Eye of the Investor

WSA/TAG Hosts the second annual “Eye of the Investor” workshop: How to Raise Capital beyond Family & Friends

WSA/TAG is scheduled to host the second annual “Eye of the Investor” workshop on September 23^rd, 2004 at Lakeway Inn in Bellingham. The purpose of the workshop is to offer companies seeking seed money or equity capital an opportunity to learn more about how to obtain funding at this level and get the inside track on the most effective means to attract investors.

“In the years following the “dot com bomb” it has been particularly tough for early-stage high-tech companies seeking investment dollars, “ says Paul Grey, CEO of AudienceCentral and the Chair of TAG. “This is why a workshop like the Eye of the Investor is especially important. Business owners can learn how to improve their business plans and presentation skills before showing them to potential investors,” continues Grey.

As part of the workshop a local startup company will be invited to present their business plan before and after getting feedback from the workshop experts and the event attendees. At last year’s “Eye of the Investor” Craig Husa, a MBA graduate from Harvard Business School and the CEO of OnSite PM, a software company based in Sedro Woolley had the opportunity to present his company’s business plan. “The interactive process of talking to investment experts, and other business owners face-to-face before presenting our plan to potential investors was very helpful. The workshop has a very hands on approach unlike the more theoretical knowledge you gain from reading a book or attending school.”

This “bootcamp” featuring panel presentations, is conducted by experts and include a quick study on how to: craft an effective business plan; deliver a strong investor pitch; and target and interact with potential investors – all in one afternoon session.

When: Thursday, September 23, 2004, 1PM to 6PM

Where: Lakeway Inn, 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington 98226

Presented by: Washington Technology Center

The work shop is generously sponsored by:

Applied Digital Imaging, Brownlie Evans & Wolf, Moss Adams, TAG/WSA and Whidbey Island Bank

And, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Development Council and the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Details:

Topics to be addressed include:

How to locate investors
How to approach an investor for the first time
How to create a focused presentation outlining your business proposition
How to present the investment opportunity your company offers
How to set your proposition apart from other opportunities investors may consider.

Schedule:

1:00pm - 5:00pm Workshop/Panel Discussion/Q&A

5:00pm - 6:00pm Reception (Light hors d'oeuvres & No-host bar)

Cost: $35 per person

To Register: Pre-registration is required for this event. Contact Kirby Duncan (kirbyd@wibank.com) or Lori Himmelstein (lorih@wibank.com) or call them at (360) 527-4960 by September 13th to register.

printer friendly