Staff Report

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla.- Broward residents looking to become entrepreneurs can receive guidance and support from the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD), which recently announced its fall session of FastTrac NewVenture, a free program designed to guide aspiring and early stage entrepreneurs on the path to success.

FastTrac NewVenture, offered in partnership with the Innovation Hub at Broward College,runs September through December.Interested participants must submit a complete application online at oesbd.affiliate.fasttrac.org by Aug.19.

“This fall course follows our inaugural NewVenture program held this spring which successfully graduated 15 entrepreneurs,” said OESBD Director Sandy-Michael E. McDonald. “We are proud to present programs that support the development and growth of businesses in Broward County.”

OESBD is hosting the NewVenture program to help entrepreneurs refine their business concept, identify the components of a strong business plan, and access the appropriate resources for launch.At the end of the course, completed business plans will be evaluated and the top three will be eligible to compete for seed money grants. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Eligibility criteria for FastTrac NewVenture:

  • A well thought-out idea for a new business
  • Two years of work experience
  • Access to a computer to complete assignments
  • Conducted some market research
  • Commitment to attend all sessions (approximately 30 classroom hours) and complete prep work (approximately 15-20 hours per week)

NewVenture classes for accepted applicants will be held at the Innovation Hub located at the Cypress Creek Administrative Center, 6400 NW 6th Way, in Fort Lauderdale. Classes are scheduled from Sept. 7 through Dec.15, 2016, 6 to 9 PM, on the following Thursdays: Sept.8, 15, 22; Oct.6, 13, 20;Nov. 3, 10, 17; and Dec. 1 and 15.

For more information, contact OESBD at 954-357-6400 or visit us online.