The FastTrac Entrepreneurship program, which has 300,000 graduates nationwide, is now strengthening the ranks of Valley business owners through training facilitated by ITEC of the University of Texas-Brownsville. Classes were held simultaneously at TSTC’s University Center and at UTB. As the 10-week-long training session wrapped up in late August, program participants were already applying the insights and skills gained during the training. Four entrepreneurs talked to VBR’s editor about the boost that FastTrac training has given to their existing or soon-to-be businesses.
Stephanie Sokolosky launched her first business, S & S Behavioral Consultants, in May. After retiring from public schools where she had worked as a specialist in school psychology, she got an Ed.D. in Special Education and is a certified Behavior Analyst.
I’m learning about setting up a business instead of just having a good idea. FastTrac has helped me think through marketing in a broader sense, by identifying the target audience and the best way to connect to the people. It has helped me look realistically at finances, like expected expenses, and to be practical about my income.
What I really like is FastTrac brought articulate, intelligent professionals in to give us a real life perspective. It’s not been PowerPoint after PowerPoint. It’s based on real experiences. The speakers have helped me formulate questions that I need to explore. I’m already implementing some marketing ideas and I’ve been successful, to tell the truth. Through one program, I’ve contacted people all over the Valley and expanded my network.
Carlos Centeno is the Director of Food Services at Marine Military Academy. He has spent 32 years in food service and has taught TSTC courses for managers and food handlers. Centeno is applying his expertise as a private consultant on food sanitation and foodborne illnesses. He initially thought he needed to buy a building to anchor his business.
FastTrac gives me ideas about starting small and how to get financing. The guest speakers have included a lawyer, accountant and loan specialist. They explained a lot of legal terms, things I hadn’t realized I needed to know. They are teaching us about marketing ourselves and our product. I’m like, “Wow! The competition is out there.” The classes have been really informative, but I wish it met twice a week. We do a lot of research on our own; you have to do if you want to be successful. I have a foundation to build on now.
I will do a business plan once the class ends and make an appointment with John Sossi and Ruben Ceballos (FastTrac facilitators) to review it. I’d started to do consulting, so I have clientele base. I recommend this program, if you have a business you want to expand. It can help you be a success.
For more of this story by Eileen Mattei, pick up a copy of the September edition of Valley Business Report, on news stands now, or visit the “Current & Past Issues” tab on this Web site.