Kauffman FastTrac Program
Whether you’re starting a boutique or a burger joint, a hardware store or a hair salon, you need a plan. This 12-week course can help you build that plan and position your business or idea for success.
Kauffman FastTrac was launched by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and carries out Mr. Kauffman’s belief that everyone has a fundamental right to turn an idea into an economic reality, regardless of who you are or where you’re from, with zero barriers in the way.
The Kauffman FastTrac Program is best suited for those who are:
- Within one year of starting their business, OR
- Have started their business within the past three years and are seeking to build a business plan.
The Kauffman FastTrac Program gives aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs the chance to:
- Test the feasibility of their business concept.
- Assess opportunities and identify those with the greatest potential.
- Develop a successful start-up strategy.
- Fine-tune the processes of an early-stage business.
So what can you expect?
During this 12-week program, you will study with a group of entrepreneurs, experienced facilitators, and people with start-up business experience who understand the pitfalls of starting a new enterprise. Each week, you’ll meet and hear from our expert facilitator; some weeks, you’ll also hear from a guest expert. You’ll also receive lifetime access to an online FastTrac toolkit that houses planning templates, action steps, activities, videos, and other helpful materials. When you finish the program, you’ll know if your idea has profit potential and will have an actionable plan you can use as a roadmap or take to investors.
During this 12-week program, you will:
- Explore entrepreneurship and develop your business concept.
- Identify and research market needs.
- Set financial goals and determine start-up costs.
- Develop research skills and determine the unique features and benefits of your product or service.
- Research and analyze the market and prepare a marketing plan.
- Create a business image and marketing strategies.
- Build the organization team and understand legal structures.
- Plan for a profitable business, evaluate pricing and profitability.
- Learn how to monitor cash flow and seek funds.
- Determine and implement next steps to launch your business and complete your business plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the program cost?
The fee for the 12-week program is $179. We are seeking sponsors to help offset the cost but cannot guarantee that scholarships will be available.
Who is this program for?
FastTrac is for any aspiring or early-stage entrepreneur who is looking for relevant information, real life entrepreneur experiences, and tools to help through your entrepreneurial journey to starting a business.
Will you cover information relevant to my industry?
The course content is not industry specific but will be relevant and applicable to anyone looking to launch aÂbusiness.
What will I accomplish by the end of the FastTrac Program?
By the end of this 12-week course, students will have vetted their business idea with experienced coaches and successful entrepreneurs, developed a strong business plan, and connected to services and resources that will help you launch your business.
How many hours of outside work will I be expected to complete?
This program requires you to work on your business plan and conduct research outside of class.ÂOutside coursework will require a minimum of 10 to 15 hours per week for the duration of the course.
When does the next cohort begin, and how do I sign up?
The schedule for the next cohort is as follows:
- Tuesday, 9/17/24, 4:30PM-7:30PM, in person
- Tuesday, 9/24/24, 4:30PM-7:30PM, in person
- Tuesday, 10/1/24 and Thursday, 10/3/24, 5:00PM-6:30PM, virtual
- Tuesday, 10/8/24 and Thursday, 10/10/24, 5:00PM-6:30PM, virtual
- Tuesday, 10/15/24 and Thursday, 10/17/24 5:00PM-6:30PM, virtual
- Tuesday, 10/22/24 and Thursday, 10/24/24, 5:00PM-6:30PM, virtual
- Tuesday, 10/29/24 and Thursday, 10/31/24, 5:00PM-6:30PM, virtual
- Tuesday, 11/5/24, 4:30PM-7:30PM, in person
- Tuesday, 11/12/24 and Thursday, 11/14/24, 5:00PM-6:30PM, virtual
- Tuesday, 11/19/24 and Thursday, 11/21/24, 5:00PM-6:30PM, virtual
- Tuesday, 12/3/24, 4:30PM-7:30PM, in person
- Tuesday, 12/10/24, 4:30PM-7:30PM, in person
In person meetings will be held at the Summerville Chamber of Commerce, 402 N. Main Street, Summerville. Virtual meetings will be held via Zoom.
To sign up, please download, complete, and submit the application below. The cohort maximum is 20 participants. If more than 20 applications are received, the first 20 paid participants will be admitted to the cohort and a waiting list will be formed. The application deadline is 5:00PM on Tuesday, September 10.