The Center for Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University is offering the first in a series of programs created for small business entrepreneurs that will provide instruction in successfully expanding their business. Statistically half of all new businesses fail within the first few years. Entrepreneurs in Wichita and surrounding areas will soon have a secret weapon to increase their chances for success. FastTrac® curriculum is a cutting-edge program, developed by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City, that will arrive at Wichita State in fall 2008.

Beginning Oct. 1, aspiring entrepreneurs will be offered a 10-week, intensive learning course with hands-on coaching sessions. Opportunities to network and learn from peers, facilitators and seasoned entrepreneurs are a key part of the experience.

The program is divided into two specialties: New Venture and Growth Venture. New Venture offers essential business information to help develop entrepreneurial skills to build a strong business foundation, and Growth Venture focuses on improving the business’ performance.

In both courses, participants will gain strategic visioning guidance, elements of strategic planning, professional networking connections and other resources that will prepare them to create a new business or expand an existing enterprise.

The Center for Entrepreneurship encourages entrepreneurial thinking and programming through quality education, research and community outreach. FastTrac® aims to connect entrepreneurs to the best resources available to aid in the pursuit and realization of entrepreneurial dreams.

“The focus is to help entrepreneurs take a step back, look at the big picture, and work on their business, not just in their businesses,” said Tim Pett, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship. “FastTrac® offers the educational component we needed to help business owners improve their chances for success."

More than 165,000 entrepreneurs have participated in the FastTrac® program, the largest organization in the nation solely focused on entrepreneurial success at all levels.