Kauffman FastTrac® · Hosted by ISM

Turn the idea into a business built to move.

A facilitator-led program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs ready to validate the opportunity, understand the market, and build a practical business plan.

Apply for the next cohort Explore the program
Facilitator-led Practical business planning Peer feedback
Entrepreneurs collaborating around a table
Kauffman FastTrac logo
From idea to action. Research the market, strengthen the model, and leave with a clearer plan.
01ClarifyThe opportunity
02PositionThe customer
03RefineThe model
04PlanThe next move
What you will work through

Five stages. One clearer path forward.

Each stage focuses on a decision your business needs to make—not just a chapter to complete.

Stage01/ 05
01 Start with purpose

Ideate

Clarify the opportunity and connect the idea to your goals.

VisionOpportunity
02 Understand the market

Position

Define your customer, competition, and place in the market.

CustomersPositioning
03 Reach the customer

Commit

Shape your offer and build a practical path to sales.

MarketingSales
04 Make the model work

Refine

Strengthen pricing, financial assumptions, and operations.

FinancialsOperations
05 Move forward with clarity

Launch

Bring the work together in a researched, actionable plan.

Business planGrowth

Use the arrows or swipe to explore each stage.

The ISM difference

FastTrac experience that goes beyond the curriculum.

ISM has delivered FastTrac since 2004, pairing the program with experienced facilitators, practical tools, and continued entrepreneur support.

Since 2004More than 20 years facilitating FastTrac cohorts.
ISM-certified teamFacilitators complete ISM's Train-the-Trainer process.
Smaller cohortsMore room for interaction, questions, and feedback.
Continued connectionParticipants can stay connected through the ISM community.
Facilitator leading a small business workshop
2026 Kauffman FastTrac Sustainable Excellence Award Central Region
Additional ISM resources
AI Business Planning ToolMarket intelligenceFinancial planningIndustry data
Entrepreneurs reviewing business information together
The FastTrac experience

Built to be used—not just completed.

Every part of the program connects back to your own venture, so the work has somewhere to go when class ends.

  • 01
    Work on your own ventureApply each concept directly to the business you are building.
  • 02
    Receive practical feedbackChallenge assumptions with experienced facilitators.
  • 03
    Learn alongside peersBuild connections, perspective, and momentum.
  • 04
    Leave with a clearer planTurn research into priorities and next actions.
Who it is forAspiring entrepreneurs, newly launched ventures, and early-stage businesses across industries.
Upcoming cohort

Eight sessions to build with greater clarity.

The next ISM-hosted FastTrac cohort is planned to begin in mid-October. Exact meeting details will be announced as they are finalized.

Start your application Questions? Contact ISM
Frequently asked questions

Before you apply.

Quick answers to the questions we hear most.

Do I need to already own a business?

No. You may apply with an idea, a new venture, or an early-stage business that needs a stronger plan.

What is the expected time commitment?

Plan for the live sessions plus time between meetings to research, test assumptions, and work on your plan.

Will the next cohort be in person or online?

The Fall 2026 format is still being finalized and will be added to the cohort details once confirmed.

How much does the program cost?

Participation cost, if any, will be included with the final cohort announcement and application information.

What will I complete by the end?

A researched business plan, clearer priorities, and a practical roadmap for launch or growth.