Entrepreneur Programs

Kauffman Foundation FastTrac® TechVenture™ Program
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.

Entrepreneur Navigator Award
The Entrepreneur Navigator Awards honor the unsung heroes who have mentored and advised entrepreneurs and startups in the region. The inaugural award recipients were announced at a reception on January 20, 2010.

• Navigator Award - Presented to an individual that has raised the bar for mentoring/advising or otherwise helped improve the quality of the entrepreneur community, in the Greater Washington region.
-- 2010 Recipient - Mike Lincoln, Cooley Godward Kronish LLP


• Organization Navigator Award - Presented to a company/organization that has raised the bar for mentoring/advising or otherwise helped improve the quality of the entrepreneur community, in the Greater Washington region.
-- 2010 Recipient - Mindshare


• Lifetime Navigator Award - Presented to an individual that has been a leader year after year to raise the bar for mentoring/advising and has thus helped improve the quality of the entrepreneur community, in the Greater Washington region.
-- 2010 Recipient - April Young, MMV Financial

Click here for more information on the Entrepreneur Navigator Awards

Networking Series
Allows entrepreneurs to interact with their peers and other in the entrepreneurial community in a fun and informal atmosphere.
January 13, 2010 Event Summary

Event Series

• Small Business Showcase and Panel
  Allows small companies to showcase their technology/business and gain visibility in front of potential partners or investors. Approximately 20 companies are chosen to have display tables during the networking session of a small company focused event.
  December 9, 2009 Event Summary


• Business Enterprise/Teaming Event
  Allows companies interested in partnering or subcontracting to meet the large government contractors of the region. The large government contractors have the opportunity to talk with the small/medium companies about how to do business with them, what types of companies they are currently looking for as partners or subcontractors and what opportunities may be available in the future.
  October 9, 2009 Event Summary

Entrepreneur SOLUTIONS
This program is designed to offer mentoring, advising and coaching sessions customized to meet the needs of individual entrepreneurs or start-ups. We utilize a network of seasoned entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and other business leaders to provide practical guidance to entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs in this program are linked to regional resources and other advising groups and programs best suited to their particular ventures.

Venture Spotlight
Gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their companies in front of a group of NVTC members and a panel of investors to receive feedback on their business concepts.

Hot Ticket Awards
The Hot Ticket Awards celebrate the efforts of entrepreneurial companies and individuals of the technology community who have exhibited "something special" - great vision, the ability to implement and deliver innovative management approach or star-quality charisma.