Class 1
Introduction to First Step FastTrac®
Define personal vision and goals and
introduction of Model Business Reality Check
Class 2
Communicating the Business Concept
Transform business ideas into
business concept statements
Class 3
Gathering Information for Feasibility
Feedback on business concept statements and consider personal financial readiness
Class 4
Products and Services
Describe product/services including features, benefits, and uniqueness
Class 5
Market Analysis - Industry and Competition
Focus on opportunities in the industry
and evaluate competition
Class 6
Market Analysis - Market Segments & Strategies
Define target markets &
develop marketing strategies
Class 7
Price and Profitability - Pricing
Pricing strategies and the affect prices
have on profitability; break-even analysis
Class 8
Price and Profitability - Profits
Difference between profits and cash;
determining start-up costs
Class 9
Price and Profitability - Cash Flow
Using the Cash Flow Report
to evaluate feasibility; key legal issues;
sales projection tools
Class 10
Price and Profitability - Cash Flow
Finalizing the Cash Flow Report
and key accounting issues
Class 11
Plan for Further Action - Next Steps
Tools to complete the feasibility plan
and key financial resources
Class 12
Celebrating Accomplishments!
Graduation and Executive Summary
As a past student of the Fast Trac Program, I have been able to focus on the Non-Profit Business with a better understanding of what is needed as well as what is to come. I was able to get great opinions and help from Michelle as well as the other students. I came out with a business plan that is just about to be completed. I be live that this class is of great value to those that have fresh ideas for any business. It is a great resource for building ideas, getting opinions, understanding business, as well as making contacts. Although I have completed my B.A in Business Management, I was able to get a lot of great information in the class.
Testimonials from our First Step Pilot Group
December 19, 2007
TO: Michelle Butler
Women’s Business Center of California
Dear Michelle,
I just wanted to take the opportunity to again thank you for your time and dedication to the recently completed First Step Fast Trac business plan program. The class was great at taking each step of business planning from promotion, to ownership, to location, to expenses and dissecting them into pieces one could easily review. I was able to grasp a much better understanding of the intricacies involved with each portion and definitely covered issues I was not aware of despite owning a couple of businesses and working in management for companies as well.
Upon completion of the class, I had a complete business plan. I felt confident in my history of experience, my marketing strategy, my objective for projections, the feasibility studies, and my projected P&L. All of this and I didn’t have to get a degree to accomplish this. I already have a couple of institutions interested in financing to help make my dream come true. I am certain that my success will be fully dependent on proper planning and with the First Step Fast Trac you offered, I am confident it will succeed.
Sincerely appreciative,
Pam Jeanes
Recovery Center Meeting Café
RE: First Step
It was my lucky day when I received the WBCC email announcing their pilot FastTrac class. During the 12 weeks, my classmates and I didn’t only learn all the key steps in starting a business, we lived the part of true entrepreneurs by applying these steps to our own business ideas in each class.
This isn’t a typical course of talking heads preaching general business theory, but one that applies hands-on interaction and brainstorming. The education we received enabled us to come to the conclusion if our ideas would fly without risking capital or dashing our hopes and dreams.
Needless to say, my expectations were exceeded and I finished the courses confident, prepared and empowered by the knowledge I obtained from the material, my instructor Michelle, the insight of my fellow participants, from my own research while preparing my feasibility plan, and knowing that I have the wonderful resources that WBCC offers within easy grasp. Michelle and Dena together made this class especially outstanding. They were always available to assist us and generously shared their time, talent, and own experiences in the business world to expand on each lesson.
I proudly stand behind this FastTrac course and would urge any budding entrepreneur to participate in future sessions. It is definitely the best investments they could ever make in their life as a business owner.
-- Junvi Ola
View Calendar
First Step FastTrac® is a program of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and First Step Fund, Scroll down for testimonials
