Equity Matters: DC 2010

 The Equity Matters Seminar Series introduces women business owners and emerging/aspiring entrepreneurs to the sources and uses of capital to launch and grow businesses. Drawing on the expertise of successful entrepreneurs, lenders, and investors, the program provides attendees with actionable information about the various sources of capital, what lenders and investors look for, and the resources available in the community to assist their businesses as it searches for the most appropriate source of capital. The agenda also includes a mini-workshop on financial projections and a special fast pitch panel session, which yields constructive and informative criticism.

Equity Matters: Washington, DC took place on Friday, September 24 in Duques Hall on the campus of the George Washington University.

Seminar Curriculum:

• The Capital Landscape: Opening Session
  An overview of the market and the various capital options available to growth businesses

• Financing the Business: The Lender, Investor and Entrepreneur Perspective
  A panel of investors, lenders and Entrepreneurs talk about what they look for in a company and their approach to evaluating companies. Topics include: Is your business attractive to lenders? Investors? How does the funding cycle work? What are the do’s and don’ts of lender and investor interaction? What are the expectations after the deal closes? Should your company go the debt or equity route? What do you need to know before meeting with lenders or investors? What does it means to your business when you take on debt? When you take on investment partners?

• Financial Projections: A Mini-Workshop
  An opportunity to understand what projections are, why you need them, how investors and lenders use them, and how to develop the assumptions on which projections are based.

• Fast Pitch: Panel Session
  Selected attendees will present a short pitch to a panel of financiers and receive feedback.

• Lunch with the Experts: Networking Luncheon

Equity Matters DC Co-Hosts

• Path Forward

• The George Washington University: Center For Entrepreneurial Excellence

Equity Matters Supporting Organizations

The Hot Mammas Project
Rockville Economic Development
Founder Institute
Success in the City
Funding Post
The International Alliance for Women
IABC/DC Metro
Washington Network Group
Multinational Development for Women in Technology
Women in Film & Video
National Association of Women Business Owners
Women Impacting Public Policy
Network Solutions’ Women Grow Business blog community
Women President’s Organization
Northern Virginia Technology Council