FastTrac NewVenture™
Classes begin September 20th on the campus of Chatham University
An entrepreneurship training program to explore the potential of your business idea.
Chatham University is proud to present FastTrac to women entrepreneurs in western Pennsylvania who are ready to start their own businesses or expand their current businesses.
FastTrac is a nationally recognized training program that has assisted over 95,000 individuals across the country to start and/or grow businesses. FastTrac curricula are delivered locally by universities committed to the advancement of entrepreneurship, and are designed to be hands-on, practical courses in which participants develop or enhance their business plans.
The award-winning curriculum has been developed through a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Classes run for 10 Saturdays, beginning September 20th through Nobember 22nd from 9:00am to Noon on the campus of Chatham University. Parking is free; no permit required. Class size is limited. Cost of the 10 week session is $295.00. Register by September 17th 2008.
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FastTrac NewVenture™: The payoff
Before you quit your job or invest your life savings; wouldn't it be nice to know whether your idea has merit? In FastTrac NewVenture, you'll write a feasibility plan on your venture's strengths and weaknesses, examining your idea from every angle. You'll also work closely with other aspiring entrepreneurs sharing ideas and strategies, and laying the groundwork for future
business relationships. Through FastTrac NewVenture, you'll discover whether the life of an entrepreneur is right for you.
In FastTrac NewVenture™, you'll develop:
- Knowledge of the feasibility planning process.
- A feasibility plan that follows an assessment template designed to refine your ideas and assess your venture's viability.
- Research skills you can apply to the workplace or any future business venture.
- An understanding of the most common business entry strategies, including their pluses and minuses.
- A network of entrepreneurial peers.
- Valuable mentor relationships.
- A sense of yourself as an entrepreneur.
- A library of business reference materials, including an interactive CD-ROM that helps you write and build a feasibility plan.
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What is FastTrac NewVenture?
FastTrac NewVenture is ground zero for anyone interested in starting a business. An education program created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, FastTrac NewVenture is designed to help you evaluate and perfect your business concept. Taught by seasoned entrepreneurs in your community, FastTrac's hands-on program uses your idea as a case study, giving you an opportunity to "workshop" your venture in a safe and supportive environment. FastTrac NewVenture is a ten module, program.
In class coaching sessions, you'll take a three-dimensional look at your concept as well as study issues such as: What additional opportunities exist for entrepreneurs? How can I market my new business? How do I price my products and services? How do I begin developing budgets?
You'll learn and interact with a group of aspiring entrepreneurs who, like yourself, are trying to put their ideas into action. You'll also work with certified instructors, people with start-up business experience, who understand the benefits and pitfalls of starting a new enterprise. And by the time you finish, you'll know whether your idea has "legs" and if starting a business is right for you.
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FastTrac® NewVenture™: The course outline
- Concept Analysis
- Exploring Entrepreneurship
- Identifying and Meeting Market Needs
- Setting Financial Goals
Business Planning
- Planning the Product/Service
- Reaching and Analyzing the Market
- Reaching the Market
- Building the Organization and Team
- Planning for a Profitable Business
- Monitoring Cash Flow and Seeking Funds
- Implementing Next Steps
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Scholarships
The FastTrac programs offered by the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University are funded through grants from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the Lois Tack Thompson Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation. Scholarships are offered through funds provided by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the CL Fund.
A limited number of scholarships are available based upon need, and will be awarded to women who meet the following criteria: Financial Need, Demonstrated Business Concept, and Service to the Community.
Please compete the scholarship form and submit online. The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University will be in contact, regarding your application.
The deadline for applications is September 12, 2008.
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