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Plan It! Fast Track

Ha Tien Supermarket

Plan It! Fast Track is a retreat-style training where you will be introduced to the Business Model Canvas. This will help you shape your business through a hands-on and interactive opportunity. You will work through the business planning process, which will provide insight into your business concept, value proposition, customers, competitors, marketing channels, and how best to make money for your business. At the end of the program, you will leave with a Business Model Canvas that will prepare you to apply for other NDC services.

“At the time, there’s no way we could have done what we’ve done without NDC.”

Sonora Grill, Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis

Class Schedule

Thank you for your interest in our Plan It! Fast Track Entrepreneur training class. If you would like to be notified when we begin accepting applications for this training class, please click the Get Updates button to complete our Training Interest Form.

Course Information

Eligibility Criteria

  • Currently in business for two or more years.
  • Registered and active with the State of Minnesota.
  • Have filed your business taxes.
  • Priority is given to business that are located in our ten priority neighborhoods:
    • St. Paul: University Corridor, North End, East Side, West Side (not including West St. Paul), and West Seventh
    • Minneapolis: North Minneapolis, Northeast Minneapolis, and South Minneapolis (not including Uptown)
    • Brooklyns: Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park

Class Structure

  • Plan It! Fast Track is a retreat style training class that meets weekly once a week for four hours for five consecutive weeks. Lunch is provided.
  • The class size is up to 10 participants. Need a minimum of four participants, who have paid their course fee, for this training class to run.
  • Participants will have up to ten hours to work with the training instructor outside of class to get personalized feedback and support in developing their business model canvas.
  • Session Topics covered: review business concept, value proposition, customers, competitors, marketing chanels, and revenue channels.

Schedule 20-minute Interview

Please understand that submitting your application is an indication of interest. Once you complete the online application, the next step will be to schedule a 20-minute informal interview with Cohort Trainer, an NDC Training Department Staff, and host agency representative conducted online through Zoom. This interview aims to learn more about you and your business. We will select individuals from the pool of applicants after all the interviews have been completed.

Payment Policy

Class fees are determined on a sliding scale ($150 – $650), based on household income, family size, and if you live or plan to operate your business in one of our priority neighborhoods.

Unless otherwise negotiated, payment is due before you attend your first class session. Payment plans are available upon request; the total class fee must be paid by the start of session 4.

Course FAQ

Who should apply to take Plan It! Fast Track?

Entrepreneurs/business owners who are currently in business for two or more years, that is registered and active with the State of Minnesota, and have filed their business taxes that desire a shorter length training class to plan and work on thinking through their business.

What are the benefits of graduating from the class?

  • Join a growing network of more than 4,500 NDC alumni
  • Professional consulting services for program graduates in business
  • Access to low-cost accounting services
  • Access to Pro Bono Legal services. (Note: Pro bono services are not available to participants whose household or business income exceeds NDC Guidelines or those residing or operating their businesses out of the NDC targeted service area. Pro Bono legal services are available on a limited basis and are subject to attorney availability. Client is responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses, such as filing or recording fees).
  • Eligibility to apply for loans
  • Invitation to the Annual Entrepreneur Awards honoring outstanding program graduates

Who are the trainers?

Professional consultants with small business expertise, teaching acumen and cultural competence.

Is this program offered in any languages other than English?

Plan It! Fast Track is a pilot program. At this time no other languages are offered.

Do I have to have my business in a specific neighborhood?

Your business can be located anywhere in Minnesota. However, priority is given to businesses that reside in our ten priority neighborhoods:

  • St. Paul: University Cooridor, North End, East Side, West Side (not including West St. Paul), and West Seventh
  • Minneapolis: North Minneapolis, Northeast Minneapolis, and South Minneapolis (not including Uptown)
  • Brooklyns: Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park

Be advised, if you selected and wish to seek additional services from NDC, you will need to have your business located in one of our assigned demographic areas.