PITTSFIELD – Pittsfield officials have scheduled a series of counseling sessions and workshops to help local business owners prosper and expand.

The one-on-one counseling is “an invaluable, confidential service,” said Town Manager Kathryn Ruth, and is being provided free of charge.

The workshops will target new business ventures as well as established outlets seeking to reach new markets.

“We are very pleased to bring these opportunities to our community and provide businesses with valuable information aimed at promoting business growth,” said Ruth on Monday.

Theodore Wirth, a business counselor for the Maine Small Business Development Center, will present the workshops, sponsored by Coastal Enterprises Inc. at Kennebec Valley Council of Governments in Fairfield.

“Being a CPA and MBA with years of experience starting and running small businesses, Ted offers a wealth of information for small businesses,” said Ruth.

The counseling sessions are by appointment only, said Ruth, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21. Appointments can be made by calling 453-4258.

Wirth also will offer a series of workshops over the next several months. Ruth said attendance at the first workshop will be key in judging local interest in continuing the series.

The workshops have a minimal $10 fee, and the first two have been scheduled for November and January.

At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, Wirth will present “Starting and running a successful small business,” and at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, he will offer “Reaching new markets.” Both workshops will be held in the Town Council chambers downstairs in the municipal building on Park Street.

For more information, business owners may contact Wirth at 453-4258, or Ruth at 487-3136.