Services: Business Training Programs


First Step FastTrac®
Developed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, this is a practical, hands-on business development education program. Using a workbook, case study and system of reality checks, plus several "labs", entrepreneurs will hone the skills needed to create, manage, and grow a successful business. Adapted from the Ewing Kauffman Foundation's FastTrac® family of programs, First Step FastTrac®'s twelve dynamic classroom sessions are ideal for entrepreneurs with limited business experience who want to start or expand a micro-business.

Participants have ongoing access to a team of advisors who facilitate the learning experiences, mentor in small coaching sessions and provide expertise in their given field. Entrepreneurs research and write a feasibility plan with financial projections with continual feedback from team of advisors. A certificate is awarded with successful completion of all requirements.

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FastTrac® NewVenture™
Designed for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development, FastTrac® NewVenture™ is best suited for individuals with some related industry and business experience.

In ten fast-paced, interactive sessions, the start-up entrepreneur is coached through researching and improving their business concept or plan. Individually and in small groups, a team of advisors mentors the participants through the development of the three-year marketing, business and financial plans to immediately implement in their business. A certificate is awarded with successful completion of all requirements.

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FastTrac® Growth Ventures™
This program assists experienced entrepreneurs in evaluating their current business framework. The fast-paced interactive sessions focus on the issues and information needed to make the critical decisions to take your business to the next level. Participants identify changes needed to improve business performance and develop a strategic plan to grow their business. FastTrac® Growth Ventures™. Facilitators are knowledgeable entrepreneurs who make the program meaningful by applying their experience to your business.

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Listening to Your Business™
Two half-day workshops designed to assist the existing entrepreneur evaluate and develop a strategic, three-year vision for their business.

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Partnerships with Community Organizations
The Entrepreneurial Center partners with community organizations in Connecticut cities to educate and support small businesses and their owners. Programs are tailored to the community or organization members' needs such as

  • Personal budgeting to save for business
  • Business planning and start-up
  • Access to new markets
  • Business management

For more information regarding schedules or partnering, contact the Hartford office.

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Quickbooks Workshops
Fundamentals of QuickBooks Pro:  Small Business Accounting Software

Learn how to create a company file, set preferences, navigate within QuickBooks, create and manage a chart of accounts, items,  lists, customers, vendors, produce purchase orders, write checks, invoice customers, manage accounts payable/receivable, reconcile bank statements, and generate management reports. 

Instructor: Deb Henderson, Northeast Computer Training Group Company File Set-up - This course is designed for students who have taken the Introduction and Intermediate QuickBooks courses and are ready to create a company database.  The instructor will assist students with setting up a database and concentrate on topics geared to attendees' needs.

Each student will create their own company database and chart of accounts; create and use customer and vendor records, invoices, and bills; and learn how to customize forms.  Key company reports will be reviewed.  Advanced functions and features not covered in Parts I and II will be covered upon demand and as time allows.

August Sessions

Day

  • Fundamentals Part 1, Wednesday August 11, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Fundamentals Part 2, Wednesday August 18, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Company File Setup, Wednesday August 25, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Evening

  • Fundamentals Part 1, Monday August 9, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Fundamentals Part 2, Monday August 16, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Company File Setup, Monday August 23, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

QuickBooks Instructor, Deb Henderson has been in the information technology business for 25 years as a computer programmer, technical support specialist, project manager, and manager of application development teams. In 2003 she started Northeast Computer Training Group, a training company offering on-site, customized computer training for beginners to advanced users on Microsoft products, ACT!, QuickBooks and Quicken.

Cost: Fundamentals (Parts 1 & 2) - $99 (includes manual). Company File Setup - $125  (Bring flash drive to save practice work) Workshop enrollment is limited - register now! Call (860) 768-5681 or email entrectr@hartford.edu. For more information regarding schedules or partnering, contact the Hartford office.

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