AUGUSTA — New Ventures Maine has an open call for Venturing Forth: Business Planning for Entrepreneurs, a tuition-free, comprehensive, online course scheduled to start Tuesday, Aug. 23.

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 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, according to a news release from the statewide education and economic development program.

Individuals complete an online application and attend an orientation and individual interview to participate in the class. Applications, due by noon Monday, Aug. 15, are accessible online.

The Venturing Forth class will meet remotely via Zoom on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Aug. 23 through Nov. 22.

“Business owners work through this intensive class with their peers who are facing similar challenges and solving similar problems,” said NVME Program Director Jean Dempster. “We cover a great deal of material in depth with the goal of each entrepreneur finishing the class with a complete business plan.”

Anyone with a business idea or current business can apply. The 60-hour course 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, email Gigi Guyton at New Ventures Maine at gigi.guyton@maine.edu or visit the New Ventures Maine website.

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