Two Locations Set For Next FastTrac New Venture Program

STAMFORD — The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is promoting entrepreneurial training for those interested in launching and growing a small business with its FastTrac New Venture program. In the past 15 years, WBDC has helped clients launch hundreds of businesses.

Participants work on their own business ideas or ventures throughout the program, moving their ventures to reality or new levels of growth with help from instructors and guest speakers/counselors.

Designed for the aspiring business owner, FastTrac New Venture focuses on matching participants’ business development needs to the business plans they develop to make their vision a reality.

The program includes nine three-hour classes, plus additional counseling after completion of course work. The next series of classes are happening at two locations:  

Stamford, beginning Thursdays, October 11 through December 13

Waterbury, Mondays, October 15 through December 17

All sessions run from 6 to 9 pm.

In a release from WBDC, Margo Gentile, a former course participant, said, “The FastTrac program definitely gave me the direction to reflect and develop many of the behind-the scenes ideas and plans such as business vision, concept, and feasibility. In other words, it’s great to have an idea, but WBDC helped me take that idea to the next level.”

And program graduate Keisha Rose said, “With each session that I attended, I felt more confident about my future and the reality of my business.”

Program sessions include:

*Review of Business Concept/Business Plan Elements: Setting Financial Goals

*Identifying and Meeting Market Needs; Researching and Analyzing the Market

*Planning the Product/Service

*Reaching the Market

*Building the Organizational/Legal Team

*Planning for a Profitable Business

*Monitoring Cash Flow and Seeking Funds

*Business Advisory Networking

*Implementing Next Steps

Material fee discounts are available via reduced-fee scholarships to those who qualify based on income guidelines. Application Deadline is Friday, October 5.

To receive an application, contact Ashley McGuffie at 203-910-4663 or e-mail AMcGuffie@ctwbdc.org.