August, 2, 2005--BEND, ORE.—The Bend Venture Conference is now accepting applications for seed and early stage companies to present at the 2005 event scheduled for October 14, 2005. The conference is also calling all interested investors and service providers to attend and to alert their associates of this potential funding opportunity.
The Bend Venture Conference will feature six highly qualified seed and early stage companies that are seeking capital in fourth quarter, 2005, or first quarter, 2006. Selected companies will present their business plans to an audience of angel investors and venture firms from throughout the Northwest that focus on seed and early stage investments.
Companies from both the high-technology and low-technology business sectors actively seeking funding and partnerships will gain direct exposure and feedback from an expert panel of seed and early stage venture investors willing to share their insight into key elements that lead to successful funding. Those applying companies not chosen to present will still gain access to investors through one complimentary conference registration as well as a brief company bio in the conference program.
“We clearly proved the value of this conference in 2004, as the event sold out, and the exposure our presenting companies received led to their growth and funding.” stated Erick Petersen, Bend Venture Conference Chair. “We are ready to ramp up this year with a strong field of presenters and attending investors from throughout the Northwest.”
The annual Bend Venture Conference provides a key opportunity to showcase the robust economy of Bend and Central Oregon, and is held in conjunction with Economic Development for Central Oregon’s (EDCO) Industry Week, scheduled for October 10- 14, 2005. The day-long Bend Venture Conference will include keynote speaker Tim Boyle, President and CEO of Columbia Sportswear Company. In addition, several local companies will share their own success stories.
Bend Venture Conference title sponsors include Compass Commercial Real Estate, and Bank of the Cascades. Additional sponsorships are available by contacting Carole Garner at 541-385-7988 or email carole@specialized-events.com.
For more information and to register to attend, visit the Bend Venture Conference website at www.bendvc.com. Advance registration is $149 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch and a post-conference reception. Companies and entrepreneurs interested in applying to present may apply at www.bendvc.com. The cost to apply as a presenting company is $250, and the deadline for presenting company applications is September 9, 2005.
