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Blackerby Associates
FastTrac™ Program Evaluations
Here's What Phoenix Area Participants Say About
FastTrac and Phillip Blackerby, Facilitator

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FastTrac NewVenture™ Class
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Class: Spring 2004 FastTrac NewVenture™ Spring 2005 FastTrac NewVenture™
Program ElementNo ValueValueGreat Value No ValueValueGreat Value
In-class exercises/activities0
0%
2
22%
7
78%
0
0%
3
43%
4
57%
Guest speakers 0
0%
0
0%
0
0%
0
0%
1
14%
6
86%
Business counselor 0
0%
0
0%
9
100%
0
0%
1
14%
6
86%
Facilitator: Phillip Blackerby 0
0%
0
0%
9
100%
0
0%
1
14%
6
86%
Materials/text 0
0%
6
67%
3
33%
0
0%
1
14%
6
86%
Weekly homework assignments 0
0%
7
78%
2
22%
0
0%
4
57%
3
43%
 
Program Element Below
Expectations
Met
Expectations
Above
Expectations
Below
Expectations
Met
Expectations
Above
Expectations
Overall, the Program Is... 0
0%
1
11%
8
89%
0
0%
3
43%
4
57%

"What would you tell another business owner or potential business owner interested in taking this program?"
  • "Good progrram, especially a great arena to test business ideas."
  • "That this is well worth the time & money commitment, whether or not the individual has great or little business experience."
  • "The course will help you decide 'quantitatively' whether your idea or business is possible."
  • "If you are thinking of starting a business, take this course first. If you are struggling with a business, definitely take this course."
  • "Great primer to know what not to miss."
  • "Absolutely."
  • "Absolutely."
  • "Well worth the time spent in and out of class sessions."
  • "That the program can save you much time & money, & possibly stop you from big mistake; on the other hand, accelerates the process."


  • Good initial view of factors to consider before starting a business. Especially good if you don't have a background in business.
  • Do this before jumping in with both feet.
  • Highly recommend this course as a prerequisite to operating a business (if interested in learning how to run the bases).
  • Don't try it without the class.
  • I would recommend taking this class for the goal of thinking through all aspects of starting a company.
  • FastTrac provides overall approach to all aspects of looking at conceptualization of a potential business idea. Francine Hardaway is a great successful inspiration by her words and experience she is willing to share.
  • It will make you think about your business you really never thought about.
"What would you tell the organization about the facilitator?"
  • "Good job in keeping things moving and interesting."
  • "Great enthusiasm & insight towards start-up business. It shows & brings great value to it."
  • "Broad experience & much to offer on many levels in business."
  • "Well spoken. Knowledgable!"
  • "Competent Pro"
  • "Very motivating and direction oriented; always ale to see the real issue to a problem."
  • "Knowledgable; excellent."
  • "Invaluable experience he was able to share weekly."
  • "Hire him."


  • Good.
  • Each brings something different to the table; so watch for that "nugget" of knowledge from each of them.
  • The facilitator is very insightful and willing to assist in any area possible
  • Good speaker; superb facilitator.
  • The facilitator was knowledgeable about all aspects and offered constructive criticism regarding direction and discussions of class participants.
  • All facilitators - Phillip Blackerby, Ed Nusbaum and Francine Hardaway - are tremendous assets in giving FastTrac credibility and value; I very much grew to admire and enjoy the contribution each brought to each class.
  • Very good; a lot of knowledge.
"What was the single most valuable thing you learned from the program?"
  • "Planning and networking."
  • "'Cash is king'"
  • "Keep your value added elevator speech fine-tuned, focused ∓ specific; this will be your 1st opportunity to gain interest."
  • "Not the goal but the journey is the most important point. Going through the process was of the most value."
  • "'A light bulb likghts a room, but a laser cuts steel;' 'Narrow your focus; become an expert;' and som many other things that could all be the most valuable!"
  • "Broad range of topics; facilitating a thorough analysis and preparation."
  • "Value gained for me was a holistic view of the aspects of a potential new business."
  • "The concept was well received even after discussion."


  • Need to focus on sales.
  • Despite different companies, many of the root causes for success are the same!
  • Focusing on your objective.
  • That age does not limit your possibilities.
  • That to grow the business requires working "on" the business, not just "in" the business.
  • The fact that there are valuable resources out in the community, and that FastTrac is able to bring together in NewVenture, and I assume, in Planning.
  • Be real, not in a dream world.
"Final comments, thoughts, or testimonial?"
  • "Looking forward to next step."
  • "I've already recommended the program to others."
  • "I appreciate the opporunity to expand my mind & internalize my process."
  • "Thanks you; thank you; thank you! This was a truly amazing experience!"
  • "Time well spent."
  • "Excellent course with tremendous amounts of valuable experience shared by faciltiators, speakers and peers."
  • "The process has been very helpful and I will recommend it."


  • Thank you!
  • Thank you for your assistance and efforts. My hope is that this may be the beginning of a lasting business relationship.
  • Best time I ever spent learning something that will last a lifetime.
  • This was a good class - structured and organized to help people going into business to think about all aspects.
  • I need to focus more work and energy of SB-SEI and hope to participate fully in FastTrac Planning beginning in April 2005!
  • I'm only beginning or starting out; it is a frame of mind. Thank you.