If you need to learn how to maximize the potential of a new technology then TechVenture, an award winning entrepreneurial program developed by the Kauffman Foundation, can show you how.
FastTrac TechVenture is 30 hours of instruction over 10 modules designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the fields of technology or life sciences. It focuses on the specific needs of these entrepreneurs, whose business ideas are based on:
• Developing and marketing technology.
• Developing technology that enables creation or enhancement of a non-technology business.
• Developing biotechnology and life sciences products or services.
Throughout the program, entrepreneurs will strengthen their ability to make critical decisions and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to improve the performance of their potential or existing technology businesses. The primary objectives of the program are to enable them to accomplish the following:
• Effectively evaluate and improve their business concept.
• Express the business concept through an Elevator Pitch, a Business Plan, and an Investor Presentation.
• Build a valuable network of entrepreneurial peers and important mentor relationships.
WHERE/WHEN:
Aiken: May 20 -21, 2010 (Modules 1-3)
Charleston: June 17-18, 2010 (Modules 4-6)
Greenville: July 15-16, 2010 (Modules 7-9)
Columbia: August 19-20, 2010 (Module 10 with Graduation/Investor Presentations)
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Thursday 3pm—6pm
Study/Coaching Workshops 7pm-9pm (with Industry Specific Coaches)
Friday 9am—Noon and 1pm—3pm
COSTS:
Tuition: $595.00 (Retail Value is $895.00)
Hotel Room Rate: <$100.00 per night
All Meals Included
At the graduation ceremony on August 20, 2010, graduates will have an opportunity to pitch their technology business to potential investors (Venture Capitalists, Angels, Corporate R & D Representatives, and Others).
FastTracSC, an initiative of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, has a vision to create new jobs, new businesses and new wealth for South Carolinians. Through state funding, corporate donations and the assistance of the FastTracSC Coalition which includes South Carolina Universities, Technical Colleges and state/local organizations dedicated to assisting in the development of new businesses in South Carolina, FastTracSC has been able to provide entrepreneurial training throughout the state to residents at all levels of business development.
For more information on TechVenture and the other programs offered by FastTracSC, visit our website at www.FastTracSC.org or email Mary Dickerson at mdickerson@charlestonchamber.org.
via: FastTracSC
FastTracSC announces the next series of the award winning FastTrac® business education courses for new business owners. FastTrac® is a practical, hands-on business development program designed to help entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to create, manage and grow a successful business. The interactive program, designed and facilitated by entrepreneurs, gives you the tools you need to evaluate your entrepreneurial readiness and to avoid the common pitfalls facing a new business. FastTrac® NewVenture™ assists the start-up or early stage entrepreneur in developing their business concept and evaluating it through each step of the business planning process. The class incorporates peer learning, hands-on group activities and guest speakers. 
Sorry kids, it turns out that there will be no real Stephen Colbert at the awards ceremony for the New Ideas contest this year. Last week, we broke the story that Stephen Colbert would be presenting the award. We had heard this as a public announcement in a semi public place, so we thought that since the person telling it was official, and that there were several hundred people in place, the information was public, reportable, and accurate. We were wrong.
