WASHINGTON, DC—The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) today announced the launch of a website to support the FastTrac® DC initiative created in partnership with the Kauffman FastTrac® in July 2012. The site can be used by program applicants and participants to learn about, apply for, and manage participation in FastTrac DC.
"The FastTrac® DC initiative reflects DSLBD’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across the District of Columbia," said DSLBD Director Harold Pettigrew. "The website will help entrepreneurs learn about FastTrac DC and ensure that participants maximize the value they get from the program."
FastTrac DC is a city-wide initiative to support small business development throughout the District of Columbia. In partnership with Kauffman FastTrac and DC business-serving organizations, the program is designed to equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the business skills and insights, tools, resources, and networks to start and grow successful businesses in the District of Columbia. Eligible FastTrac DC participants are D.C. residents and entrepreneurs with business ideas or an existing business.
FastTrac DC includes three specific courses. FastTrac® NewVenture™ helps aspiring and start-up entrepreneurs determine the viability of their business concepts. FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ enables established entrepreneurs to evaluate and implement key strategies to transform and improve the performance of their businesses. FastTrac® TechVenture™, with a curriculum similar to FastTrac NewVenture, guides innovation-based entrepreneurs to move their idea from concept to market. It helps them prepare to take advantage of potential equity-investment opportunities and provides specialized content on equity financing, intellectual property, and founder transition.
The FastTrac DC website provides participants and entrepreneurs with the information they need to learn about and maximize the value they get from the program. Specifically, users can submit an application for the program online, register for upcoming FastTrac DC class events, and review information about FastTrac DC implementing partners. Users can also easily link from the website to Kauffman FastTrac and Foundation information to help them grow their businesses.
DSLBD’s FastTrac DC implementing partners are the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) , the DC Chamber of Commerce Foundation (DCCF), the DC Women’s Business Center (WBC), the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP), and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF).
Beginning in October 2012, the AEDC and WBC will provide New Venture training. Other classes will begin and be announced later in the Fall and Winter of 2012.
Businesses interested in participating in FastTrac DC should visit the FastTrac DC website to for up-to-date information.
To access the FastTrac DC website, please visit: https://www.fasttrac.org/.
About the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development
The District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) fosters the economic growth, development, and retention of District of Columbia based businesses, and promotes economic development throughout the District’s commercial corridors. For more information on all of DSLBD’s services, go to http://dslbd.dc.gov or contact us at [email protected].