Applications are open for online training on entrepreneurship

STATE — New Ventures Maine (NVME) has an open call for Venturing Forth: Business Planning for Entrepreneurs, a tuition-free, comprehensive online course starting August 23rd.

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 14-week course covers topics including the customer, competition, marketing, record keeping, taxes, financing, legal aspects and more. Class activities, guest speakers, and homework assignments lead to a 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. Applications are accepted until Monday, August 15 at noon, and are available online.

The Venturing Forth class will meet remotely via Zoom on Tuesdays from 9:30am to 2:30pm, from August 23rd to November 22nd.

“Business owners work through this intensive course with their peers who face similar challenges and solve similar problems,” said NVME Program Director Jean Dempster. “We cover much of the material in depth with the goal that every entrepreneur will finish the class with a complete business plan.”

Anyone with a business idea or current job is welcome to apply. The 60-hour course also qualifies for three pass/fail points from the University of Maine at Augusta upon approval of the completed business plan.

To request or complete an application, register for an orientation, or learn more, contact Gigi Guyton at New Ventures Maine ([email protected]) or visit the New Ventures Maine website.