FastStart What is FastStart? FastStartDC is a program designed to increase entrepreneurial awareness and skills while providing free entrepreneurship support to current DC students across all program areas and campuses.Students can access training, mentorship and marketing support to launch their small business, side-hustle, or freelancing services. FastStart helps students develop their business ideas, build their business models/plans and develop the marketing assets required to quickly and successfully launch their business. FastStart runs all year-round. What can FastStart offer to me? FastStart DC provides entrepreneurial services and training programs, including: Training: All FastStart student entrepreneurs get free access to FS360 – an online course that includes a series of modules to help students map out their business ideas and encourages them to think critically about their business model. Mentorship & Coaching: Our experienced team of coaches and faculty advisors work with you one-on-one to help guide you to successfully launch your business. Workshops & Seminars: Our New Skills Workshop Series provides training and insights into key topics areas. You will hear from local experts and entrepreneurs who will share their first-hand knowledge to help prepare you for success. Competitions and Boot Camps: You will develop the confidence you need to succeed in business by participating in competitions that are available throughout the year. These include pitch competitions where you’ll have the opportunity to share your business ideas as you vie for prizes. Peer-to-peer Marketing Support: Student advisors are available in-house for you to use as a resource; feel free to walk in and bounce ideas off of them. They can help you think about your idea or venture in a different light and also provide insight into many different areas regarding your business. Our FastStart team can also help you build your marketing assets, including logo design, photography, videography, social media communications, and website development. Space and Resources: FastStartDC has space for you to connect, collaborate and work. Whether you are ready to go to market, are starting from the beginning or looking to elevate your current business, help is available each step of the way. Opportunities & Partner Perks: FastStart provides student entrepreneurs to access to networking events and connections to our industry partners, including: Ontario Power Generation’s X-Lab, Spark Centre, Futurpreneur Canada, OWNR, or the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), where students can find additional services and support for their businesses. FastStart also has a partnership with Shopify where student entrepreneurs can receive free access to the e-commerce platform for one year. FastStart also gives students the opportunity to showcase their products and services in pop-up markets and online marketplaces. Why should I create a start-up business? Creating your own business has many benefits. It allows you to be your own boss. It allows you to strive for business profit and pay yourself as you see fit. You also have potential job security, control over your own destiny, and can make your own hours to blend work and the other aspects of your life. I have a business idea. What should I do now? Connect with us to discuss your idea! We would love to meet you, learn about your business idea and get you started with our FS360 course. Every student starts with this free, online course and once they finish, they become eligible to receive one-on-one coaching and customized mentorship with FastStart, depending on their business needs! Every business is different, so we will create a program that works for you. To get started, fill out our Intake Form or contact FastStartDC@DurhamCollege.ca. How do I know that my idea is safe? Your idea is safe. If instructed, we will not share or talk about your business idea outside our discussions. Where is FastStart DC located? Due to COVID-19, FastStart is currently operating remotely. Once we return to campus, you can find us in room 123 of the Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE) building in the 360insights Entrepreneurship Centre at DC’s Oshawa Campus. What are your hours of operation? FastStartDC is open for one-on-one coaching services and marketing support Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants can however work on FS360 – our online program – at any time, from anywhere in the world. Who is eligible to access FastStart DC services? FastStart services are available to all current Durham College students. Where can I get funding for my start-up? We can provide you with information on funding options that are available in the community. Contact us at FastStartDC@DurhamCollege.ca to learn more. How much does it cost to participate in FastStart services? FastStart services are free to all current DC students. Who can I contact to help me get started? Questions on FastStart DC can be directed to Crystal Pollard, Manager Entrepreneurship Services at 905.721.2000 ext. 3600 or FastStartDC@durhamcollege.ca. How can I learn more about FastStart? Email us at FastStartDC@DurhamCollege.ca Phone: 905.721.2000, ext. 3600 Visit www.DurhamCollege.ca/FastStart Follow us on: Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
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