An entrepreneurship training program to explore the potential of your business idea.

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.

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 nine-module, 31.5 hour, 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.

FastTrac NewVenture: The course outline

• Introduction to the Program and the Entrepreneurial Profiles
• Identifying and Assessing Venture Opportunities
• Concept Development
• Entry Strategies
• Market Research and Analysis
• Pricing and Profitability
• Market Penetration
• Budgeting Next Steps