Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 9/4/97
      Contact:                           Carol Dotson   119

"BOOT CAMP" FOR SMALL BUSINESSES OFFERED IN SLIDELL
     HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University will offer FastTrac, a national
entrepreneurial training program, in Slidell beginning September 25.  The nine-week FastTrac I
will be held on Monday nights from 6-9 pm and FastTrac II will be held on Thursdays from 6-9
pm. Classes will be held at the Slidell Chamber of Commerce.
     Touted as a "boot camp" for small businesses, the training program has a ten year track
record of success, explains Dedra Fourmaux, Northshore area coordinator and Training
Coordinator with Southeastern's Small Business Development Center. 
     "FastTrac I is for entrepreneurs considering new ventures and concentrates on entry
strategies, business opportunity research and risk analysis.  Graduates leave having developed a
strong feasibility plan; FastTrac II is for existing companies wishing to sustain, expand and grow
their businesses. The program includes course work in developing new marketing tactics and
identifying growth opportunities and alternative sources of money.  
     "Studies have shown that 90 percent of FastTrac graduates are still in business five years
after graduation (the national average for entrepreneurs who do not receive training is 10-15
percent), and 40-55 percent of graduates more than double their sales within two years of
graduation." said Fourmaux.
     Each class is limited to 25 participants.  The course fees are $625 for FastTrac I and $750
for FastTrac II.  A limited number of partial scholarships are available.  Anyone interested in
applying for either class should complete an application and submit a resume. For applications or
more information call the Southeastern Small Business Development Center at 549-3831. 
                                         
 -SLU-
                            
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