Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the deadline for submitting business plans?

A: All plans must be submitted by April 28, 2008. Presenting companies will be given slots based on a first come basis. In order to be assured of your position, please submit your plan as early as possible. There is a non-refundable fee of $150 for business plan submissions.

Q: Do I have a chance if I am not a technology company?

A: Absolutely. Every kind of business is considered on the basis of its merits. Investors recognize opportunity in all forms of businesses. Many of our attending investors have specialties that are not technology related. We have had many different industries receive funding due to the CCVF.

Q: How long should a business plan be?

A: Length is not a determining factor. However, in order for your plan to be considered, you must include an Executive Summary of no greater than two pages, Times New Roman 12 font, with 1/2" margins for top, bottom, left and right & in Word format , along with your business plan. Your business plan should articulate the business concept, market opportunity, competitive landscape and advantages, management team, funding needs and financial projections succinctly, yet effectively.

Q: Does my plan have to be perfect?

A: It can never be perfect because the world is constantly changing around it. Put yourself in the investor’s shoes and think of the things they would like to hear and the issues they would want you to address. Nobody should know your business better than you, so you should be able to think this through.

Q: What if my plan gets accepted?

A: If you get selected as a presenting company, you will have to pay an additional fee of $1000. You will be required to attend the coaching sessions including a presentation dry run in which members of our Advisory Board will help you refine and rehearse your presentation in PowerPoint. This is worth thousands of dollars in professional advice from some of the best investment bankers, lawyers and business people. It will help you in your fund raising efforts for many years to come.

If you get selected as an exhibiting company you will have to pay an additional $500 which will entitle you to exhibit in the marketplace, showcase your product or plan, and meet investors.

Q: How long before I know if I am accepted or rejected?

A: Once we receive the last plans and they are evaluated, we will select the most fundable.
Notification will begin on April 28, 2008.

Q: Can I submit my plan by e-mail?

A: Yes, we require that the plan be in electronic form.

Q: Does it matter if I am a start-up or a later-stage company?

A: We are accepting business plans from both emerging growth, mid and later stage companies. Companies planning to submit should plan to attain at least $20 million in revenue before the fifth year.

Q: How much financing should I be looking for?

A: Companies will be accepted if they are working to secure investment of between $500,000 and $10 million.

Q: How many investors will attend?

A: Over the past three years, we have averaged about 100 investors (venture capitalists, angel investors and corporate strategic partners). We are anticipating even greater attendance this year due to the national scope, speakers, and expanded venues.

Q: How much money was raised by Forum companies last year?

A: The largest investment in a company was for $32 million. Exhibiting Companies (marketplace only) and Presenting Companies both raised money as a result of the CCVF last year. In total, we have helped companies raise in excess of $110 million.

Q: Who can I contact for more information?

A: You may contact us via the contact page on this Web site or as follows: