Monday, Feb. 6, 4-5 p.m. Online. Learn about matched savings programs that can help one save for a goal by matching their savings with additional funds. Find out how the programs work and ask questions.

Introduction to Self-Employment: Tuesday, Feb. 7, noon-1 p.m. Online. This class covers the pros and cons of owning own business, the steps needed for start-up, the major elements of a business plan, and the many resources available to help one succeed.

Money Management Workshops: Tuesdays, Feb. 7-21, 6-7 p.m. Online. Learn to budget, repair credit, and create a savings plan. Join one, two, or all three workshops. Feb. 7: Budgeting Basics; Feb. 14: Let’s Talk About Credit; Feb. 21: Build Your Savings.

Business Basics: Tuesdays, Feb. 7, March 7 and April 11, 6-7:30 p.m. In Person, Portland. This class covers the business plan, marketing, and cash planning and is focused on food-based businesses. Assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of a business idea and get started with a plan. Location: St. Luke’s Community Kitchen, 134 Park Street in Portland.

Tax Readiness for the Self-Employed: Thursday, Feb. 9, 6-7 p.m. Online. Learn how to organize financial records, understand tax responsibilities, become familiar with tax forms, and file taxes with confidence. This workshop is designed for sole-proprietors.

Changing Jobs: Finding Work That Fits: Thursdays, Feb. 9-23, noon-1:30 p.m. Online. Considering a job change? This online class designed for women will help them identify work options and benefits that align with your interests, skills, and values.

My Money Works: Thursdays, Feb. 9-March 9, 10-11 a.m. Online. Gain the skills and confidence needed to stretch money, pay bills, reduce debt, find money for savings, plan for retirement, and set personal financial goals with a plan to achieve greater financial stability; also offered Wednesdays, March 1-29, 6-7 p.m., online.

Values + Mission = Clarity for your Business: Tuesday, Feb. 14, noon-1 p.m. Online. This interactive workshop encourages one to roll up their sleeves, and create or refine their values and mission statements and leverage them for business planning and success.

March Preview:

• My Money Works: March 1-29;

• Connecting Women to Construction Careers: March 2; and

• Venturing Forth: Business Planning for Entrepreneurs: March 13-June 12.

To sign up for any of the above classes, visit newventuresmaine.org or call 207-621-3440.