October 3 - November 14, 2007

Fall session on Wednesdays - October 3 - November 14, 2007 click here for brochure

This 7-Session Program for Entrepreneurs developed by the Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City

The next session will be facilitated by Lydia Jones & Drew Tonsmeire of the Kennesaw State University SBDC. Sessions are located in the lower level of the Jolley Lodge, on Kennesaw State's campus.
FastTrac Planning is an internationally recognized entrepreneurial training program for business leaders, developed by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The Kennesaw State University is please to provide this for business owners.

1) The facilitated training provides participants with an environment to network, to share problems, successes and best practices.
2) Prominent guest speakers -- provides focused, practical insights on the topic of the day.
3) Small group workshops -- participants work together to complete workbook exercises and develop strategies for their individual businesses.
4) One-on-one consulting -- the SBDC staff works with all participants individually, providing management assistance and applying the class concepts to each business. This service starts during the class and will continue after completion of the class for as long as the participant needs.

October 3, 2007 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Module 1: Sizing Up Your Business - Create a framework to improve the performance of your business and build a structure for future growth. Sharpen your strategic thinking skills to begin making decisions based upon facts. Learn to push beyond the status quo to answer the strategic question “Is this business ready for a goals-based plan?”

Module 2: Exploring Growth Opportunities - The most successful entrepreneurs don't question whether or not they should grow their businesses, but rather how, when and how much. Making decisions about growth requires careful analysis, as well as clarity in personal values, vision and goals. Learn how to set your business on a trajectory for growth.

Module 3: Making Strategic Decisions - Strengthen your ability to make strategic decisions as work continues on a strategic plan. The plan will describe how you will accomplish desired goals and achieve your business vision.

October 10, 2007 - 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Module 4: Using Financial Tools - Achieve your goals by focusing on the financial aspects of the business. Understand how all parts of the business work together to support your vision. Examine each area in the business—products or services, market, management, operations, and finances—to create a financial plan.

October 17, 2007 - 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Module 5: Strengthening the Product/Service - Think through ways to improve your products and services based on market needs. Learn how to protect the business from competition and to adjust pricing in response to competitive changes.

October 24, 2007 - 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Module 6: Seizing the Market - Develop a marketing plan that will encompass your industry, your customers and your competitive advantages and weaknesses.

October 31, 2007 - 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Module 7: Leading the Organization - Think about your changing roles as you lead the organization. Work on your Management and Organization Plan to explore proven leadership strategies and ideas for hiring, compensating and motivating your team.

November 7 , 2007 - 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Module 8: Managing Operations and Growth - Do current operating systems allow you to fulfill your vision and goals? Concentrate on implementing the best processes needed to monitor and manage the business.

November 14, 2007 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Module 9: Charting Financial Performance - Make specific changes to improve profitability and increase the overall wealth of the business. Once you have determined how much money it will take to grow the business, learn how to maximize internal cash, as well as how to find external sources of cash.

Module 10: Making it Happen - Review the strategies you've developed for business success and identify immediate priorities. You will identify specific actions, the person responsible and deadlines for key strategies to be completed. You will finish with a completed business plan and venture presentation.

With FastTrac® Growth VentureTM you will develop:

• A true picture of what it takes to grow your business.
• Tools to avoid the most common business mistakes.
• A network of entrepreneurial peers.
• Valuable mentor relationships.

All sessions will be facilitated by certified FastTrac® Facilitiators.

Tuition is: $895 for first person from your company (can be made in 3 payments). $550 for 2nd registrant from the same company.

To register online go to: http://sbdc.kennesaw.edu/registration.html or by phone: 770-423-6450 or via email: cmille72@kennesaw.edu