MELBOURNE, Fla. - For the past year, the "Roadmap to Success" workshop has helped dozens of aspiring entrepreneurs realize their dream of launching a new business. Now, the series is back for another dynamic six-week session that begins Oct. 8.

Sponsored by Florida's Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA), "Roadmap to Success" unveils a detailed playbook for building a business, with special emphasis on strategies for growth and profitability.

The series is divided into six, two-hour workshops that cover strategic planning, vision/mission statements, exit strategies, competitor analysis and positioning, marketing and financial forecasting. Participants weave all of their unique information into a unified set of business strategies.  The series culminates with business presentations to a panel of experts, and an audience.

"Launching a new business is not an easy task," said Bonnie O'Regan, manager of the TRDA Business Innovation Center in Melbourne, Fla., where the class will be held. "This is the most hands-on workshop for new business formation that is offered anywhere. It covers every essential topic and is a must-attend for anyone wishing to launch his or her own enterprise."

Richard Fox and Scott Faris of the Astralis Group, LLC., will conduct "Roadmap to Success." Fox has more than 20 years of experience creating new defense and technology companies. Throughout his career, he has worked with new and existing corporations to identify core competencies, market opportunities and potential spin-out opportunities. Faris has helped launch more than 20 technology companies.  His background is rooted in finance, technology commercialization and operations.

The workshop series costs $300, which includes course materials and refreshments. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants. All six sessions will be held Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at the TRDA Business Innovation Center, located at 1050 West NASA Blvd. 

In addition, "Roadmap to Success" is a pre-requisite for those entrepreneurs wishing to be considered for tenancy at the TRDA Business Innovation Center. The fee for both workshop registration and the admission application is $450.

Registration for "Roadmap to Success" is available online at www.trda.org. For more information, call (321) 872-1050, ext. 107.

About TRDA 

The TRDA Business Innovation Center helps start-up technology firms in Central Florida grow into financially viable, freestanding, high-growth companies. It offers clients access to intensive mentoring, modern office space, shared office resources, business services, professional development and training, investor networking and more for one monthly fee.

Launched in 1987, the TRDA is an agency of the state of Florida that leverages federal, state and private resources to develop and implement technology-based programs in four target areas:  education, business incubation, energy and technology transfer. Since its inception, the TRDA has leveraged tens of millions of dollars in funding to support its education and economic development programs. By infusing new technology into businesses and schools, the TRDA helps to strengthen the economy and education throughout the state and nation. For more information, visit http://www.trda.org/.

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