Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/119013
>> ���>>���>> ���>> ���>>���>>���>> ���>> ���>> ���>> Accelerating growth aunched one year ago at the first Technology & Human Innovation Networking Conference ��� THINC! ��� Fast Forward is training a generation of innovative thinkers expected to grow the region���s investment base. (Insight���s THINC! 2013 event will be May 14 at UW-Fox Valley; for details see Connections, page 18.) The idea is to create companies that will spawn high-paying jobs and generate innovative products and services in new markets. Their target: $12 million in revenue within five years. ���The economy is strong in Northeast Wisconsin; we want it to be vibrant. In order to have that, we need all different types, shapes, sizes and flavors of companies operating and growing and creating jobs here,��� says Amy Pietsch, director of the Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center and the Fast Forward program. Pietsch says the Fast Forward process identifies high-impact leaders and accelerates their ability to access capital. This scalable, organizational model was developed in 2011. It matches regional and community resources with fast-growth start-ups, putting the focus on matching resources to needs for firms ready to leverage those resources towards capital objectives. The ���beta��� version of Fast Forward 1.0 simply means that the program���s designers see this initiative as an experiment in which to learn key discoveries ��� such as best practices and unexpected risks ��� opportunities that will perfect the program���s new and improved 2.0 version. The risk factor he Fast Forward model is unique in that the mentoring element can quickly identify and coach companies and surround them with technical capabilities, as well as private and public resources for fast growth. Not all of the jobs created will necessarily be in Northeast Wisconsin. For that matter, the company itself may open its doors outside of the region. ���There���s no guarantee that won���t happen. In the course of directing our energy around a program that positions those not-ready-for prime-time entrepreneurs with big potential in a high-risk program, I don���t think it���s any more risky than not doing this. If we are successful in producing these companies, the revenue and the jobs will come,��� explains New North Executive Director Jerry Murphy. For Zielinski, those jobs can���t come fast enough. His catalyst company, RightDoc, will soon connect Wisconsinites seeking health care services to online profiles of 25,000 doctors, dentists and chiropractors across the state. Eventually RightDoc will launch nationwide, with more than 1 million profiles to start. Zielinski anticipates adding up to 100 jobs to his payroll during the next five years. But before he could prepare to pitch his ideas to investors, Zielinski needed to spend a considerable amount of time learning the ropes from those who had been in the trenches. That���s where mentors come in. 24 | Insight ��� A p r i l 2 013 ���>> ���> Fast Forward 1.0 Fast Forward 1.0 is a collaborative initiative that targets fast-growth companies in the New North region. It targets successful firms whose seasoned founders and principals have invested in Northeast Wisconsin. They have the potential to create high-paying jobs, generate innovative products, services and access new markets and are positioned to attract capital and talent to the region. The program is in search of experienced businesspeople interested in helping to serve as mentors. Ob j e c t i v e s: To expand access to technical support needed to advance a fast growth firm. Organize a regional business mentoring program specifically targeting fast-growth firms. Provide for a scalable, organizational model in the New North region to match regional and community resources with fast-growth start-ups and companies who can maximize them. Put the focus on matching resources to needs for firms ready to leverage those resources towards capital objectives. Increase the number of fast-growth companies operating in the region. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROZWJS1VLhs For more information on the Fast Forward program: ONLINE: Click here to see a short video describing how Fast Forward works. WEBSITE: www.thenewnorth.com/strategic-initiatives/entrepreneurialclimate/fast-forward-10 Tapping the experts ast Forward���s mentorship element prepares entrepreneurs to execute a robust business plan that will add value and vitality to the region by attracting and retaining great talent. Last November, when the six Fast Forward candidates were chosen (one has dropped out due to health concerns) from a field of 28, they each were matched with mentors who coached, prepared and brought them up to speed on the unique challenges they���ll face in this fast-paced journey. Mentors for Fast Forward must be successful, seasoned founders and principals who have invested in the New North region and are ready and willing to pass their wealth of knowledge to fledgling leaders. Zielinski���s two mentors, retired Outlook Group CEO Glen Yurjevich and Jack Riopelle, retired CEO of Wisconsin Film and Bag, both come with considerable experience that can help them see potential roadblocks the newcomers often can���t. ���Without the mentors it would be significantly more w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m