West Virginia Regional Technology Park Launches WVABLE Program and Seeks Entrepreneurs
The West Virginia Regional Technology Park (WVRTP) recently launched the West Virginia Aspiring Business Leaders and Entrepreneur (WVABLE) program to assist, foster and facilitate research and technology startups and entrepreneurs in West Virginia. Participation in WVABLE provides both current and future entrepreneurs with the skills and resources necessary to succeed and grow.
The WVRTP will be offering FastTrac® TechVenture™ through Kauffman FastTrac® on Saturdays beginning August 1 through September 19. The course will be offered for four hours per week for a total of eight weeks. Applications for aspiring entrepreneurs in the early stages of developing a technology- or science-based business are available at www.wvable.com.
“A core mission of the Tech Park is to foster innovation and business expansion in West Virginia,” said Dr. Rusty Kruzelock, CEO and Executive Director of the WVRTP. “The creation of WVABLE and the partnership with Kauffman FastTrac enables us to provide a high-quality training program with documented results to local entrepreneurs.”
Kauffman FastTrac is a leading global provider of entrepreneurship education programs.
“FastTrac courses not only help aspiring and established entrepreneurs uncover answers, they also help individuals determine the right questions to ask,” said Alana Muller, president of Kauffman FastTrac. “FastTrac training allows you to save time and money by testing the feasibility of your business concept before you launch.”
The program will teach entrepreneurs how to identify and meet market needs; access human, business, and financial resources; and navigate intellectual property protection, fundraising and legal processes. The course also facilitates networking between entrepreneurs and professionals.
Over the past 20 years, FastTrac courses and workshops have helped more than 350,000 entrepreneurs assess their business ideas and start and grow their businesses. Overall, FastTrac TechVenture participants have raised more than $400 million in funding for their businesses.
Seating for this program is limited. FastTrac TechVenture, valued at $1,000, will be offered for $400 locally and scholarships are available. The program will be held in Building 740 at the WVRTP, located at 1740 Union Carbide Drive in South Charleston.
Those interested should contact Kelsey Clough, Communications Manager at the WVRTP at kelsey.clough@wvrtp.com or 304-881-0433 or visit www.wvable.com for more information.
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The West Virginia Regional Technology Park is a multi-tenant research facility with a commitment to innovation, technological advancement and education located in South Charleston, West Virginia. For more information about the WVRTP, visit www.wvrtp.com and follow the organization on Twitter @WVRTP and like it on Facebook.
About Kauffman FastTrac®
Kauffman FastTrac is a global provider of learning curricula that equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the business skills and insights, tools, resources, and network to start and grow successful businesses. Kauffman FastTrac was created by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest foundation in the world devoted to entrepreneurship. For more information about Kauffman FastTrac, visit www.fasttrac.org and follow the organization on Twitter at @fasttrac, like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kauffmanfasttrac and connect on LinkedIn at www.fasttrac.org/linkedin.