October 1- November 19, 2008

FastTrac Growth Venture
Fall session on Wednesdays - October 1 - November 19, 2008

This 8-Session Program for Entrepreneurs developed by the Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City

The next session will be facilitated by Lydia Jones, Drew Tonsmeire, and Andy Fried of the Kennesaw State University SBDC. Sessions are located at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

FastTrac Planning is an internationally recognized entrepreneurial training program for business leaders, developed by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The Kennesaw State University is please to provide this for business owners.

1) The facilitated training provides participants with an environment to network, to share problems, successes and best practices.
2) Prominent guest speakers -- provides focused, practical insights on the topic of the day.
3) Small group workshops -- participants work together to complete workbook exercises and develop strategies for their individual businesses.
4) One-on-one consulting -- the SBDC staff works with all participants individually, providing management assistance and applying the class concepts to each business. This service starts during the class and will continue after completion of the class for as long as the participant needs.

Tuition is: $895 for first person from your company (can be made in 3 payments). $550 for 2nd registrant from the same company. For more information call Cheryl Miller at 770-423-6450 or register here: www.sbdc.kennnesaw.edu/registration.html

Success Strategies for Small Business Leaders - $249 for 3 courses as a Series
Sept. 9, 2008 - Identify & Quantify Your Competitive Advantage - $99 each
Taught by Lydia C. Jones, Director, Kennesaw SBDC
Why should customers buy from your company? Hint: Excellent customer service and low prices are basic expectations of all businesses in today's marketplace. Most people guess what it is that really sets a business apart. Learn how to identify and quantify a competitive advantage designed to disrupt an existing market to send business your way. Attendees identify and quantify free advantages during this session.

Sept. 15, 2008 - Social Media: It's More than e-Mail and a Website! - $99
Panel Discussion by Sherry Heyl, Concept Hub-A Social Media Company, Pamela Adams, Constant Contact-Georgia, Brandon Hasty, Reach Local
Is your company stuck in the '80s with a brochure-ware website, no presence on the web since you've never even heard of SEO (search engine optimization) and you don't really know what the big deal is about You Tube, Facebook and MySpace. Learn how companies today are harnessing this "new media" to advertise your unique advantages in the marketplace.

Sept. 16, 2008 - Communicate that Unique Advantage! - $99
Taught by Drew Tonsmeire, Business Consultant, Kennesaw SBDC
Once you've indentified your unique competitive advantage, learn how to differentiate your products and services from the thousands of choices available in today's marketplace. Develop branding strategies that align with your distinctive advantages, time and monetary resources. Learn how to formulate and adopt programs to achieve that "roll-your-sleeves-up-and-compete" success.

Oct. 10, 2008 - How to Start an Import/Export Business- $69
Taught by Rick Martin, International Trade Division of the Georgia SBDC Network
Learn how your small business can earn a share of this expanding opportunity through globalization. Develop new revenues based on global product marketing and discover new ways to earn import or export profits. The instructor is an International Trade expert.

Oct. 14 & 16, 2008 - Quickbooks 1 & 2 - $149
Taught by a Quickbooks Expert
Understanding basic accounting steps and functions makes the use of QuickBooks easier. Includes practice using the software and a copy of QuickBooks QuickStart to take home with you!

November 18, 2008 - Marketing on eBay - $69
Find new sources of income by selling products on eBay. Learn how to navigate the site, how buying and selling work and steps to operating successfully. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Suite 500, KSU Center.