 | What is FastTrac™?
FastTrac™ is a comprehensive entrepreneurship-educational program that provides business owners and managers with business insights, leadership skills and professional networking connections so they are prepared to create a new business or expand an existing enterprise. The FastTrac™ program includes practical, hands-on business development programs and workshops for existing entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as entrepreneurship curriculum for college students.
FastTrac™ is designed to help entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to create, manage and/or grow successful businesses. Participants don't just learn about business, they live it! They work on their own business ideas or ventures throughout the program - moving their venture to reality or new levels of growth.
FastTrac™ programs are resources for entrepreneurs that have been developed by and with hundreds of successful entrepreneurs who have shared their knowledge, insights, and stories so that others might learn from them. In 1998 FastTrac™ won the Small Business Administration's Model of Excellence Award for Entrepreneurial Education. Simply put, FastTrac™ is one of America's leading entrepreneurial training programs and remains on the cutting edge by providing programs that are written by entrepreneurs...taught by entrepreneurs...for entrepreneurs.
FastTrac™ programs are currently being provided by 270 partner organizations in 49 states. FastTrac™ programs are also being offered outside the U.S. in Australia and Russia. More than 95,000 participants have completed FastTrac™ classes in the United States since 1993.
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What makes FastTrac™ different from a lecture, a class or a seminar?
The FastTrac™ program is based upon principles of adult education. It is fast-paced, hands-on. There is no lecturing, no test taking. The materials are focused upon the participating individuals and their businesses or potential businesses. The materials are about the real world of business, not theories or concepts that do not apply.
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How was FastTrac™ started in the United States?
FastTrac™ programs were first launched through the University of Southern California's Entrepreneurship Program in Los Angeles in 1986. In an effort to launch the FastTrac™ program nationally and continue accelerating entrepreneurship in America, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation became the major funder and supporter of FastTrac™ in 1993.
Today the nine various FastTrac™ programs are offered in both urban and rural settings through organizations and colleges/universities that, like FastTrac™, are "helping people pursue their entrepreneurial dreams." FastTrac™ is a success because of the strong partnerships with local organizations that have a passion for serving the entrepreneurs in their community. Some of these organizations include:
- Chambers of Commerce
- Small Business Development Centers
- Economic Development Councils
- Women's Business Centers
- Minority Business Centers
- Universities and Colleges
- Community Colleges
- Individual consultants
- And others
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How can I speak with someone about FastTrac™?
The local FastTrac™ coordinator is Dr. Beth Hagan, Associates in Entrepreneurship Education. She can be reached at 239-947-8085 or BHagan7@aol.com.
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What is the tuition for a FastTrac™ program?
FastTrac™ New Venture is $450. Two people can attend for a single tuition.
FastTrac™ Growth venture is $650. Two people can attend for a single tuition.
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Are scholarships available?
Yes. Scholarships are available for a 50% tuition reimbursement. Almost anyone can receive a 50% scholarship by paying the full tuition at the beginning of the program, attending eight of the ten sessions, and completing the business plan. A 50% reimbursement is awarded at graduation, if the participant wishes to claim it. 95% of FastTrac™ graduates have voluntarily returned their scholarship award to be reused by future participants.
Scholarship Donors
- US Trust
- SunTrust
- NAWBO
- Business Solutions of Naples
- Northern Trust
- Bank One
- 5/3 Bank
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How do I apply for a 50% tuition reimbursement scholarship?
Complete the form that follows the registration form. It asks that you write a paragraph explaining why a tuition reimbursement will benefit you and your community. |
