FREEPORT – The Coastal Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Southern Maine School of Business will hold a small business conference for entrepreneurs on Jan. 30 at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport.

The center is a 35-member regional home-based business group that meets monthly in Freeport to exchange ideas, learn about local and state program assistance, and help members network. The conference will benefit small entrepreneurial businesses looking to develop plans, goals, and tactics for their business development.

The University of Southern Maine Center for Entrepreneurship is sponsoring a workshop called “Listening to Your Business” during the first half of the day from 8 a.m. to noon. The workshop will feature Jim Wilfong as the instructor, who has been president of TradeNex, an export management company, co-founder of Jolt Snowboards, Boots and Accessories, U.S. director of Marketing for Atomic Skis, and leader of the International Trade Office for the Small Business Administration.

The workshop will empower attendees to take control of their businesses through hands-on activities and training materials that will help them zero in on where they want their business to be and how to get there.

Lunch will be served at noon.

A networking session will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Approximately 100 conference participants will be provided display space for their products/services. Conference participants will be able to network, visit other displays, and sell their goods.

A Small Business Development Center counselor will be on hand, as well as a business development specialist from the Department of Economic and Community Development. In addition, the Freeport Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and the Coastal Center for Entrepreneurship will be on hand to answer questions and give assistance.

The entire day with workshop, training materials, lunch and display space will cost $25. To register, contact the Center for Entrepreneurship at 780-5919 or visit online at www.usm.maine.edu/cesb.