WILTON — New Ventures Maine announces its small business workshop schedule for January and February. The two classes, Introduction to Self-Employment and Business Basics, are tuition free and held at several locations in western Maine.

Introduction to Self-Employment is a two-hour workshop that will help participants decide if self-employment is the right choice. The class covers the pros and cons of owning a business, the steps needed to get started, the major elements of a business plan, and the many resources available to be successful.

Times, dates and locations for Introduction to Self-Employment:

• 2:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, Wilton Career Center, 865 U.S. Route 2, Wilton;

• 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, Lewiston Career Center, 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston;

• 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Bethel Adult Education, 284 Walkers Mills Rd., Bethel;

• Noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring St, Auburn.

Business Basics is a 9-hour, three-session class that covers the basics of a business plan, marketing, cash planning and is suitable for those thinking about, or who are in the early stage start-up of a new business. It will help participants assess the feasibility, desirability and viability of a business idea and start writing a business plan.

The class is being offered twice in the coming months:

• 9 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, Jan. 20, 27 and Feb. 3, USM-Lewiston Campus, 51 Westminster St., Lewiston;

• 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and 8, New Ventures Maine, 108 Perham St., Farmington.

To pre-register or for more information on any of these business classes, contact Karleen at: karleen.andrews@maine.edu or call her at (207) 557-1885.

New Ventures Maine is administered by the University of Maine at Augusta and operates out of 10 offices statewide. For more information and to find classes, go to: newventuresmaine.org or call 1-800-442-2092 toll-free in state.