Kentucky DBE Program - The Entrepreneurial Development Institute
The Entrepreneurial Development Institute (EDI) was established by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) as a business development and technical assistance resource for certified disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE). EDI programs are largely paid for by the Ohio River Bridges Project.
The KY DBE Program has chosen FastTrac® programs, which provide business owners with practical tools that help them prepare their businesses for opportunities within the Bridges Project, and beyond. These programs focus on the long-term success of certified Kentucky DBEs. Please contact the KY DBE Program Manager at , or by calling 502-499-9440 for more information about the EDI programs.
FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ - a 10-week program (three-hour sessions each week)
- Helps entrepreneurs take a step back, look at the big picture, and work on their businesses, not just in their businesses
- Helps entrepreneurs evaluate their business frameworks and determine the changes needed to improve performance and grow their businesses
- Helps to strengthen the ability for entrepreneurs to make critical decisions and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to improve business performance
- Assists in the creation of a framework to determine the best way to pursue business growth
The primary objectives of the EDI FastTrac GrwothVenture program are to help entrepreneurs improve in key areas, including:
- Overall business strategies and visions for the future
- The ability to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace
- The changing role of managing a business
- How to align all aspects of their businesses
The first three FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ modules help entrepreneurs analyze their businesses' status and decide on a strategic direction. The last seven modules help the entrepreneur evaluate each major aspect of the business, thus creating a strategic plan for growth.
- Setting Direction
- Week 1 - Sizing Up Your Business
- Week 2 - Exploring Growth Opportunities
- Week 3 - Making Strategic Decisions
- Taking Action -
- Week 4 - Using Financial Tools
- Week 5 - Strengthening the Product/Service
- Week 6 - Seizing the Market
- Week 7 - Leading the Organization
- Week 8 - Managing Operations for Growth
- Week 9 - Charting Financial Performance
- Week 10 - Making it Happen
FastTrac® Listening to Your Business™
This four-hour workshop takes entrepreneurs through a four-step evaluation and action process designed to enhance company performance now and in the future, including:
- Taking a snapshot of your business - A process for determining what stage of development your business is in (concept, start-up, growth, maturity, innovation or decline) and where you want it to be in three years
- Setting a three-year vision - A series of activities through which you will discover where your business is today and where you want to be in three years
- Evaluating where you are in the planning process - Assess what plans are, or are not, in place (feasibility plan, business plan, strategic plan, and operational plan) and how they can be adjusted or created to maximize your company's success
- Translating your goals into action steps - Identifying the actions and resources that your company needs to reach its three-year vision
The Listening to Your Business™ workshop is often used as a preliminary analytical tool that can help entrepreneurs understand what is involved in planning a growth strategy. Workshop participants often choose to follow this program with FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ in order to focus more sharply on the elements of setting direction and taking action.
PC Essentials -
This three-hour workshop is a hands-on introduction to operating a personal computer with Windows-based office software. Each participant receives a fully functional computer with Microsoft-compatible office software and anti-virus protection.
The training includes:
- Computer set-up and Internet use
- Set-up of email accounts
- Use of Internet for resources and market research
- Word processing basics
Technical expertise and experience is a requirement for certification with KYTC. Technical assistance is available through EDI including (but not limited to), bidding, estimating and project management.
For EDI schedule and registration information, visit https://www.tktandassociates.com/listpackage2008.asp.
For more information about the Ohio River Bridges Project’s EDI programs, please email the KY DBE Program Manager or call 502-499-9440.