Monday, October 01, 2007
Governor Culver To Co-host Venture Capital And
Entrepreneur Conference On October 10th
Unique Event Provides Tools for New Entrepreneurs
and Honors Iowa Professionals
(Des Moines) On Wednesday, October 10, Governor Chet Culver and the Iowa Department of Economic Development will co-host the Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneur Conference held at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines. The one-day conference offers a broad range of presentations, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, awards and workshops for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, students, community leaders and economic developers.
"There has never been a better time to start or expand a business in Iowa," said Culver. "To move our state forward and continue creating quality jobs throughout the state, we must make Iowa a place where everyone has the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality and reach their full potential."
"This important program will provide support for start-up businesses by linking Iowa entrepreneurs to public and private resources," said Iowa Department of Economic Development Director Mike Tramontina. "With the right tools, these entrepreneurs will create jobs and make our economy stronger."
At the conference, attendees will learn about equity funding, accounting, women and minority owned businesses and how to write a business plan. They will also listen to keynote speeches from the CEO of Hawkeye Renewables Bruce Rastetter and Becker Underwood Chairman Roger Underwood.
Conference attendees will honor finalists in the John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition and the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Iowa Business Plan Competition has a panel of experts judging business plans submitted to compete for $50,000 in seed money. The several-step process has narrowed those applications down to three finalists and will culminate at the conference when the winner is announced.
"It has been very exciting to see the sheer quantity of applications and the exceptional quality of the finalists,” said John Pappajohn, entrepreneur and benefactor for the Iowa Business Plan Competition. “Iowa is indeed growing its base of successful new businesses.”
For more information on the conference, visit http://www.iowalifechanging.com/venture.
WHO:
- CO-HOSTS - The Office of Governor Chet Culver, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers, Equity Dynamics, Small Business Advisory Council, Iowa Capital Investment Corporation, Iowa Capital Investment Board and the Iowa Business Council’s Coalition for Innovation & Growth
- SPONSORS - The Iowa Bankers Association, Cimarron Capital Partners, RSM McGladrey, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Iowa Farm Bureau, Ames Economic Development Commission, North Central Iowa Alliance, North Central Iowa Growth Partnership, Prolog Ventures, Open Prairie Ventures, Village Ventures and OCA Ventures.
WHAT:
- Co-host and sponsor the eighth annual Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneur Conference
WHEN:
- Wednesday, October 10, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WHERE:
- Polk County Convention Complex, 501 Grand Avenue, Des Moines