Experienced investor Mike Volker to give workshops in Sparwood and Cranbrook

In business, money fuels growth. If you have business idea you think could work, you need money to launch it. If your business is at a stage that you need to raise capital in order to grow, you need investors.

To help businesses that are or may be seeking investment, the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC) and New Ventures BC are pleased to bring experienced investor Mike Volker to the East Kootenay, to offer two half-day seminars: Raising Money to Grow Your Business.

These Discovery Foundation seminars, also supported by the Elk Valley Economic Initiative, will cover what you need to build a compelling business case and attract investment.

“Meeting potential investors is easier than impressing them,” said Mike Volker, angel investment expert, who will deliver these two half-day seminars in Sparwood on November 5 and in Cranbrook on November 6.

Volker is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor in the tech start-up field and will share his practical experiences and tips throughout the seminars. He recently authored the e-book Making the Business Case.

“I’ll be teaching people how to develop a solid ‘business case,’” Volker said. “The business case is the foundation for any business pitch. It’s what potential investors look for.”

Potential investors—like the elusive ‘angel investor,’ who buys into a business with no other strings attached than to get a return on investment—are a selective bunch.

“I hear hundreds of pitches every year from budding entrepreneurs,” Volker said. “Their main challenge is making the business case.”

Volker said the main reason for making a business case is to convince yourself and others that it makes sense to pursue a specific business opportunity.

“If you’ve ever watched TV programs like Dragons Den, you’ll see what I mean. So many wannabe entrepreneurs have no idea – or often a very naive idea – as to how to build their business and make a profit.”

Topics covered will include:

Angel Investing 101;

Elements of a compelling business case, and the tough questions you need to ask yourself;

Review of elevator pitches, investor pitches, and cap tables;

Practical tips and personal stories from an active angel investor and high-technology entrepreneur.

About Mike Volker

Michael Volker is an Entrepreneur active in the development of new high technology ventures. A University of Waterloo Engineering graduate, Mike started his own company (Volker-Craig Ltd) in 1973. He sold this company in 1981 and since then he has worked with entrepreneurs in building new companies. He is presently the director of Simon Fraser University’s Innovation Office where he works with researchers and students to help them turn their ideas and inventions into commercial businesses. Mike is an active angel investor and has invested in more than 100 companies. He runs one of North America’s largest angel networks, VANTEC, and has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs with their business planning. Learn more about Mike at mikevolker.com

This Seminar is part of the 2013 New Ventures BC Regional Seminar Series, made possible by the Discovery Foundation.

For more information or to register, visit KRIC.ca/grow-your-business.

Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council

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