TECworks Completes First Memphis FastTrac TechVenture Program

On November 19, 11 budding entrepreneurs graduated from the FastTrac TechVenture program presented by TECworks. More than a graduation ceremony, the entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to deliver their “elevator pitch” to an audience of more than 25 Memphis business leaders. The graduation and pitch were the culmination of the 10-week program.

FastTrac TechVenture provides the tools participants need to advance their technology venture to the next stage, whether it is writing the first iteration of their business plan, or seeking funding for the next phase of the business. Over the 10-week program the entrepreneurs participated in discussions and interacted with experts on such topics as exploring entrepreneurship, defining the target market, conducting market research and analysis, testing your business concept, planning for financial success, team building, protecting your business and your intellectual property, and various aspects of cash management and operations.

According to Jan Bouten, executive director of TECworks, there were several concepts that definitely should be able to move forward. In addition, given the working relationships between TECworks, Innova and other Memphis Bioworks programs, there is even the potential for some of that funding to come from within the Memphis Bioworks family of opportunities.

The next FastTrac TechVenture program from TECworks is being planned for March of 2010. Contact Jan at jbouten@memphisbioworks.org for more information.

Eleven entrepreneurs and TECworks Executive Director Jan Bouten (right) celebrate the completion of the first FastTrac TechVenture program in Memphis.