Harlingen, TX -– The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation is once again sponsoring the Kauffman FastTrac course, giving Harlingen-based entrepreneurs the chance to take the business course for free.
The program is offered through the UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center and is open to aspiring entrepreneurs or current business owners. It provides participants with the tools to develop a business concept, determine the viability of the concept, and outline the critical steps to a successful business launch.
Space is limited and only 10 participants will be selected for the program by the HEDC Board of Directors. Kauffman will be held every Tuesday starting Nov. 3 through Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Classes will be held virtually from 6-9 p.m.
Kauffman assists in:
- Identifying market needs
- Understanding business fundamentals
- Exploring risks and success factors
- Networking with entrepreneurship professionals
- Building a business plan
- Accessing the human, financial, and business resources
“The overall goal is to have entrepreneurs develop a solid framework to support the start of their business,” Maria Villalon, UTRGV Kauffman instructor, explained.
“My hope is that they understand how their role will grow and that they gain knowledge to prepare them to fill those roles.”
Past Kauffman participants have successfully opened their own businesses using the experience and knowledge gained from the course.
“The Kauffman program helped me put pen to paper and get my ideas and vision out of my head and into an organized plan,” Greg Rangel, Maizeria owner, commented about how Kauffman helped him develop his business.
“My business plan has definitely made the rollout of Maizeria much smoother than anticipated. I greatly appreciate that I was given the opportunity to attend the program.”
Rangel added that while there is still some work to be done, what he gained from the program has positioned his business with a higher likelihood for success.
“HEDC has been a proud sponsor of these training classes for many years. We see how the program has helped many of our small business owners continue to grow or begin their business dreams here in Harlingen,” Raudel Garza, HEDC CEO, said.
“We are happy to provide a course that gives entrepreneurs the tools they need for success. It is another way for HEDC to support our small businesses.”
The application includes a series of questions that must be filled out accurately. Only 10 participants will be selected for the free program. If interested apply by following the link.
