Small Business Programs

Small-biz.XLR8 offers a proven system for small business owners to grow their business by providing:

  1. Exclusive access to informative pre-class video curriculum that teach business principles
  2. Templates for applying business principles directly to your business
  3. Opportunity to develop, practice pitching, and receive feedback on your business growth plan
  4. An interactive online class with peer discussions
  5. Support of expert instructor and mentor network
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Readiness Training Program for HUBs

A broad-based and innovative program that significantly enhances the capacity to bid competitively on both public and private sector procurement opportunities.

  1. Funnel 1 focuses on the main aspects of the public contracting process,
  2. Funnel 2 is for more advanced companies.
  3. Links with existing and newly launched UT-Austin training programs and classes, allowing more mature HUBs to secure appropriate technical assistance.
  4. Provides an end-to-end set of training programs for HUBs at their varying stages of growth.
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Owner Stories

Priscella Garcia, SisterDough

“I feel like the past 8 weeks evolved my mind as a business owner to understand steps that I needed to take to grow my business, I find myself applying what I learned through the program to my business everyday and it’s been very helpful to me. Week 1 I was like a what did I get myself into …week 10 I’m pitching my business on things that I never thought I knew but I learned.”

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Upcoming Classes

Section 1

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Session 1

Defining the Market Problem

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Session 2

Understanding Your Value Proposition

Tuesday, Jun 01, 2021

Session 3

Communicating Your Sales Message

Section 2

Tuesday, Jun 08, 2021

Session 4

Designing a Sales Pipeline

Tuesday, Jun 15, 2021

Session 5

Pivoting to Reach New Markets

Tuesday, Jun 22, 2021

Session 6

Building Sales Channels

Section

Tuesday, Jun 29, 2021

Session 7

Linking Your Sales Plan with Budget

Tuesday, Jul 06, 2021

Session 8

Defining Goals and Plan

Tuesday, Jul 13, 2021

Session 9

Building a Growth Roadmap

Section

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2021

Session 10

Pitching for Partnerships

Section 1

“Small-biz.XLR8 is definitely worth the cost of the program. Honestly, I found this program to be priceless!”

Kristen Fields, mmmpanadas

Section 2

“…the relationships that you build with your peers in the class, the additional mentors and other
industry leaders are invaluable.”

Bianca Neal, ReRoute Music Group

Section

“You’ll gain not only knowledge of your business’ and customers’ needs, but also a strong feeling of empowerment
and enthusiasm. The FASTForward teachers and mentors are exceptional resources for business development,
and I can’t speak highly enough of their commitment and support for your success.”

Lian Amber, BASSBOSS

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