AUGUSTA — New Ventures Maine is offering Venturing Forth, a free, online comprehensive business planning class for entrepreneurs.

For new entrepreneurs or current 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 including the customer, competition, marketing, recordkeeping, 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 also includes follow-up networking sessions, according to a news release from Jennifer DeJoy with New Ventures Maine.

Individuals complete an online application and attend an orientation and individual interview to participate in the class. The application is accessible online and is due by noon Friday, March 21. Class size is limited to 15.

“This class supports small business owners in all aspects of creating their business plan,” said NVME Microenterprise Program Manager Alicia LaFosse. “Participants will not only learn through the class content, but they’ll also learn from their peers and from entrepreneurs in the community as they hone their vision and create their plan.”

The class will meet from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom on Tuesdays, April 1 through June 24.

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 newventuresmaine.org.

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.