This program is best-suited for entrepreneurs in their early stages of business development. It provides the tools to develop a business concept, determine the viability of the business concept, and outline the critical steps to a successful business launch.

Kauffman FastTrac^®, an initiative of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City, is a practical, hands-on business development program designed to help entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to create, manage and grow successful businesses. Kauffman FastTrac^® participants don't just learn about the business, they live it. They work on their own business ideas or ventures throughout the program - moving their ventures to reality or to new levels of growth. Kauffman FastTrac^® programs were created by entrepreneurs and are facilitated by entrepreneurs.
 

"We have invested significantly in training with the Kauffman Foundation to be able to offer this program in our region. We are very excited about how this program can help further our goal of becoming recognized as the most attractive region for entrepreneurs and new ventures," said Kathy Evert, President and CEO of the Corridor. "I have worked with the Kauffman FastTrac^® program in the past and know it will be of great value to entrepreneurs and business owners and to the long-term economic vitality of this region." 
 

Matt Stine of Estherville took the Kaufman FastTrac^® NewVenture™ course last winter looking to gain knowledge on how to open a car restoration business. "The information I learned in FastTrac really helped with things I wouldn't have known about otherwise," said Stine. He noted cash flow charts, how to deal with insurance, and a more extensive look into finances among these things. Stine opened his business, American Muscle, in October in Estherville.
 

The cost for the 30-hour program is $199 and includes all materials, a business coach, and guest speakers at each session. The program will be facilitated by Brian Dalziel, senior vice president of the Iowa Lakes Corridor. Applications for Kauffman FastTrac^® NewVenture™ can be found here. The classes will be held in the Hedberg Theater in the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum in Arnolds Park, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, February 10. Classes will be held every Thursday through April 14. Contact the Corridor at 712-264-3474 with any questions or for more information.
 

STORM LAKE - Have you ever thought of starting a food business? Do you have a favorite family recipe you would like to bring to the marketplace? Are you a producer considering adding value to an agricultural product? Maybe you are a restaurateur or chef exploring the marketing of a house specialty. Or perhaps you've been selling your product at farmers markets and want to expand your market.

According to Jill Gifford, manager of the University of Nebraska Food Processing Center Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program, this is a description of many of the individuals that participate in the program. "Since 1989 the Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs throughout the United States investigate and realize their dream of starting a food business," explained Gifford. The Iowa Lakes Corridor has contracted with the University of Nebraska to bring this program to entrepreneurs in Iowa for the third time.
 

"The program was designed specifically to assist food manufacturing entrepreneurs," said Kathy Evert, President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor. "It begins with a one-day 'From Recipe to Reality' seminar that provides entrepreneurs with an understanding of the key factors that need to be considered when starting a food manufacturing business. In one day, entrepreneurs will gain valuable insight on the basics of starting a food business that could take them months or even years to research on their own. We are very excited to be able to provide this valuable seminar to entrepreneurs in Iowa."
 

Mike and Tammi Heuck of Everly have taken the Food Seminar Course. They took Tammi's family recipe for glazed pickles and created TAMS Glazed Bites. "As first time Food Entrepreneurs, my husband and I did not have a clear plan as to what direction to go in to bring our product to reality," said Tammi. "But thanks to the Iowa Lakes Corridor for holding a Food Entrepreneur Seminar with the University of Nebraska, we came home from the seminar with a clear idea on what we needed to do to move forward. Our product has been on the shelf now for over a year and we are in over 30 stores. We have also participated in several craft shows and fairs. The University provided very useful materials and gave a strong presentation that was full of valuable information on the Food Industry and how they help assist in your projects in a step-by-step plan. It's been four years now and all along, we have been working with the University of Nebraska and have had assistance with the Iowa Lakes Corridor, and our product has come to reality! The whole experience we've gone through with both the University and the Iowa Lakes Corridor could not have gone any better. They've made our journey one that has gone very smoothly and has been enjoyable too. With their professional insight and assistance, we credit them for where we are today."
 

Krogh Family Farms, located in Atlantic, Iowa, produces Corn Cob Jelly. Owner Randall Krogh utilized the Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program when he started his business. "This program helped me through all phases of business start-up and has allowed me to realize my dream of starting a small business," commented Krogh.

"From Recipe to Reality" will be offered in Storm Lake on Saturday, March 5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at King's Pointe Resort. Early registration is encouraged due to limited space. The Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program information packet and registration form can be downloaded here. For more information, contact Holly at the Corridor via email or at 712-264-3474.

Samantha, Communications Coordinator for the Corridor, recently met with a group of Women Entrepreneurs and will be working to share their stories throughout the year. We are working to launch another group called Women in Business. Qualifications for joining the club are that you are a woman who owns her own business, and that you want to meet with other women in business and share ideas, challenges, successes and grow professional relationships.
 

Those interested in joining should contact Pat McGill at 712-332-2965, or Jean Tennant at 712-490-5165. Women from all over the Corridor region are encouraged to attend these meetings.