Kauffman Programs 
The Marion Ewing Kauffman Foundation is the world's largest foundation dedicated to Entrepreneurship. Its vision is to foster “a society of economically independent individuals who are engaged citizens, contributing to the improvement of their communities.”
In keeping with that vision, the Small Business Center is pleased to introduce the first of several outstanding programs for those serious about starting their own businesses within the next year in Catawba and Alexander counties.
FastTrac® NewVenture™ 
Designed for career changers who want to get a new business up and running quickly and for existing business owners who want to plan for growth, this 36-hour intensive covers planning essentials: the business concept, idea analysis, market research, financial goals, legal issues, pricing, startup and operating costs, funding options, operational policies and procedures, branding and marketing, sales and selling and preparation of a bankable business plan.
You must apply for admittance into this program. The application deadline is November 2. The application can be found on the Kauffman website at http://www.fasttrac.org/event.cfm?eventID=1361.
Application Instructions: Once on the FastTrac site, find Program Locator and click on Get Started. Type in your zip code and select a 50-mile radius. Then select Charlotte Region Entrepreneurial Programs. From the drop list, select one of the two sections being offered at CVCC and then select Apply for This Program.
FastTrac NewVenture program provides training valued at $1,000 or more. Scholarships are available for dislocated workers in the Charlotte region as a result of the joint economic recovery efforts of Governor Bev Perdue, the Kauffman Foundation and the Deluxe Corporation Foundation.
FastTrac will be offered in Hickory on CVCC's East Campus:
T & Th, November 10th - December 8th (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
T & Th, February 16th - March 9th (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
T & Th, April 20th - May 11th (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
