Equity Matters Series FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Equity Matters: The Route to NASDAQ Seminar Series?

The Equity Matters Seminar Series introduces women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to the sources and uses of capital. Drawing on the expertise of successful entrepreneurs, lenders, and investors, the program provides attendees with actionable information regarding: sources of capital; what lenders and investors look for; and the resources available in the community to assist businesses in preparing for, securing and employing the most appropriate capital source. In addition, there will be a special workshop session on Financial Projections and the Assumptions that go into that magic formula. Attendees may get advice on their business issues over lunch with the experts.

Where?

The Seminars will be hosted in eight cities during 2009 and 2010
2009 - New York City;  San Francisco;  Madison;  Dallas
2010 - Austin, TX; Washington, DC; Other Locations TBD. 

When?

Seminars were held from March through November 2009.
The Austin, TX event was held on April 27, 2010
The Washington, DC event will be held on September 24, 2010.

The 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 dos 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?
• Zen and the Art of Financial Projections: Financial Projections 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.
• It's All About You: Working Luncheon
  Investors, lenders, and experts who are involved with financial transactions will be on hand to answer questions and discuss available options. It's the time to ask your individual business questions and get answers.

Attendees

Attendees include women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in learning more about accessing capital to start or grow their businesses. Experts invited as panelists or participants are accountants, bankers and business development professionals as well as other members of the investment and entrepreneurial communities. Students are welcome.

Registration Information

Registration will be available via Springboard's website. Registration fees will vary by location.

Sponsorship

Two-year Series Sponsorship (8 seminars): $50,000
One-year Series Sponsorship (4 seminars): $30,000
Single Seminar: $10,000

Sponsorship Benefits

• Increase your firm's visibility to women entrepreneurs through leadership roles in our Series Committee
• Access to our pipeline of promising women-led companies
• Opportunity to source new business deals and expand your client relationships through our networks
• Network with other industry experts, business leaders, lenders and investors
• Showcase your executives as industry experts and speakers
• Support an outstanding educational and outreach program in partnership with Springboard Enterprises

How can my company support or sponsor Equity Matters: The Route to NASDAQ?

To learn more about the opportunities available to your organization or to receive our Equity Matters: The Route to NASDAQ sponsorship packet, please contact Springboard at 202-242-6282 or by email at eqm@springboardenterprises.org.