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 intensive program 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 February 9th. The application can be found on the Kauffman website at http://www.fasttrac.org/event.cfm?eventID=1418.
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, February 16th - March 11th (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
T & Th, April 20th - May 13th (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
