Battle Creek Self Employment Project
A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Vision
“To foster economic self-sufficiency through entreprenuership.”

Mission
“To reduce poverty by creating self-employment opportunities for under-served populations as an economic development strategy for building our community.”

“Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you’re not frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were.” David Rockefeller

Take this opportunity to invest in yourself!

“GO” or “NO GO”

Before you quit your job or invest your life savings, wouldn't it be nice to know whether your business idea will work? In First Step FastTrac® you'll write a feasibility plan that examines your business idea from every angle. This plan helps you decide if your business is a "go" or a "no go" before you spend too much time or money.

Can Your Idea Become a Profitable Business?

In order to find out, you, the entrepreneur, need to do a feasibility plan. A feasibility plan helps you:

  • Examine your willingness, desire, and courage to be a successful entrepreneur.
  • Gather information related to starting a business.
  • Anticipate and solve business problems.
  • Test assumptions and solutions on paper.
  • Finalize a plan for starting your business.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
            First Step FastTrac®

First Step FastTrac® is an education program created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, taught by seasoned business owners and professionals in your community. The hands-on program gives you an opportunity to evaluate and fine-tune your business idea in a safe and supportive environment. You will work closely with other entrepreneurs, sharing ideas and experiences and laying the foundation for future business relationships. Through the class, in small coaching sessions, and through homework assignments, you'll explore issues related to all key aspects of your business. You'll determine whether your idea has "legs" and if starting a business is the right decision for you.

In First Step FastTrac® you will:
Develop a feasibility plan so you can evaluate your business concept. This plan will include:

  • An Executive Summary
  • Product and Services
  • Market Analysis
  • Price and Profitability Analysis
  • Plan for Further Action


The Battle Creek Self-Employment Program wants you to invest in your future.
Help build our community.
Be a part of the solution.

First Step FastTrac® is a ten week program. It is important to be committed to the process.

Become a part of this grassroots economic development movement.

Create your own job.

Build a business that will allow you to be your own boss never to be down-sized again! Classes being in February, May and September. Fall class begins Saturday, September 8.

Let’s change your life and Battle Creek for the better.

Mandatory Orientation Dates:

  • Monday, January 7, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 14, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 21, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 28, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
    (You must attend one orientation session.)

For more information about the program, please use the contact information below:
Contact: The Battle Creek
Self-Employment Program
Location: Urban League of Battle Creek
172 W. Van Buren
Battle Creek MI 49017
Phone: (269) 962-8996
Ask For: Gail Lindsey,
Del McClenney or
Bernard Young


©Copyright 2008
Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce