From BizLaunch: After Startup Quest, What’s Next?

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“After Startup Quest,  What’s Next?”

By Cathy Musselman, Entrepreneur Coach & Trainer

On May 9, 2013 a group of 96 people began a 10 week intensive entrepreneurial training program where they learned how to create a business plan for a technology company and ultimately develop a professional presentation for an investor panel.  Eleven teams of between seven and eight people were matched and mentored by a business owner with each team creating a simulated company around their chosen technology.

During these 10 weeks, nine participants obtained employment, a few others dropped from the program because they realized that entrepreneurship was not for them, and 73 people completed the program.  To date, a number of people have been offered employment with their mentor companies and several are moving forward with developing their own business.  Also as a result of this program, we have several people who are moving forward in taking the steps to get the technologies licensed and create a business.

During these 10 weeks, nine participants obtained employment, a few others dropped from the program because they realized that entrepreneurship was not for them, and 73 people completed the program.  To date, a number of people have been offered employment with their mentor companies and several are moving forward with developing their own business.  Also as a result of this program, we have several people who are moving forward in taking the steps to get the technologies licensed and create a business.

Team Space Coast Industrial Solutions recently met with the NASA Office of Technology Transfer at Kennedy Space Center to discuss what it takes to get their technology licensed for commercialization.  Many of the other participants are researching the next steps to potentially take their technology to market also.

A lot of hard work, time and energy were spent in developing these business plans and investor pitches.  There were moments of frustration and moments of glee, and yet the majority of participants in the program felt a tremendous amount of knowledge and inspiration was gained from the program.

“I used to have this mental block and fear of writing my business plan,” stated Susan Wheat, a participant in Startup Quest.  “After participating in this program, I have gained the knowledge on how to put together my plan and now know the steps I must take to make my business happen!”

“The overall program experience was great! Off the chain! Stupendous! It had something for everyone regardless of their past experience. It challenged us to be better, do more for ourselves and others, work as a team, go that extra mile and open our minds to new ideas, concepts and possibilities. I took another step towards believing in myself and my abilities,” said Sylvester H. Brown, a former aerospace engineer and participant in Startup Quest.

Brevard Workforce is in the forefront of offering various entrepreneurial programs for those who are unemployed or underemployed. Statistics show that over 99% of Florida companies have fewer than 100 employees and that 82% of the workforce is employed with small businesses.  By offering targeted training programs, such as Startup Quest, Brevard Workforce is assisting those customers who wish to take the entrepreneurial path.

So “what’s next” you ask…well the people of Brevard have gone to the Moon, and now we are reaching the Stars with our STARtups!