LEWISTON – Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community is offering a free, 12-week New Ventures business planning course that covers customers, competitors, marketing, financial record keeping, taxes, legal aspects, financing, and more.

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

The course begins with an orientation, followed by interviews with each candidate. Class size is limited to 15. The deadline for applications is March 25. The orientation will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on April 1. Classes will be on Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and begin on April 8, lasting through to June 24.

For more information on Women, Work and Community, or to register for the training, call Shirley at 753-6505. Also, visit the Web site at www.womenworkandcommunity.org.