University of Maine Cooperative Extension in partnership with the Maine Business School will offer Build a Better Business, a hands-on workshop for business owners and prospective entrepreneurs. The Machias workshop will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the UMaine Machias, 116 O’Brien Avenue, Machias.
The session offers a full-day program from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., or the choice of a half-day morning or afternoon session. Morning sessions will focus on business strategy and financial modeling. Afternoon sessions will cover business resilience planning and developing a growth mindset. The session will include a locally catered lunch and snacks.
Presenters include Jason Entsminger, Ph.D., assistant professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Maine Business School and Extension state specialist for small business; Jason Harkins, Ph.D., executive dean of the Maine Business School and dean of the Graduate School of Business; Jens Kaus, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow in sustainable business at the Maine Business School; and Lisa Liberatore, serial entrepreneur and adjunct instructor at the Maine Business School. The presenters bring experience in applied research, rural entrepreneurship, venture scaling and business education.
The cost is $75 for a half-day or $100 for a full-day session, including lunch. A minimum of 12 participants may be required per site. Scholarships are available for participants working in Maine’s outdoor recreation economy; those with businesses related to outdoor recreation may select a reduced rate of $20 for the full-day session when registering. Registration closes three days prior to each event. To register or learn more, visit the program webpage.
For more information or logistical questions, contact Lisa Liberatore at lisa.liberatore@maine.edu. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jason Entsminger at 207.581.1999 or jason.entsminger@maine.edu.


