LEWISTON – Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College, 51-55 Westminster St., is offering a 12-week New Ventures business planning course that covers topics such as customers, competitors, marketing, financial record keeping, taxes, legal aspects, financing and more.

At the end of 12 weeks, participants will have a written business plan.

New Ventures begins with an orientation, followed by interviews with each candidate. Class size is limited to 15. The deadline for applications is March 27. Orientation will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on April 3. Classes are from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning April 10 and running through June 19. There is no charge for classes, which are held at USM LAC, room 108.

For more information on Women, Work, and Community, or to register for the training, call Shirley Hamilton at 753-6505.