LEWISTON — Eleven women have graduated from New Ventures, a 12-week business planning course facilitated by Shirley Hamilton, microenterprise coordinator for Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community’s Western Region at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College.

At the end of the 12 weeks, participants wrote a business plan, which they presented at graduation. Graduates qualify for three credits at the University of Maine at Augusta and members of the class will continue to meet for six months to discuss their progress and act as a support group for each other.

The graduation ceremony included words of congratulations from Dean Joyce Gibson and Associate Dean Jan Phillips, USM LAC. The invited local speakers for the ceremony were Sen. Margaret Craven of Lewiston and Rosa Scarcelli, DE Property Management LLC, who shared their lessons learned as leaders, including how to keep a competitive edge through continuing education.

The Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community is a statewide training organization helping Maine women and men succeed in their workplace, business and community. All programs offered at centers across the state are free.