New Ventures Maine (NVME) offers free workshops, classes and individual coaching to all Maine adults, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, race or economic status, focusing on career building, small businesses, and money management. NVME is a program of the University of Maine/University of Maine System.

All classes and coaching sessions are free of charge! Our services are supported by funding from the State of Maine, state and federal contracts, private foundations, business sponsors, and individual donors.

Look for the “Register” link on each class page and fill out the online registration form. If you have questions about registration, contact the class instructor or call us at 800-442-2092.

Classes and workshops are open to all with the exception of Venturing Forth, an in-depth class in business planning for entrepreneurs, which does require an application, individual interview, and orientation.

A full list of classes is on our website under Find a Class. You can also find classes specific to each of the three program areas: Build Your Career, Start Your Business, and Manage Your Money.

Many NVME classes and workshops are offered online and we offer daytime and evening class times. We update our list of classes and workshops frequently with new offerings.

We do not regularly record our classes, but we do share resources such as links and other information that are included in class presentations. Contact your instructor for resources that have been shared in a class.

Yes, we encourage setting up an individual coaching session when circumstances make it difficult to attend a class session or when a conversation would work best to address your needs.

Yes! NVME works with partner organizations to provide translators for NVME classes. Please request a translator in advance so that the service can be arranged for the date and time of your class.

Translation services are provided free of charge to participants.

Venturing Forth, our in-depth business class, qualifies for 3 Pass/Fail credits from the University of Maine at Augusta upon approval of a completed business plan and payment of a small processing fee. Contact the class instructor for more information.

At this time, NVME does not offer help with grant searches. However, our Marketing Mini-Grant program awards grants annually through a competitive application process. For updates, contact the staff member in your area, or sign up for the NVME newsletter.

Yes, NVME microenterprise specialists are also small business advisors. Visit the Find a Coach section of this website to connect with a member of our professional staff.

Yes, in addition to meeting online, our professional staff can talk with you over the phone or in person. Visit the Find a Coach section of this website to connect with a member of our professional staff.

Graduates of My Next Career Move, My Money Works and Venturing Forth are eligible to apply for the GEN Scholarship to be used at any University of Maine System University, any Maine Community College, or the University of New England. For more information, contact Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau at 207-768-9635 or senechal@maine.edu.

New Ventures Maine is the lead coordinating organization for CA$H Maine, which is a statewide year-round resource providing outreach and education about ways you can make the most of your money. During tax season, CA$H Maine offers free tax preparation to qualified filers. Visit cashmaine.org to find your local tax site for more information about tax filing in your area.

A matched savings account is a savings account opened at a bank that is used to save money towards a goal. A participant applies for a matched savings program based on their savings goal and eligibility. Once their goal is reached (and any other requirements–such as financial coaching–are met), dollars are matched according to the program. Learn more about matched savings here, and reach out to Matched Savings Coordinator Lisa Archer at 207-621-7456 or lisa.archer@maine.edu for more information and an application.

Purchasing a car can be a savings goal for a Family Development Account (a matched savings program). Learn more about matched savings here, and reach out to Matched Savings Coordinator Lisa Archer at 207-621-7456 or lisa.archer@maine.edu for more information and an application.

NVME career classes help people to make decisions as they navigate career options and transitions. Career coaches can also point you to resources that would be helpful along your career path, including training opportunities for specific fields of interest.