Got Funding?

Do you have a great idea or project that needs financial support? A new business? A public-private partnership that needs some investment?

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, in partnership with Create WV, is holding an exciting "seed capital matchmaking" event at the 2nd Annual Create WV Conference at Snowshoe Mountain Resort on Wednesday, October 22, 2008. The purpose of the event is to introduce business, social, and community entrepreneurs who have solid business plans with potential funders from banks, private investors and other sources.

"Our goal is to help cultivate early stage projects that benefit communities," said Courtney Mailey, Regional Community Development Manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, whose responsibility covers most of West Virginia. "We want to connect people with well-developed ideas and projects with the funding sources to help bring these projects to reality." The event will run from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m on Wednesday, October 22, immediately following the Create WV Conference.

Entrepreneurs will gain experience by spending 10-15 minutes with potential funding partners to pitch their investment opportunity. Seed capital investors will benefit from the opportunity to see a number of high-potential business plans in a single event.

In preparation for the October 22 event, which is a "post-conference" component of the Create WV 2008 Conference (www.createwv.com) running October 20-22, the Federal Reserve will be holding three regional business planning presentation seminars in Athens, Fairmont, and Charleston on September 9, 10, and 11, respectively. The purpose is to ensure a strong pipeline of entrepreneurs with business plans ready for the matchmaking event.

"It's important to note that communities are eligible for this event, not just individual business entrepreneurs," said Jeff James, Chairperson of Create WV. "The Federal Reserve has been a key partner in West Virginia to help stimulate creative, bold projects to help communities embrace the new economy. This resource matchmaking event is a fantastic opportunity for local leaders to identify and fill gaps in funding to move forward."

Register for the business planning presentations by contacting Courtney Mailey at [email protected] or call 804-697-8778 today!

To register for the Seed Capital Matchmaking event, simply register for the Create WV Conference at www.createwvevents.com!