FARMINGTON – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will present a workshop series, “Writing for Your Business,” for small and home-based businesses starting Feb. 3 at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

The series will give business owners the skills necessary to write effective and creative marketing materials for numerous applications, and to how to use creative ideas to expand their business though networking.

The series will be in three sessions, all held in early February. The first, “Telling Your Business Story” will be Feb. 3, from 6-9 p.m. Participants will develop a mission statement for their business; learn how to express the unique benefits of their product on the printed page, and how to put this together in a compelling and concise speech.

“Developing and Using Marketing Materials to Promote Your Business” will be the focus of the second session on Feb. 5 from 6-9 p.m. This session will teach participants how to create written content for their brochures, Web sites, and news releases to spread the word quickly and effectively about their business.

The final session, “Marketing Power of Your Network,” will be held Feb. 10 from 6-9 p.m. This session will remind participants that their small business in Maine is not an island. Participants will learn how to use their personal and professional networks to grow and expand their businesses. Participants will also learn about working with other small businesses to package their products and services.

Marc Edwards, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and Caroline King, founder of Maine Word, will present the workshop series.

Cost for the series is $30. Call 778-4650 or 1-800-287-1478 to register. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by Jan. 30.