Entrepreneurial Center

Training Opportunities at IWCC's Entrepreneurial Center

The Iowa Entrepreneurial Consortium has prepared nearly 900 Iowans to assess a new business idea and learn the skills necessary to launch a business. Aspiring entrepreneurs from across the state have taken the FastTrac® New Venture™ course to develop a feasibility plan and make their dreams a reality. Surveys show nearly 50% of graduates start a new business after participation.
Small business owners also benefit from FastTrac® Growth Venture ™ training. Nearly 300 existing Iowa business owners have developed the skills needed to improve or expand their business. Surveys show the majority of participants see an increase in sales and profitability within one year.
FastTrac® training provides classroom instruction, exposure to successful entrepreneurs, and networking with others to plan or grow your business venture.
Courses are offered on a regular basis. Contact Mark Stanley for more information.

Benefits of Participating in FastTrac® Programs

You will:

• Receive high quality instruction from experienced entrepreneurial educators and successful entrepreneurs.
• Meet successful Iowa entrepreneurs who provide practical solutions that can be applied to your business.
• Network with peers facing similar issues who can provide you with new insight, support, and contacts.
• Obtain assistance accessing local, state, and federal financial and technical assistance.
• Complete the program with a plan to start or grow your business.
• Receive ongoing mentoring from the IEC support organizations.

FastTrac® New Venture™

Starting Your Business
You have an innovative idea for a business or an opportunity to buy a business, but aren't sure how and where to start.
FastTrac® New Venture™, for the start-up entrepreneur, helps you evaluate and define your business concept. You'll explore and expand your idea and complete the program with a blueprint to successfully launch your business.
During the program, you will:

• Explore your business concept.
• Learn how to use market research to determine the potential for your idea.
• Develop an effective strategy for successfully marketing your product or service.
• Develop sound budgets and cash flow projections for managing your business and obtaining financing.
• Identify sources of capital for financing your new venture.

To learn more about FastTrac® New Venture™ click here.

FastTrac® Growth Venture™

Growing Your Business
You have established a business and are now ready to take it to new levels of growth.
FastTrac® Growth Venture™, for the entrepreneur or a member of the management team, focuses on improving business operations and charting a path for growth.  Participants leave the program with a viable business plan and a vision for success.
During the program, you will:

• Learn to build a dynamic management infrastructure.
• Use market research to identify new growth opportunities.
• Conduct a market analysis for strengthening your business' position in the market.
• Develop new market penetration strategies for increasing sales.
• Learn financial analysis tools for managing you business.
• Develop financial projections for managing you growth.
• Identify sources of capital for financing expansions.