Connect Northwest And Community Partners – The Value Of Angel Investing, 10/11, Spokane, WA

2004-10-11 17:00:00

Davenport Hotel

Contact: http://www.connectnw.org

Access to start up capital has been identified as one of the most critical and missing resources for entrepreneurs in the Spokane Region. Connect Northwest, in collaboration with the Spokane Area Economic Development Council, the Delta Angel Group and the Washington Technology Center Angel Network will be addressing this issue on Monday, October 11, 2004 at 5:00 pm at the Davenport Hotel.

"This event will discuss and identify issues around how we support our regional entrepreneurs in gaining access to capital, allowing our local economy to continue to recover and flourish over the next several months," said Jon Eliassen, President and CEO of the Spokane Area Economic Development Council.

According to a recent report by the Council on Competitiveness, the Inland Northwest region has one of the lowest rates of per capita angel investment in the state.

"Our current economic climate will not improve without a considerable influx of angel and startup capital to support new business formation," said Jim Simmons, CEO of ICM Asset Management, an active regional angel investor in several area start-ups including Purcell Systems and ISR. Mr. Simmons is also the founder of Raven Ventures, a local community-oriented venture fund.

Simmons, a featured speaker for the October 11th event, went on to say, "True economic transformation and prosperity will occur when our regions ample supply of wealthy individuals invest more in local ventures; this is the way to fuel economic growth and add high wage jobs."

The events keynote speaker is William H. Payne, of the Kauffman Foundations Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Payne brings a wealth of experience to share with attendees regarding angel investing and building a regions economy around entrepreneurial activity.

"Events such as these are critical considering the biggest challenge our region faces in raising angel capital is increasing awareness of the opportunities for angel investors. If they don’t know quality companies exist in the region, how will the two ever connect?" said Michelle Dickman, CEO of TriGeo Network Security of Post Falls, a Connect Northwest Springboard participant and recent recipient of $2.5 million from local angel investors.

Reservations are required to attend. Visit http://www.connectnw.org for registration and event details.

Media Contact – Bill Kalivas

September 10, 2004

509-444-6832

[email protected]