About Us
The late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Kauffman established the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as the first foundation to focus on entrepreneurship as one of its primary areas of interest. An epitome of American entrepreneurship, Kauffman saw business enterprise as one of the most effective ways to unleash human potential and stir the economy to life. He viewed entrepreneurship as the most powerful strategy to help individuals gain economic independence and serve as a catalyst for creating jobs and wealth in society.
Today,
the Kauffman Foundation is devoted to advancing entrepreneurship as one
of the fundamental aspects of life in the United States. Focusing on
research, education, technical assistance, and policy, the Kauffman
Foundation works to increase the number and success rate of individuals
engaged in the process of starting or growing their own business or
idea. The Foundation works with partners to design programs based on the
proven principles, techniques, and leadership tactics that make
starting and growing a business a more common choice for Americans of
all walks of life. The Foundation is based in Kansas City, Mo. and has
around $2 billion in assets.
About Our FastTrac Programs
FastTrac® is a practical, hands-on, entrepreneur-learning
program designed to help entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to create,
manage, and grow a successful business. FastTrac participants don't
just learn about business, they live it. They work on their own business
ideas or existing ventures throughout the program – moving their
ventures to reality. FastTrac is a framework for entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs.
Programs combine facilitator-led sessions, small-group exercises, guest
subject-matter experts, and idea sharing with peers with business
coaching and mentoring.
FastTrac offers the following programs:
FastTrac
NewVenture - I have an Idea for a business but I need a plan and a framework
for successfully launching my company.
FastTrac
GrowthVenture - I currently own a company and am looking for proven strategies
and processes for healthy growth.
FastTrac
TechVenture - I am developing a technology or science-based business and need
help navigating the factors that go in to starting a business like acquiring
funding and intellectual property protection.