Do you dream of starting your own business? Have an idea? Not sure where to start?”
Waubonsee Can Help!
The New Venture Academy provides aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with the support and resources necessary for their success.
Waubonsee is a proud affiliate of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which has been helping entrepreneurs since 1993.
Their FastTrac® curriculum is a flexible course with a proven framework to help support you and begin your journey on the road to success.
Is your business not yet launched and/or has less than $250,000 in sales? Then New Venture Academy is for you! Through our 10-session cohort, test the feasibility of your business concept, assess opportunities and identify those with the greatest potential, and fine-tune the processes of an early-stage business. You will walk away with a solid business plan that takes your concept from an idea – to reality.
About The Instructor
Jock M. Sommese
Teaching is something I’ve done my entire life...help others help themselves.
A self-described lifetime learner, my entire life has centered on taking the knowledge and lessons that I acquire and sharing them through teaching, coaching and mentoring. It is a passion that has provided immense enjoyment and satisfaction.
Professionally, I have more than 30 years of extensive start-up, merger and acquisition, financial, sales and marketing, and operations experiences. I have utilized those experiences to mentor employees and co-workers in companies of various sizes, industries and stages.
In 1999, I was recognized as the Small Business Journalist of the Year for the state of Pennsylvania by the Small Business Administration. As President/Publisher of “Smart Business Now,” I created the magazine to support our area’s entrepreneurs, provide information that they can use in their business immediately and help provide a forum for like-minded business professionals.
For the last 20 years, I have been an adjunct business professor for higher education institutions in the Philadelphia region, and last year at Northern Illinois. The opportunity to teach and challenge students to expand their skills, consider alternatives, and help build a better community is my life’s purpose.
To be able to pursue one’s passion on a daily basis is an honor not many individuals are able to attain. Teaching, mentoring and coaching has given me that opportunity!
To be able to pursue one’s passion on a daily basis is an honor not many individuals are able to attain.
Sound interesting, but already have an established business?
If you are already a business owner but need a ‘boost’ to jump-start your revenue, The Business Growth Academy might be the right fit for you! Offered in both English and Spanish, learn more.
