Harlingen Entrepreneurs Apply Now for the HEDC Sponsored UTRGV Kauffman FastTrac Business Course

HARLINGEN, TEXAS (JUNE 2, 2021) – Every year the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (Harlingen EDC) sponsors two Kauffman FastTrac courses. This accelerated business course is led by the UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center and is valued at more than $700 per course.

The Harlingen EDC’s sponsorship gives up to 10 Harlingen-based entrepreneurs the opportunity to take this exclusive course at no cost.

The courses are typically offered in the Spring and Fall with limited space. Participants are selected for the program by the Harlingen EDC Board of Directors with guidance from Harlingen EDC staff.

The courses are resuming back to in-person sessions held weekly on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 5 with a completion date of Nov. 16, 2021. Registration is now open and the deadline to register for this course is Sept. 17, 2021.

The program places entrepreneurs before experts who can help them steer their business in the right direction as they begin their business journey or will aid in helping them improve their skills.

The program offers participants the tools to help them develop a business concept, determine the viability of the concept, and outline the critical steps to a successful business launch. Topics that participants can expect to learn more about range from marketing, branding, accounting, and legal concerns and tips.

Kauffman FastTrac begins with each participant giving their “elevator pitch” and as the class progresses, the goal is for each participant to effortlessly and with greater confidence present their elevator pitch on the final day of instruction.

 Kauffman assists in:

• Identifying market needs

• Understanding business fundamentals

• Exploring risks and success factors

• Networking with entrepreneurship professionals

• Building a business plan

• Accessing the human, financial, and business resources

“This last year has been very trying for our small business community. Many are struggling to keep their doors open but we are beginning to see a shift and we are resilient,” Raudel Garza, Harlingen EDC CEO, said,

“We are proud to sponsor these training courses and we want to continue providing our small business community resources to help them continue growing or begin their business dreams here in Harlingen.”

The application includes a series of questions that must be filled out accurately. Only 10 participants will be selected for the free program. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, follow the link here. The deadline to apply is Sept. 17, 2021.