Let's move women from start to growth | FastTrac New Venture for Female Entrepreneurs (2015-2016)

Let’s move women from start to growth.

FastTracÂŽ was an illuminating experience both professionally and personally. The program provided me the opportunity to expand my network, leverage my expertise, and identify growth opportunities.

Columbia College has propelled women forward for 161 years.

Ignite your business by taking part in our newest program designed for women, FastTracŽNewVenture™

for the Female Entrepreneur.

Our program partners:

Kiosha Gregg Boyles

Entrepreneur and Digital Strategist

One-fourth of businesses in South Carolina are owned by women.

We rank sixth in the nation for fastest growth in the number of women-owned businesses.

FastTrac®NewVenture™ for Female Entrepreneurs

Ten modules include:

Women are starting businesses every 60 seconds across the United States. Our mission is to help South Carolina women succeed and recognize they are a major economic engine in our state.

The FastTrac®NewVenture™ course is designed for women who have an idea for a business and who need a plan and framework to successfully start a company.

Session 5: Researching/Analyzing the Market

Have your business idea vetted by experienced coaches, business experts, and successful entrepreneurs. Develop a strong business plan, and connect to services that will help start-up your business.

Session 8: Planning for a Profitable Business

Dr. Christine LaCola

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Women who are thinking about starting a business

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Start-up entrepreneurs (1-2 years in business)

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Established women business owners who are thinking about a new service line, new products, or a new market

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Established women business owners who understand the value of updating their business plan periodically

Executive Director, The Institute for Leadership and Professional Excellence; Co-Director, SC Women’s Entrepreneurship Network

Columbia College, an affiliate partner of the Kauffman Foundation, will offer FastTrac® NewVenture™ for Female Entrepreneurs in three locations.

Who needs this program?

Session 1: Exploring Entrepreneurship Session 2: Identifying/Meeting Market Needs Session 3: Setting Financial Goals Session 4: Planning the Product/Service Session 6: Reaching the Market Session 7: Building the Organization & Team Session 9: Cash Flow & Seeking Funds Session 10: Implementing Next Steps Specialized topics for women entrepreneurs include: Networking n Effective negotiation Strategic decision making n Building a board Social media n Financing your business Learn more and register today:

columbiasc.edu/fasttrac

FastTrac® NewVenture™ for Female Entrepreneurs is tailored to tap the unique strengths of women and to help them build successful business strategies. We are excited to bring this opportunity to South Carolina.

Katherine Swartz Hilton

Director, Center for Leadership; Co-Director, SC Women’s Entrepreneurship Network

FastTrac® Details

Each program will meet for ten weeks on Tuesday evenings from 5:30–8:30 p.m. for a total of 30 class hours. The registration fee of $500 includes all program materials, access to a mentor, three business counseling sessions with the Center for Women’s South Carolina Women’s Business Center program, dinner and snacks for class sessions, and a graduation ceremony to which guests may be invited.

Dates & Locations COLUMBIA August 18–October 20 October 27: Graduation | Columbia College CHARLESTON November 10–January 19, 2016 January 26, 2016: Graduation | Center for Women GREENVILLE February 2, 2016–April 5, 2016 April 12, 2016: Graduation | Location TBA

Follow us online.

Let’s get started.

803.786.3822 leadership@columbiasc.edu columbiasc.edu/fasttrac

The Institute for Leadership & Professional Excellence at Columbia College 1301 Columbia College Drive Columbia, SC 29203 columbiasc.edu