ROCKLAND — For anyone who has considered starting their own business, MaineStream Finance and its partners are offering free classes to help potential entrepreneurs through the early stages of business concept development.

These introductory workshops are intended as individual seminars that examine the basics of creating a business plan, and the steps to be taken when getting a business going in the Midcoast area.

The seminars, named Hatchery 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, will each have a slightly different emphasis. The first, on Thursday, Oct. 23, will offer tools to assist in starting a local business. The second, on Thursday, Nov. 6, will consider the path toward a larger-scale enterprise. The third, on Wednesday Dec. 10, will focus on food-based businesses and agriculture.

The workshops will touch briefly on whether starting a business is a good idea for the individual, the importance of the business plan, how to assemble a team, assessing risks, and approaches to obtaining financing. The classes are a snapshot of the issues, difficulties and rewards of entrepreneurship.

These classes are a cooperative effort of MaineStream Finance, Midcoast Magnet and the Blackstone Accelerates Growth Midcoast Innovation Hub.

Hatchery 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 will be held at the MaineStream Finance office at 315 Main St. in Rockland from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The classes are free.

Due to limited space, participants should register in advance at www.mainestreamfinance.org and click on 'Register.'