‘Business Boot Camp’

For Early-Stage Enterprises Sept. 27

ROCKY HILL — Connecticut Innovations (CI) and the Connecticut Venture Group (CVG) will co-host the Connecticut Boot Camp for Early-Stage Enterprises on Thursday, September 27, from 9 am to 7 pm, at the New Haven Lawn Club in New Haven.

The event is designed to give CEOs, CFOs, board members and advisors of seed-, startup- and early-stage companies critical information on how to succeed in obtaining financing for their businesses. Participants will hear presentations by venture-capital professionals on topics including various forms of financing; negotiation skills; preparing written and oral executive summaries; “pitching” a fundraising proposal; avoiding common fundraising pitfalls; and developing an effective “elevator pitch” about their enterprises.

Interactive role-playing sessions will give attendees the opportunity to hone their skills in interviewing with prospective investors. And, a computer-based self-assessment system will enable participants to identify the financing sources most likely to invest in their particular enterprises.

The day will close with a reception featuring exhibits of public and private business and financing resources.

A follow-up session to the event will be held on October 12 from 1:30 to 4 pm at the New Haven Lawn Club to allow companies to give practice funding pitches and receive professional feedback from industry professionals on content and delivery technique.

There is no cost for entrepreneurs to attend. Space is limited, however, and attendees should register in advance at www.CVG.org (click on the “Events” link) or by calling the CVG office at 203-56-5955 or CI at 203-563-5851.

Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public organization dedicated to driving a vibrant, entrepreneurial, technology-based economy in Connecticut. CI stimulates high-tech growth by investing in early-stage Connecticut technology companies; university/industry research collaborations; technology transfer; and, clean energy initiatives through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CI also fosters collaboration among government, business, nonprofit and academic organizations to advance technology growth and promotes public policies consistent with CI’s mission.

Since 1995, CI has been the state’s leading investor in high technology and clean energy, investing over $180 million in more than 100 companies, projects, and other programs. For information on CI, visit www.ctinnovations.com.

The Connecticut Venture Group (CVG) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to fostering investment in high-growth enterprises in Connecticut through educational seminars, networking forums, online databases, and venture fairs. Founded in 1975, CVG is the world’s first venture association.

More recently, CVG has expanded its services to start-up and early-stage entrepreneurs and investors, in addition to its tradition venture capital activities for established companies.