September 19, 2006
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Starting this October, a series of seminars will provide
Atlantic Canadian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
with fundamental skills in raising capital through the sale
of equity. Teaching the "Attracting Equity Capital" series
is Atlantic Canada's association for private investors,
the First Angel Network (FAN), whose members are already
looking for qualified, equity investments in regional
SMEs. The ultimate goal is to help those businesses better
understand one of the ways they can grow."Canada's New Government is committed to assisting small
and medium sized enterprises to become better at raising
capital and in doing so, fulfill their potential," said the
Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency. "Through the Attracting Equity Capital seminar
series, businesses will receive the coaching they need to
become investor ready."The Attracting Equity Capital seminars will bring together
key players in the capital markets including angel
investors and venture capital companies. Entrepreneurs will
learn the responsibilities and process required to sell
equity, increase their confidence to raise capital through
the sale of equity and how to develop and sustain investor
relationships. The series is supported with a $199,890
investment from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency."The First Angel Network Association is pleased to be
leading this initiative," said Brian Lowe, Director of the
First Angel Network Association. "Our experience reviewing
companies that approach the Network for equity financing
shows many are unprepared to sell an equity stake." The First Angel Network Association (FAN) is a not-for-
profit organization created in 2005 to bridge the gap in
Atlantic Canada between entrepreneurs and capital through
communication, education and networking. FAN is a member-
based organization which offers a forum for investors to
increase their exposure to quality, pre-screened investment
opportunities and expand their network of like-minded
investors. FAN also provides qualified entrepreneurs with
an opportunity to approach a community of active investors.
Business owners interested in registering for the series
can visit www.firstangelnetwork.caFOR BROADCAST USE:
ACOA is investing almost $200,000 to coach small and
medium sized businesses in Atlantic Canada to become
investor ready says Foreign Affairs and ACOA Minister Peter
MacKay, who pointed out that by learning how to raise
equity capital, these businesses will be better able to
fulfill their potential. Seminars begin this fall in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
and are presented by the First Angel Network Association.
David Harrigan
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Nova Scotia)
902-426-4238
Ross Finlay
First Angel Network
902-499-2355
