2. First Connection Opportunity Entrepreneurship Program
Presented by: Thomas Officer
Sponsored by: GO Topeka, GO Connection, Department of Housing & Neighborhood Development, and the City of Topeka

3. Phases of the Micro Business Loan Application Process
First Phase
1. Attend Orientation for Application meeting and Complete the Education Scholarship Preliminary Questionnaire
2. Schedule a meeting/meet with the Micro Loan Program Manager
Second Phase
1. Schedule/attend/graduate from required Entrepreneur Classes
2. Turn in complete loan application with a $50 fee
3. Application reviewed by Loan Committee and is approved or denied
Third Phase
1. Close on loan
2. Paired with a business Mentor
3. Open for business

4. Do you dream of OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Have you always wanted to BE YOUR OWN BOSS?
First Connection Opportunity Entrepreneurship Program could be the answer to your dream.
In order to qualify for services, you must:
be a resident of Topeka and/or Shawnee County
have a desire to start your own business or
expand an existing business
fill out short client intake form
come to an orientation session

5. Entrepreneurial Training Program
First Step FastTrac Training:
First Step FastTrac training is a practical, hands-on education program created “by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.”
Targeted Participants
Cost
Points of Interest
Class Location
Contact

6. “EXPLORING ENTREPRENEURSHIP”
offered by Washburn University Small Business Development Center
“EXPLORING ENTREPRENEURSHIP”
Topeka Area Small Business Seminars
-Introduction to Small Business Ownership-
-Business Planning-
-Keeping the Books-
-Marketing for Profit-

7. What is First Step FastTrac?
ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM EXPLORING BUSINESS IDEA FEASIBILTY
What is First Step FastTrac?
First Step FastTrac is an education program created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and is designed for entrepreneurs with low-to-moderate incomes who are starting or expanding a small business.
By the time you finish the program, you’ll known whether your idea has “legs” and if starting a business is the right decision for you.
Primer paso FastTrac
Spanish version available.

8. Business Plan Outline 1. Cover Letter 3. Market Analysis
2. Products and Services
3. Market Analysis
4. Marketing Strategy
5. Management Plan
6. Financial Data

9. Micro Loan Parameters Loan Size Credit History Use of Loan
Proceeds
Fees
Terms
Collateral
Who Qualifies?
Credit History
Loan Restrictions
Businesses That Do Not Qualify
Applicants Who Are Not Eligible

10. First Connection Opportunity Fund Preliminary Questionnaire

11. Number of Small Business Loans
October 2002 to Present
Loans…………………………44
Portfolio………………$939,780
Jobs……………………….…194

12. DBE Established Two Incubator Facilities
Establish an
Incubator Facility
DBE Established Two Incubator Facilities
Business Incubator at Townsite Plaza
Retail Plaza at 29th & Cunningham

13. Step FastTrac Programs
Number of First
Step FastTrac Programs
2004 to Present
Classes………………………..…13
Graduates……………………

14. Number of Orientation Sessions
2004 to Present
Sessions…………….……
Participants……………….1,034

15. Number of Networking & Procurement Opportunities
2003 to Present
Breakfast Events……………
Attendance……………… ,100

16. Increase the Number of Jobs Created through Entrepreneurial Startups through Promotion of New Technology Deployment Programs.

17. Mentor Program

18. Mentor Training Mentor Services Evaluation of Mentors
Mentor Training will be provided through a one half day training session for all staff that provides mentor services for micro-loan clients.
Mentor Services
Mentor Services will be provided to assist clients in their start up, emergent and growth phases of their business.
Evaluation of Mentors
Mentors will be evaluated on if systems are being out into place to improve the business, if the business is improving, and what the client says about the mentor’s assistance.

19. “One Stop” Economic Development Center
Small, Minority & Women Business Development
loans totaling $939,780
194 New and Retained Jobs
Washburn University’s Kansas Small Business Development Center
New Businesses
- 2,421 Created and Saved
Jobs
- $47.85 Million in Financing
(2002 to present)

20. Questions or
Comments?