WAILUKU – The County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development offers free workshops at the Maui County Business Resource Center located in Maui Mall across from Pizza Hut in Suite B-9.

Seating for all workshops is limited, and all workshops are subject to change or cancellation. Workshops are free unless noted otherwise.

To reserve a seat, call the center at 270-5770.

“How to Start a Blog” with instructor Nicole Fisher will be held on Thursday, Aug. 25, from noon to 1:15 p.m. (Q&A until 1:30 p.m.).

Are you in need of a blog for your business? In this workshop, Fisher will walk you through the steps of starting a blog. She will provide valuable information about WordPress.com vs .org, WordPress vs. Blogger and on Hosting vs. Not Hosting. Want to learn how to choose a platform? Or, how about learning the strategies and tactics for success? You will learn about this, plus more, at this workshop.

“Grow Your Business with E-mail & Social Media Simple Marketing Strategies in a Hands-on Workshop” with instructor Mckenna Hallett is slated for Friday, Aug. 26, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Overwhelmed with all the social media choices? Do you keep putting off getting that e-mail created and out to your customers or clients? Do you wonder which marketing channel is the best for your business or organization? Is your marketing working? Are you like a deer in headlights with a to-do list of e-mails, Facebook, Twitter or whatever new thing is rolling out every week?

Come to this workshop and learn the best practices. You can be a savvy marketer! In this session, there will be a free worksheet for use during the workshop. Come and learn how to create great marketing messages efficiently and effectively.

Workshop topics include how to effectively market in today’s hectic online world; understanding what and how to set goals for marketing success; putting together the right message; what platform(s) you should be using for your best results; and setting up your list of priorities.

“The ABCs of a Business Plan” with instructor David Daly will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 31, from noon to 1 p.m.

Maui Economic Opportunity Business Development Center’s Core Four Business Planning is a 36-hour course on how to write a business plan while providing the information you need to know in order to start, operate and grow your business. This is a one-hour introductory workshop that will provide you with a better understanding of the course outline for the Core Four Business Planning.

Daly, director of the MEO Business Development Center, will discuss the numerous reasons for writing a sound business plan. Participants will receive an outline of the business plan taught by MEO’s Core Four Business Plan Course.

“Quickbooks for Small Business” with Richard Kehoe will be held on Thursday, Aug. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. The fee is $45 per session.

Learn to set up your company’s QuickBooks in a small class setting with personalized tutoring. This class for new users will teach you how to record sales, receive payments, prepare invoices and balance your checkbook. Get customized answers and schedule a follow-up appointment at no cost to discuss your solutions.

Free counseling sessions with experienced SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and Small Business Development Corp. counselors are held Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m., and Thursday and Friday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m.