Partners in Entrepreneurial Pathways 1.0: Venture Exploration
MSBB’s Accredited Start-Up Incubator Course
This free asynchronous course/workshop series covers the nuts and bolts of small business start-up. Each session will be led by a different guest lecturer who is a subject matter expert in the field. Participants will work through the stages of business planning, leading up to a complete business plan draft as the final project. Small business owners and entrepreneurial enthusiasts from the community will be able to select and audit sessions of their choice.
Enroll for college credit or join individual sessions -for free!
College Credit Option: Complete the series and a final project and receive 3 college credits and Entrepreneurship Digital Badges – for FREE!
Individual Workshop Option: Each session is open to ALL, for FREE. Individuals can choose any one session or multiple sessions to attend.
WEEKLY WORKSHOPS
Part 1: Business Basics
#1: 9/17/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
Be Your Own Boss: Is Entrepreneurship Right for You?
Starting a business is an exciting opportunity, but it’s also a big commitment. Explore what it means to be an entrepreneur, and learn about the rewards and challenges of business ownership to decide whether entrepreneurship is the right fit for you.
#2: 9/17/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Learn from the Pros: Lessons from Successful Entrepreneurs
Starting a business comes with a learning curve, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Hear from experienced entrepreneurs as they share honest advice, lessons learned, and practical tips.
#3: 9/24/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
Business Building Blocks: Starting from the Ground Up
A strong business starts with a solid plan. Explore the key building blocks of a successful business, including refining your idea, understanding your market, and choosing the business structure that best fits your goals.
#4: 9/24/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Management Strategies: Leading with Confidence
Leading a business means more than managing day-to-day operations. Explore practical leadership and management strategies that will help you build strong relationships, make informed decisions, and create a business where people can succeed.
#5: 10/1/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
Your Value Proposition: Why Customers Choose You
Every successful business offers something unique. Learn how to identify what sets your business apart and clearly communicate that value to customers.
#6: 10/1/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Intentional Culture from the Start: Building a Healthy Work Environment
Understand the importance of company culture and how to build a business that people want to work with. Explore ways to build a healthy, supportive workplace where employees feel valued and motivated to do their best work.
Part 2: Business Strategy
#7: 10/08/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
Know Your Customer: Marketing Strategy 101
Understanding your customers is the first step to reaching them. Learn how to identify your target audience, understand what matters to them, and develop a marketing strategy that works for your business.
#8: 10/08/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Know Your Why: Crafting a Mission & Vision
A clear mission and vision provide direction for every business decision. Take time to define your purpose, clarify your goals, and build a strong foundation for long-term success.
#9: 10/15/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
Startup Expenses: The Costs of Doing Business
Starting a business takes planning, especially when it comes to finances. Learn how to estimate startup costs, create a realistic budget, and prepare for the expenses you’ll encounter along the way.
#10: 10/15/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Business Analysis: Seeing the Big Picture
Successful businesses understand both themselves and the environment in which they operate. Learn how to use a SWOT analysis to evaluate your business, identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and make strategic decisions with confidence.
#11: 10/22/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
Starting Smart: The Legal Side of Business
The legal side of starting a business can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics now can help you avoid problems later. Learn about business structures, licenses, permits, insurance, and other important legal considerations.
#12: 10/22/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Grow Your Team: Hiring Your First Employee
Growing your business often means growing your team. Learn what you need to know before hiring your first employee, including employment requirements, worker classifications, and best practices for building a strong workforce.
Part 3: Financial Concepts
#13: 10/29/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
For What It’s Worth: Pricing Your Products & Services
Setting the right price is about more than covering your costs. Explore pricing strategies that help you stay competitive, provide value to your customers, and support a sustainable business.
#14: 10/29/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Branding Basics: Building Trust
Your brand is more than a logo. It’s how people recognize, remember, and connect with your business. Explore the basics of branding and learn how to create a clear, consistent identity that resonates with your target audience.
#15: 11/05/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
Know Your Numbers: Cash Flow Made Simple
Understanding your numbers is one of the most important skills a business owner can develop. Explore the basics of cash flow, budgeting, and financial planning so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
#16: 11/05/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Ready for Funding? Make Your Business Bankable
Whether you’re seeking a loan, applying for funding, or planning for future growth, preparation makes a difference. Learn what lenders look for and how to position your business for financing opportunities.
Part 4: Ready, Set, Start Up!
#17: 11/12/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
AI for Small Businesses: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Artificial intelligence is becoming an everyday business tool, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Explore practical ways AI can help you save time, improve marketing, and streamline routine tasks.
#18: 11/12/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Preparing for Launch: Start Small to Launch Big
Learn how to test your idea, get your first customers, collect feedback, and align your communications so you are ready to scale. Learn what you need for marketing materials to successfully soft launch your business.
#19: 11/19/2026, 2:00-3:30 pm
Turning Ideas into Action: Identify Priorities and Achieve Your Goals
A successful business doesn’t happen overnight. Create a practical action plan with clear priorities and achievable goals so you can leave the program ready to take your next steps with confidence.
#20: 11/19/2026, 3:45-5:00 pm
Networking and Growth: Meet Your Business Support Network
You don’t have to build your business alone. Meet the organizations, programs, and professionals who can provide guidance, resources, and support throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
Enroll for college credit or join individual sessions -for free!
Completion of the entire series and a final portfolio project results in 3 college credits and Entrepreneurship Digital Badges – and is available to you for FREE!
What can you expect after completing Pathways 1.0? You’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of what self-employment entails and utilize that information to make informed decisions.
- Identify the reasoning behind choice of business venture.
- Demonstrate an understanding of what components make up a business plan.
- Demonstrate an understanding of what free business supports for business plans and start-up assistance are available.
- Identify the mission and vision of their business venture.
- Determine what products/services their business will sell.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the legal structure and tax obligations for their venture.
- Demonstrates an understanding about the management strategies that best suit their venture.
- Perform market research and create a marketing plan for their business.
- Engage with practicing entrepreneurs to gain insight into the small business landscape.
- Accurately define what is needed to finance their business venture.
- Identify their business venture’s financial position at start-up, and at one-year.
- Effectively summarize their business venture through completion of an Executive Summary.
- Engage with business advisors’ feedback, to complete business plan.
- Utilize business support networks for business development assistance.
Facilitation
All course sessions will be facilitated by Ashley Dhakal, Director of Business Programs and Communications, with assistance from Dodie Emerson, Community Engagement and Communications Manager and Denise Cilley, Associate Director at Sunrise County Economic Council.
Thank you to all who make pathways programs possible!
This course is made possible through partnership with Washington County Community College, funding from Northern Border Regional Commission and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and more than 50 individual business partners and leaders across the State of Maine who join in delivering our entrepreneurial pathways programs!
