DATE: August 9, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Steven Tinsley, Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development
PHONE: 954-357-6400
EMAIL: STinsley@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) announces its fall session of FastTrac® NewVenture™, a free program designed to guide aspiring and early stage entrepreneurs on the path to success. FastTrac® NewVenture™, offered in partnership with the Innovation Hub at Broward College, runs September through December. Interested participants must submit a complete application online at oesbd.affiliate.fasttrac.org by August 19th.
As a Kauffman FastTrac® affiliate, OESBD is hosting the NewVenture™ program to help entrepreneurs refine their business concept, identify the components of a strong business plan, and access the appropriate resources for launch. At the end of the course, completed business plans will be evaluated and the top three will be eligible to compete for seed money grants. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.
"This fall course follows our inaugural NewVenture™ program held this spring which successfully graduated 15 entrepreneurs," said OESBD Director Sandy-Michael E. McDonald. "We are proud to present programs that support the development and growth of businesses in Broward County."
Eligibility criteria for FastTrac® NewVenture™:
- A well thought-out idea for a new business
- Two years of work experience
- Access to a computer to complete assignments
- Conducted some market research
- Commitment to attend all sessions (approximately 30 classroom hours) and complete prep work (approximately 15-20 hours per week)
New Venture™ classes for accepted applicants will be held at the Innovation Hub located at the Cypress Creek Administrative Center, 6400 NW 6th Way, in Fort Lauderdale. Classes are scheduled from September 8 through December 15, 2016, 6 to 9 PM, on the following Thursdays: September 8, 15, 22; October 6, 13, 20; November 3, 10, 17; and December 1 and 15.
NewVenture™ is free and open to Broward County residents. Space is limited to 15 participants. For more information on the Kauffman FastTrac® program, contact OESBD at 954-357-6400 or visit us online. Individuals requiring accommodations in order to participate must make a request at least 10 business days in advance.
About Economic and Small Business Development
The mission of the Office of Economic and Small Business Development is to enhance Broward County's economy and contribute to an improved quality of life for all residents. Areas of focus include value-added job creation, business expansion and retention, small business growth, business development, international trade development, export readiness and entrepreneurial training and development. Services are delivered by the agency and through partnerships with state, local and private sector organizations. The Office of Economic and Small Business Development promotes equal access to Broward County procurement opportunities for small business enterprises in local and federal small business programs, and helps position small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities, and grow their businesses beyond Broward. Call 954-357-6400 for more information or visit Broward.org/EconDev.