David’s FastTrac GrowthVenture program was part of FastTrac LaunchPad.  As a joint initiative of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Deluxe Corporation Foundation, FastTracLaunchPad offers a targeted slate of programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and practicing entrepreneurs who may be facing challenges in the current economy.

I started my business ten years ago. I was doing computer training work for Motorola and found myself caught in a downsize. I approached management about letting me serve as a resource by referring me to their clients. That way, instead of Motorola having to carry me on their payroll, Motorola’s customers could pay me instead. They liked the idea—it was a perfect arrangement that offered a great transition for both of us.

My business, PhoenixMicro, Inc., provides customized PowerPC training classes and unique PowerPC consulting works so that customers can reduce their design cycles and bring their embedded solutions quickly to the marketplace. Today, I’m proud to say that we work with many well-known companies, including Boeing, Raytheon, GE, Hewlett-Packard and Honeywell.

I remember clearly when I ran across the FastTrac GrowthVenture opportunity. I was combing through the newspaper when I spotted a free training for entrepreneurs offered by the City of Gilbert, Arizona. I called the paper for additional information thinking I had nothing to lose. I knew what I wanted to do with my business, but didn’t know how to get there. There was a niche for what we offered, and I knew the customers. But I couldn’t figure out why people weren’t lining up for our wonderful consulting. Why weren’t they calling?

The first day of the program was an eye opener. Attendees were asked to offer introductions and to share business challenges they faced. As I listened, I realized that there were others just like me—stuck as to how to bring their companies to the next level. In every case, I found myself thinking, “That’s my problem too!”

The program was led by dynamic facilitators, and they presented us with three distinctive modules that offered us a path to seeing our businesses more clearly. As I worked through the first module, I quickly realized that I really didn’t know my business and couldn’t answer even simple questions regarding where I wanted it to go. With the business coach’s help, I started writing a plan for the future. I came up with ideas I never thought of before. There was such synergy in the networking with everyone contributing to the discussion. While our areas were all different, the issues presented were applicable to all of us.

In the second module, we explored our growth opportunities. In my case, I knew training and consulting, but the trainers urged me to think about value-added products and services that could add new revenue streams. Could we provide maintenance as well as training?  Could we sell products to companies that didn’t need training or consulting?  Again, I walked away with a powerful action plan.

In the final module, we developed strategies to achieve our vision. We had a company vision but no plan for achieving it. This module helped us look at the bigger picture. I quickly realized that when we were out training, no one was home “minding the store.”  We were leaving our business operations and marketing to chance. This module helped me establish my “financial compass”:  making sure we had money, a realistic budget, and the proper checks and balances to be profitable.

FastTrac GrowthVenture was just the start of my education. It gave me momentum to continue learning because it showed me how much I didn’t know. Owning your own business can be very unforgiving. It requires that you give it your all. I would encourage anyone with a dream and a burning desire to go for it, even if you lack what you believe to be the needed business savvy—Fast Trac can help you build that.

FastTrac LaunchPad is there as we face these difficult financial times. Knowing how to weather the storm will be a challenge that every entrepreneur faces. With FastTrac programs, entrepreneurs do not face their challenges alone.