Suffolk’s Economic Development Community Business Launch workshop schedule has been released.

The free workshops will begin at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2 and take place every Tuesday following until Nov. 13.

The workshops will feature experts in a plethora of topics to help those participating formulate a business plan by the end of the seven-week program. No business can present a business plan or funding unless they complete the full workshop program.

Workshops are open to everyone free of charge, but registration is required to attend.

The Community Business Launch program is designed to assist communities in their approach to fostering new small business growth. Suffolk applied for funding and received $45,000 from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

The program from the state offers the flexibility to find the right people to bring storefront businesses to downtown.

The Community Business Launch program is specifically designed to help build up downtown areas. Only those wishing to start new brick-and-mortar businesses in the downtown area will be eligible.

The EDA has finalized the schedule for the workshop series:

Oct. 2 — Simple Steps for Starting a Business

Oct. 9 — Personal and Business Finances

Oct. 16 — Financing and Credit

Oct. 23 — Sales and Marketing

Oct. 30 — Business Plan Basics

Nov. 6 — Business Plan Practice

Nov. 13 — Sales and Marketing

Economic Development has partnered with the Suffolk Executive Offices to host the workshops, and all classes will be held at their office space, 425 W. Washington St.

To register or for more information, contact Gregory Byrd at 514-4042 or gbyrd@suffolkva.us.