WEST MICHIGAN -- The regional service that helps potential entrepreneurs develop their start-up businesses is ready to crank out its graduates more quickly.

Armed with a new program partner and some outside funding, The Starting Block in Hart is offering new fast-track businesses launch program that is designed for area residents who have been laid off or are unemployed, those interested in entrepreneurships and business owners who want to retool their businesses. The program's goal is to help kick start the economy with an influx of businesses.

Ron Steiner, The Starting Block's director and a regional entrepreneurship educator, said the program is coming at an important time for West Michigan, a region that is dealing with many displaced workers from the economic downturn.

"That's why we have a sense of urgency to get this going," Steiner said.
The national program, called FastTrac LaunchPad, allows potential entrepreneurs to complete training and investigate their start-ups in three weeks, much shorter than the 10-week schedule traditionally offered. The intensive program covers a range of topics, including how to run a business, how to evaluate whether an idea has merit and how to finance the plan.

Steiner said the first class, ideally with 15 people, is tentatively scheduled to begin in the third week of July. Those interested in the program can send an e-mail to Steiner at tsbi1@verizon.net. Steiner said if the demand for the program allows, then additional three-week classes will be lined up.

The cost is $450, but Steiner is attempting to line up some assistance for qualified people through the two area Michigan Works! offices, the Muskegon/Oceana consortium and West Central, covering Newaygo, Mason, Lake, Osceola and Mecosta counties.

The Starting Block, 1535 Industrial Park Drive, is partnering with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City to bring the FastTrac program to West Michigan. Deluxe Corporation Foundation has provided $500,000 in a partnership with the Kauffman Foundation to spread the initiative across the country. The program is now being offered in all 50 states.

The program is open to all business ideas, not just food-based ideas. The Starting Block is known for the concepts that have come out of its kitchen incubators, leading to more than 100 specialty food ventures, but the officials there assist with all types of business start-ups.

FastTrac

• The FastTrac program is designed to help potential entrepreneurs:

• Research and develop a business concept.

• Develop a working knowledge of business fundamentals, such as marketing, service, development and financials.

• Prepare a practical, realistic plan to launch a successful startup.

• Build a network of other entrepreneurs and community resources.