FastTrac® helps entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to create, manage, and grow successful businesses. Interact with entrepreneurs and experts as you discover the benefits of FastTrac's own brand of business coaching, tap into the community resources available, and become part of a network of entrepreneurs who share your drive to succeed. FastTrac® GrowthVentureTM makes you an active participant in a program designed for entrepreneurs just like you. Facilitators are knowledgeable entrepreneurs who are attuned to the issues that influence the decisions you make about your business. They make the program meaningful by applying this knowledge to your business. FastTrac® is supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation,fostering entrepreneurship across the country. (scholarships availavble, call for details)

Location: Primer Paso, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence

This clinic is designed for individuals who are thinking about owning a business and need assistance with the procedures and government regulations involved in starting a business. This three-hour seminar will provide participants with an understanding of the commitment, risks and rewards, advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurship. Topics include the feasibility of your business idea, legal requirements/structure, management and risk assessments, general business planning and much more! Also learn about resources available to you from the Small Business Development Center. You will leave this session with tools, worksheets, and tips to get started. This clinic is appropriate for those individuals who are not yet in business and are interested in general information.

Location: JWU Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence

This workshop is for people who are interested in learning the fundamentals of starting and running a business the right way. Some subjects to be covered are registering your business, market research & analysis, legal structures for your business, estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection, failure factors, and business planning. Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this comprehensive workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your business. A detailed business start-up workbook and a generous packet of information pertaining to the workshop are provided.

Location: Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Lincoln

Primer Paso FastTrac® es un práctico programa educativo creado por empresarios para empresarios. El programa está diseñado para ayudar a los negociantes afilar las habilidades que necesitan para crear, manejar y hacer crecer empresas exitosas. Desarrollado para aquellos empresarios que desean poner o hacer màs grande su negocio, el Primer Paso FastTrac® incorpora materias del premiado programa FastTrac®. Primer PasoFastTrac®provee la fundación y los instrumentos para que los participantes exploren si están preparados y habilitados para ser empresarios. Los estudiantes aprenden a desarrollar un plan de factibilidad para evaluar el concepto de negocio que tienen. Este plan incluye: Un Resumen Ejecutivo Los Productos y Servicios Un Análisis del Mercado Los Precios y el Análisis de la Capacidad de Ganancia %Un Plan para Acción Adicional %uF034Los Productos y Servicios %uF034Un Análisis del Mercado %uF034 Los Precios y el Análisis de la Capacidad de Ganancia %uF034Un Plan para Acción Adicional

Speaker: Tomas Alberto Avila, Sixcia Devine, Adriana Dawson, Pablo Cabrera, Leon Jaime Mesa

Location: Primer Paso, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence

Primer Paso FastTrac® es un práctico programa educativo creado por empresarios para empresarios. El programa está diseñado para ayudar a los negociantes afilar las habilidades que necesitan para crear, manejar y hacer crecer empresas exitosas. Desarrollado para aquellos empresarios que desean poner o hacer màs grande su negocio, el Primer Paso FastTrac® incorpora materias del premiado programa FastTrac®. Primer PasoFastTrac®provee la fundación y los instrumentos para que los participantes exploren si están preparados y habilitados para ser empresarios. Los estudiantes aprenden a desarrollar un plan de factibilidad para evaluar el concepto de negocio que tienen. Este plan incluye: Un Resumen Ejecutivo Los Productos y Servicios Un Análisis del Mercado Los Precios y el Análisis de la Capacidad de Ganancia %Un Plan para Acción Adicional %uF034Los Productos y Servicios %uF034Un Análisis del Mercado %uF034 Los Precios y el Análisis de la Capacidad de Ganancia %uF034Un Plan para Acción Adicional

Speaker: Tomas Alberto Avila, Sixcia Devine, Adriana Dawson

Location: Primer Paso, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence

In this economy are you concerned about getting financing for your business? Did you know that even the greatest business idea can be spurned by a fussy lender if the paperwork is filled out wrong? Well don't lose hope, come learn how a lender looks at your loan request and gain insight on the needs and limitations of lending institutions. Credit quality, cash flow and collateral are key. This presentation will focus on preparing your existing business or startup for financing. Sources of capital, including SBA guaranteed bank loans, will be discussed.

Location: Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence

Most entrepreneurs know that at some point they will exit their business, but usually don't focus on it until they are ready to do so. Developing an exit strategy early in the process and revisiting it as the situation changes provides a company increased probability of success. Whether it is an initial public offering, merger with a strategic acquirer or dissolving the company attend this seminar and learn how to evaluate the optimal exit approach.

Location: Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence

CHANGING YOUR BUSINESS DESIGN TO OPTIMIZE THE "CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE" (Session 1 option) This program involves 4 sessions, each 3 hours in length over a 4 week period. For company presidents that are intent on not only surviving today's economic challenges, but desire to penetrate their target markets, this is a program to consider. Larry Girouard and Tom Pesaturo will present a proven "hands-on" practical approach to "redesigning" your business model to optimize market penetration. $200 for all 4 sessions. Session 1 options: February 5, 12 or 19, Sessions 2 (Feb. 26), Session 3 (March 5) & Session 4 (March 12)

Speaker: Larry Girouard and Tom Pesaturo

Location: Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence

Do you know what necessary items will be needed when you file your federal tax return? In 3 hours you will learn to identify available tax credits, maximize allowable home office deductions, filing regulations, & recordkeeping requirements for small businesses and understand the 2008 forms. Whether you bring the information to your accountant or prepare the return yourself, you need to know which documents are essential to accurately comply with IRS regulations. Filing extensions and other small business related topics will be covered. Alleviate the worry associated with tax season by registering for this workshop today!

Location: Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence

Online communication is important in today's business world. Learn the benefits of email marketing and get tips to help you take better advantage of this cost effective tool. Discover best practices and winning strategies in email marketing. Find out how to get and keep quality subscribers. Discuss how to increase deliverability and open rates. Receive tips for writing compelling content. Included in this class are case studies to show you real world examples of business that have leveraged email marketing to its full potential.

Location: Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence