Thursday, Dec. 6

REAL ESTATE

Mortgage rates

The latest rate for the average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage will be released Thursday. Last week, Freddie Mac reported that it remained at 4.81 percent from the week before.

Friday. Dec. 7

COMPETITION

Battle of the business plans

Watch a panel of judges critique students’ business ideas at the annual Massachusetts Institute of Technology Fintech $5K Business Plan Competition. Winners will receive up to $5,000. Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 100 Memorial Drive, MIT Sloan School of Management, Building E62, Room 233, Cambridge. Free. Register online or go to the business agenda at bostonglobe.com.

CONFERENCE

Growing your customer base

Learn how to attract modern consumers at a retail conference hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The two-day event kicks off Friday night with a keynote speech and welcome reception. Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., building 51, Cambridge. Tickets range from $65 to $120. Register online or go to the business agenda at bostonglobe.com.

BOOT CAMP

Familiarize yourself with Adobe Illustrator

Bring your design ideas to life using Adobe Illustrator software. Participants will learn to create layouts for the Web and print. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., General Assembly Boston, 125 Summer St., 13th floor, Boston. $200. Register online or go to the business agenda at bostonglobe.com.

NETWORKING

Make connections

Meet like-minded professionals at a BNI Financial District networking group event. Access to business training and peer learning opportunities will be offered. Friday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., 125 Summer St., 8th floor, Boston. Free. Register online or go to the business agenda at bostonglobe.com.

Events of note? E-mail us at agenda@globe.com. Follow us on Twitter @GlobeBiz.