International Institute for Women Entrepreneurs
Equity Financing Series
Equity Matters - Where's the Money?
On November 15, 2007 we welcomed a spectacular group of women entrepreneurs, professional experts, investors, and students to our conference in partnership with Springboard Enterprises. Amy Millman, President of Springboard, headlined the event in company with a stellar panel of investment and banking professionals, seasoned entrepreneurs and professional advisors and experts who shared the fundamentals and how to's of accessing and raising equity capital and financing options for scalable businesses.
Amy Millman said it best --"It's not just about raising capital -it's about the human capital in this incredible network of entrepreneurs, investors and professionals who wish to support these women in their success."
A few testimonials from our attendees:
"Well run, very informative and full of advice for entrepreneurs at various stages of their funding needs." (Second stage business owner)
"Great event -- really enjoyed meeting many of the participants and learning more about investors and venture capital for women-owned businesses." (Mature business owner)
"Got to the heart of the matters with specific information, advice and action steps." (Second stage business owner)
"The networking opportunities were fabulous!" (Professional Advisor)
Event Details:
Thursday, November 15, 2007
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Accelerating Business Growth through Equity Capital.
A half-day educational program that offers women entrepreneurs
an introduction to the equity markets
Cost: $125 (including luncheon & handouts)
The International Institute for Women Entrepreneurs is proud to partner with Springboard Enterprises to present Equity Matters-Where’s the Money? This half-day conference provides women entrepreneurs a basic introduction to the equity markets. Employing the expertise of local entrepreneurs and investors, the program gives attendees inside information about what's involved in raising equity capital, what investors look for in a business investment, and what resources are available in the community to assist businesses in preparing for and finding an appropriate investor.
Registration Opens - 7:30 am
Welcome and Opening Remarks- 8:15-8:30 am
Seeking Growth Capital and the Equity Market Landscape- 8:30-9:00 am
The opening address will give an overview of the financing options available to businesses with a focus on the difference between debt and equity capital.
- Amy Millman, President, Springboard Enterprises
Raising Capital: The Investors’ Perspective - 9:00-10:15 am
Investors will describe the characteristics they look for in a company before they agree to invest and their approach to evaluating investment opportunities.
INVESTOR’S PANEL:
- Lisa Crump, entrepreneur and co-founder of Stratasys, Inc. (Moderator)
- Heidi Gesell, President & CEO, BankCherokee
- Joy Lindsay, Preident StarTec Investments, LLC
- Ed Spencer, General Partner, Affinity Capital
Break - 10:15-10:25 am
Raising Capital: The Entrepreneurs’ Perspective - 10:30-11:40 am
This panel of entrepreneurs will prepare business owners on how to get to investors, what messages they should prepare depending on the nature of the investor meeting and expectations for the raising capital process.
ENTREPRENEUR PANEL:
- Jean Davis, J.D., Gray Plant Mooty (Moderator)
- Laurie Brown, Founder & CEO, Restore Products
- Lee Jones, former President & CEO, Inlet Medical
- Jeanne Voigt, Founder and owner, Mindware
Tuning Up Your Business for Growth Capital - 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
During this working lunch, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to interact with the experts to ask questions and seek direct advice about the realities of and strategies for raising investment capital.
Networking - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Connect with the experts and other entrepreneurs!
Springboard Enterprises is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to accelerating women's access to the equity markets. The organization produces programs that educate, showcase and support entrepreneurs as they seek equity capital and grow their companies. Springboard’s target market is the growing ranks of women entrepreneurs who lead high-growth potential enterprises. The entrepreneurs who have participated in Springboard programs are the newest faces representing emerging growth enterprises and, certainly, the first wave of women to launch non-lifestyle businesses and grow their enterprises via the equity markets.