New Ventures Maine (NVME) held a graduation ceremony at the UMA Brunswick Center on Friday, August 22, for 11 Venturing Forth class participants who completed their business plans during the eight-week summer comprehensive business planning class.
Presenting in person and virtually over two class sessions, the 11 new entrepreneurs presented their plans for new businesses focused on graphic design, murals and signs; transportation; gold gilding; children’s imaginative play and books; custom hand drums; app-based calculators; interior design; childcare; custom game tables; and wellness practices in western, midcoast, and southern Maine.
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 in-depth course covers topics including the customer, competition, marketing, recordkeeping, taxes, financing, legal aspects, and more. In-class activities, guest speakers, and homework assignments lead to the completed business plan and road map for success.
In the words of one participant, the class was, “Inspiring, informative, motivating. What I’ll take with me is the commitment to thinking critically about my business and having a concrete strategy for success.”
The class was funded in part by Maine Technology Institute (MTI). Guest speaker Emily Braley, Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC) Coordinator for MTI, offered perspective to graduates on the role of small business in the Maine economy. “In 2024, small businesses and entrepreneurs employed 54.5% of Maine’s workforce and between 2023 and 2024, 98.5% of Maine’s net job growth was driven by small businesses,” she said. “You are the heartbeat of Maine’s state and our economy. In creating your small business, you…are actively contributing to the engine that is driving economic opportunity for over half of the state of Maine.”
Explore our website to learn more about NVME business classes and individual coaching.
(Pictured left to right: six Venturing Forth graduates with certificates–Jason Simms, Tessa Anable, Micheline Ngwinutete, Megan Strackbein, Laura Bramley, Jessica Penn–NVME Microenterprise Program Manager Alicia LaFosse, Emily Braley (MTI), UMA President Jen Cushman, NVME Microenterprise Specialist Gina Platt. Not pictured: Melissa Anderson, Rob Madden, Conny Terrio, and Hannah Tufts)