AUGUSTA — New Ventures Maine has an open call for Venturing Forth, a free, online comprehensive business planning class set to start Tuesday, Sept. 3.

For new entrepreneurs or existing business owners, the class can 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 the customer, competition, marketing, record keeping, taxes, financing and legal aspects. In-class activities, guest speakers, and homework assignments lead to the completed business plan and road map for success. This comprehensive course includes three follow-up networking sessions.

Individuals complete an online application and attend an orientation and individual interview to participate in the class. The application, accessible at newventuresmaine.org, is due by noon on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Class size is limited to 15.

The class will meet via Zoom at the following dates and times:

• Sept. 3 to Oct. 15: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

• Oct. 22 to Dec. 3: Tuesdays only, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• (No class will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26.)

Anyone with a business idea or current business is welcome to apply.

The class also qualifies for three pass/fail credits from the University of Maine at Augusta upon approval of a completed business plan.

To request or complete an application, register for the orientation, or learn more, contact Alicia LaFosse at 207-621-7457 or alicia.lafosse@maine.edu, or visit the New Ventures Maine website.

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