Kauffman Foundation FastTrac® TechVenture™

Entrepreneurship Training Program Brought to You by The Entrepreneur Center @NVTC

Date:
March 6, 2012 - May 15, 2012
We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2012 program that will begin in September 2012.

Time:
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Price:
NVTC members pay $550 for the first company representative, $450 for one additional representative.
Non-members pay $650 for the first company representative, $550 for one additional representative.
There is no application fee.

Sponsors:
Pillsbury
Reznick Group

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About FastTrac® TechVenture™

FastTrac® TechVenture™ is a comprehensive business planning program that addresses the needs of start-up entrepreneurs who are refining their business ideas, writing their business plans and seeking to grow sustainable high-impact companies. The program combines instruction from experienced business professionals, one-on-one business mentoring, peer learning, and ample tools to help entrepreneurs produce all the elements of an effective business. After completing the program, entrepreneurs walk away with a detailed business plan and executive summary presentation, and a strong understanding of how to finance a company.

Schedule

• Week 1: Exploring Entrepreneurship
• Week 2: Defining the Target Market
• Week 3: Conducting Market Research and Analysis
• Week 4: Testing Your Business Concept
• Week 5: Entering and Capturing the Market
• Week 6: Planning for Financial Success
• Week 7: Building and Compensating Your Organizational Team
• Week 8: Protecting the Business and Your Intellectual Property
• Week 9: Identifying Funding and Working with Investors
• Week 10: Managing Cash and Operating Your Business
• Graduation - Date TBD
• Advisory Sessions scheduled individually for each company 2-3 months after the conclusion of the program.

Past Coaches and Guest Speakers have included:
John Burton, Kathy Clark, Ken Chow, Duke Chung, Mike Devine, Hooks Johnston, Ron Kaiser, Eric Koefoot, Matt Koll, John May, Steve Meltzer and Tim O'Shaughnessy.


Building a technology-based venture

FastTrac® TechVenture™ provides the tools participants need to advance their technology venture to the next stage of business, whether moving beyond the start-up stage or seeking the last round of financing before going public. The program helps participants to reevaluate feasibility, identify target markets and create a business plan to communicate the opportunity to investors.

The aspiring or experienced FastTrac® TechVenture™ entrepreneur is in the field of technology or life sciences and is:

• Developing and marketing technology,
• Developing technology that enables a non-technology business, or
• Developing biotechnology and life sciences products or services.

Features and Benefits

After completing the program, FastTrac® TechVenture™ participants have:

• Evaluated and improved a business concept.
• Developed and effectively communicated-via elevator pitches, business plans, and investor presentations-their:
  • Market opportunities,
  • Business strategies,
  • Value propositions,
  • Financial models, and
  • Validity as an investment opportunity from equity and/or other capital sources.
• Built a valuable network of entrepreneurial peers and important mentor relationships.

Testimonials

The NVTC FastTrac® TechVenture™ program far exceeded my already elevated expectations. Having access to a room full of experienced and successful business people, new and energetic entrepreneurs, and amazing guest speakers on a weekly basis is an invaluable resource.
- Jesse Cathell, LootNewt, Fall 2011 participant

What has impressed me the most about the FastTrac program is the staggering amount of knowledge, experience and wisdom brought to the table by the speakers, coaches and participants. The coaches are particularly impressive. For emerging companies, having access to serial entrepreneurs, attorneys, CEOs and financial experts is hugely valuable.
- John Reeves, gangbox.com, Spring 2011 participant

The NVTC FastTrac® TechVenture™ program is an invaluable experience for entrepreneurs starting or thinking about starting a new business venture. The opportunity to collaborate extensively with other entrepreneurs -- both the students and the coaches -- gave us the insight and feedback we needed to get our company on the right footing to take the market by storm!
- Steve Markmann, Counterpoint Consulting, Fall 2009 participant

As a first-time technology entrepreneur, the FastTrac® program was extremely valuable to me and my entire team.
- Nicholas Tolson, FitFeud, Fall 2009 participant

In addition to helping entrepreneurs make tremendous progress in clarifying their business concept and making it to the next level, the program also integrates new entrepreneurs into the regional support environment. This factor is so important, since entrepreneurs thrive best as part of a community.
- Matt Koll, FastTrac® Coach and Successful Serial Entrepreneur


For additional information about the program, please contact Kristin D'Amore at 703-904-7878 ext. 226 or kdamore@nvtc.org.