There are many
elements that will define success for the KY DBE Program within the
Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project. Most
importantly, it will require that as many willing, ready and able
certified KY DBEs as possible receive and fulfill viable and
profitable contracts. Our mission is also focused on sustainable
results beyond the Bridges Project.
Of the
approximately 300 KY DBEs, most have been in business more than five
years. According to the Small Business Administration, these
businesses have beaten the odds. By maintaining their businesses
beyond the critical "start-up" phase, these firms have proven to be
survivors with strong leaders and technical experts in their fields.
They are to be congratulated on being more than just another
statistic.
Through our
analysis of the responses to the 360° Business Assessment, we
see that many businesses are willing and able, but perhaps not
ready, to enter a strong growth phase. Growth for an established
business requires careful and strategic planning, a vision of where
it is they want to be in three years and a plan to help them get
there.
The
Entrepreneurial Development Institute (EDI) is a program
within the Bridges Project's KY DBE Program; designed to further the
growth, success and wealth creation of certified KY DBEs. The EDI
program has implemented a series of courses created by the Kauffman
Foundation for Entrepreneurship called
FastTrac®.
The FastTrac
programs are not designed for early stage, start-up businesses. The
programs are specifically designed for existing businesses that are
ready to enter a new stage of growth and prosperity. The material we
cover is advanced business development and requires a commitment -
not only of your time, but also your willingness to take the steps
you determine necessary to build your
business.
FastTrac's
Listening to Your Business and
GrowthVenture programs will be described in detail in
the Toolbox articles below. The Bridges Project is subsidizing a
portion of the cost of both programs for certified KY DBEs and
scheduling the programs through 2008 to meet the needs of DBEs
throughout Kentucky.
The KY DBE
Program of the Bridges Project is offering unprecedented support for
certified businesses. Please take advantage of as many opportunities
as you can and check out the Toolbox tips as a checklist for your
efforts. Your business deserves to thrive and grow for years to
come.
Warmest
regards,

Tierra
Kavanaugh Turner, KY DBE Program
Manager |