For Immediate Release
Contact Information:
Courtney Curatolo, Director
Small Business Development Center at JCC
525 Falconer Street
Jamestown, NY 14702
716-338-1024
SBDC Celebrates first FastTrac Business Basics Course with Funding from
City of Jamestown
(November 25, 2024) The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College (JCC) successfully concluded its first FastTrac Business Basics Program, a 10-week course designed to equip aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to turn their ideas into actionable business plans. With support from the City of Jamestown, the program was offered free for City of Jamestown residents and business owners and attracted 18 participants who presented diverse and innovative business concepts.
Participants engaged in twice-weekly sessions, diving into critical topics such as:
· Market research and business modeling
· Pricing and legal strategies
· Distribution, sales, and financial management
· Human resources and entrepreneurial lifestyle insights
The program concluded with a business pitch session, where participants showcased their plans and gained valuable feedback. These entrepreneurs will continue to receive personalized guidance from SBDC advisors as they refine and launch their ventures.
Facilitators included a mix of SBDC Business Advisors and industry experts, including Beth Reed, Brian Rovegno, Danny Hickman, Scott Miller, business consultant Rahsaan Graham, and attorney Brad Stevens. Business ideas ranged from selling baked goods and sneakers to designing cutting-edge technology for small enterprises, reflecting the creative and dynamic spirit of the cohort.
“The dedication and ingenuity of these entrepreneurs inspire our community and drive economic growth,” said Dr. Courtney Curatolo, SBDC Director. “With small businesses creating two-thirds of new jobs in the U.S., the SBDC is here to help turn business visions into reality.”
"The City of Jamestown is proud to sponsor this valuable program for our residents and businesses, made possible through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our Department of Development is committed to fostering a thriving local small business ecosystem, and we believe that this partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) plays a crucial role in achieving that goal," said Crystal Surdyk, Director of Development for the City of Jamestown.
“The FastTrac program showcases the incredible talent and creativity within our community,” said Mayor Kimberly Ecklund. “By supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, we are not only helping individuals realize their dreams but also fostering economic growth and innovation that benefit the entire City of Jamestown. Partnerships like this with the SBDC are vital in building a vibrant and prosperous future for our residents and businesses alike.”
The program is part of SBDC’s mission to deliver high-quality business counseling and training to entrepreneurs in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties. Services are free, confidential, and designed to support businesses at all stages of development.
Building on this success, SBDC will host the second FastTrac cohort starting in Spring 2025. The program remains free for residents and business owners within the City of Jamestown and is $125 for all other participants. Ideal for individuals refining a business concept or starting their business, the course provides essential tools to craft a strong, actionable business plan.
For more information or to register for upcoming programs, visit www.sbdcjcc.org or call 716-338-1024.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College (JCC) has a vision to create economic sustainability for all New Yorkers – one business at a time. SBDC delivers high quality business counseling and training to clients looking to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business. Services are free and confidential and include a range of management and technical assistance from business plan development, accounting guidance, productivity enhancement and export assistance to loan information, marketing, and financial planning among other services. For services and more information contact 716-338-1024 or go to our website at www.sbdcjcc.org
