Council’s FastTrac Program Helping Local Entrepreneurs

STAMFORD — Products such as “Hit By A Truck” and “Who Loves Ya?” register high on the clever scale, but how do they fare as successful products? Linda Drost, founder of Daily Aromatherapy, used the skills gained from the Women’s Business Development Council’s (WBDC) entrepreneurial training program FastTrac to gauge her progress.

Like many businesses, Daily Aromatherapy was born out of passion. A longtime believer in alternate remedies, Ms Drost became fascinated with essential oils and their therapeutic effects and soon began creating her own blends.

At the urging of friends and family, she developed a small line of products for sale through a local retailer in New London, and is in the process of launching her website www.dailyaromatherapy.com.

Daily Aromatherapy did not truly transition from hobby to business until Ms Drost enrolled in the WBDC’s nine-week FastTrac New Venture class.

The FastTrac New Venture Course for Start Ups is designed for the aspiring business owner and focuses on matching participants’ business development needs to the business plan they develop to make their vision a reality. The program includes nine three-hour classes, plus three additional counseling sessions after completion of course work.

Ms Drost’s FastTrac New Venture experience was an A-to-Z education in entrepreneurship, she said. From outstanding volunteer instructors and guest speakers to the final class making “elevator pitches,” her knowledge grew exponentially.

“My first session of FastTrac New Venture taught me the essentials: setting up a three-year plan, creating an opening balance sheet, and using industry codes for market research,” Ms Drost said. “I began to discern between ‘pie in the sky’ hopes and truly salable products. The course helped me ground my ideas into a sustainable plan of action.”

Without the WBDC, Ms Drost said her business would not have the structure and depth needed to seek out investors.

“As a result of FastTrac New Venture, I’ve done the research and have a thorough understanding of my industry, so that I’m prepared to meet with potential investors and launch my business the right way,” she added.

WBDC is now accepting applications for enrollment in the next session taking place on February 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18. Counseling sessions are set for May 2, 9, 16 from 6 to 9 pm at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce in Shelton, and February 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24.

Counseling Sessions are additionally set for May 8, 15, 22 from 6 to 9 pm at Norwalk Community College.

Eligibility requirements: Must have a defined business concept. Registration and material fee upon acceptance into the program: $250.

Material fee discounts available via scholarships to those who qualify based on income guidelines. Application deadline is Friday, February 17.

Contact Aiesha Mclean for an application at 203-353-1750 or by e-mail at AMclean@ctwbdc.org.