The overall purpose of ITVenture is to provide a platform for the networking of entrepreneurs with capital resources. This purpose is accomplished in a number of formal and informal programs, but mainly with the monthly meeting format. The ITVenture meeting has a fairly simple format with an occasional guest speaker and featured entrepreneurs presenting their business plans for review and comment. The purpose of this overview is to clarify the expectations of the meeting attendees and guide the speakers in their presentations.

The ITVenture meeting begins with an informal networking session starting at 6:00 P.M. The meeting is called to order at 6:30 P.M. with a few opening remarks about the status of the organization. Next, if scheduled, the guest speaker is introduced. The guest speaker will have 15-20 minutes to discuss a topic of interest to investors and/or entrepreneurs. The guest speaker will then be followed by the presenting entrepreneurs. The presenting entrepreneurs are given about 10 minutes to state their company's origins, present status and future prospects. They will generally abide by the Entrepreneur's Presentation Model (RTF file), which is posted on this web site. There is a brief (5 minute) period immediately following each company's presentation for Questions & Answers from the audience. The entrepreneur's presentation and contact information will also be available on the web site.

The entrepreneur's presentation is expected to be clear, concise and well practiced. After the presentation, the audience expects to understand the nature of the speaker's business and industry, their products and services, and the potential opportunities to invest with their company. The ITVenture Forum Committee will assist in the development of the entrepreneur's presentation with at least one review session prior to the actual meeting. The Committee will expect the presentation to cover the objectives of the Entrepreneur's Presentation Model (RTF file) and answer typical questions that investors may pose during the actual meeting. Simple demonstrations or examples may be possible during the short presentation, but longer demonstrations are recommended for the after meeting networking opportunities. The better prepared - the better the presentation - the better the opportunity will appear to the investors.

There are no specific guidelines for the amount of investment capital sought or the stage of company development. Early stage companies are acceptable for presentation, but all companies are required to have a business plan available for investor review. ITVenture has special arrangements with service agencies and consultants to provide business plan development and guidance upon request.

The entrepreneur's objective for the presentation is to provide enough information about their opportunity so that potential investors will be able to discern their level of interest. Investors may or may not choose to make immediate contact with the entrepreneurs at the meeting, but entrepreneurs will be available after the meeting for further networking. Entrepreneurs may hand out additional "investment information packages" to interested parties at their discretion. There will be a table for presenting entrepreneurs to place general product literature and company information. Literature for all those attending is not necessary. Follow up progress by presenting entrepreneurs is requested by ITVenture to maximize exposure, track investment opportunities and improve the overall program.

Special Projector Note: The ITVenture utilizes the LCD projector provided by the meeting location and does not have its own equipment. Special arrangements can be made for other equipment - please notify ahead of the meeting. Keep in mind that highly detailed Power Point slides viewed on a laptop will not project well in a large audience setting. Slides need to be simple, with high contrasting colors, large fonts, and a limit of 6 - 8 lines per slide is recommended. Detailed slides simply cannot be seen from across the room. Also, presenters may want to have someone familiar with their presentation operate their laptop for smoother transitions between slides.

Scheduling ITVenture speaking dates and further information can be acquired by contacting:

Michael Shonka
mshonka@qwest.net
402-397-6231


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