AUBURN – Central Maine Community College and the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to offer convenient learning opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs in central Maine.

The Small Business Institute will offer a series of workshops designed for new businesses, small or medium businesses, including manufacturers, small and medium business owners and managers, and entrepreneurs. Through practical applications, participants will learn the skills and tools necessary to succeed in today’s competitive market.

“This is a great program to help small businesses succeed, and there is a real need in our community for this type of small business education. I’m even planning on taking some of the workshops myself,” said chamber President Chip Morrison.

A series of eight workshops will be offered through the Small Business Institute each semester at Central Maine Community College. Topics will include business planning and financing, accounting and cash flow, profit improvement, human resources management, and marketing. Instructors include Central Maine Community College faculty, local business owners as well as expert business consultants.

Susan Lavers, the project organizer at CMCC, said, “The small business owner needs to understand all aspects of their business including marketing, finance, sales, hiring, etc. In one or two evenings, they can attend a workshop to help them fine tune their business practices. The Small Business Institute is designed to be convenient and efficient, similar to a small business.”

For information on upcoming workshops, phone the Central Maine Community College Corporate & Community Services Department at 755-5280 or 1-800-891-2002, ext. 280, or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.cmcc.edu/training.