Mission
The
Economic Development Area of Expertise (ED-AOE) team is
comprised of MSU Extension Specialists and county-based
educators working in economic development education. The
ED-AOE team educates and assists businesses, communities
and organizations including public and private leaders in
the planning and implementing of successful economic development
programs.
Accomplishments
The
Economic Development AOE Team sponsors and administers Premier
FastTrac Entrepreneurial training programs in Michigan.
Developed by the Entrepreneurial Education Foundation of
Denver, Colorado, Premier FastTrac is one of the most highly
acclaimed entrepreneurial training courses in the country.
Premier
FastTrac has two principle components. FastTrac New Venture
is a nine session course for aspiring business owners which
introduces essential business concepts and helps participants
develop a complete feasibility study. FastTrac Planning
is an 11-session course for those already in business which
focuses on essential business strategies and helps participants
develop a complete business plan.
Kent
and Arenac counties have held two Premier FastTrac programs.
Programs have also been held in Alcona, Gogebic, Gratiot
and Van Buren counties. Currently Houghton, Lenawee, Montcalm
and Ottawa are offering courses, and they will begin shortly
in Iosco and Roscommon counties. Next year additional courses
are planned for Gogebic, Gratiot, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon,
St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.
