The CCVF Executive Board - Click Here

History of the CCVF

The California Coast Venture Forum (CCVF), formerly the Central Coast Venture Forum, is a non-profit organization organized under IRS Section 501(c)(6), (Federal taxpayer ID# 77-0498717), whose mission has been to mentor, advise and promote growing companies in markets in California. Launched in 1996 by a group of Santa Barbara executives, California Coast Venture Forum is now in its 11th year of operations. We select companies with sound business plans and help them in their search for funding to grow through education, training and assistance with venture capital acquisition. For many years CCVF has focused on a technology corridor, encompassing the counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and northern Los Angeles.

2005 marked a growth in our organization in that we have expanded our mission beyond the boundaries of the Central Coast. Previous to 2005, all presenting companies were based in this corridor -- now, the best companies available will present to investors who rely on CCVF to select fresh ideas and golden opportunities. Santa Barbara's CCVF promises to become a destination event that attracts and serves the best companies, sponsors and investors from California and across the United States.

Our mission is to help companies grow, not take them over.

To date, the CCVF has achieved broad success in its community support role with the following milestones being reached in the first eight years of operation:

• Over 1,350 business plans have been reviewed and processed to meet venture capital standards through a team of experienced business executives and entrepreneurs who annually select the most promising companies to make presentations to potential investors;
• In a series of annual conferences, CCVF has attracted over 1,000 investors who have invested over $110,000,000 in CCVF Companies;
• Some 200 different business and professional organizations have sponsored and supported CCVF activities with cash and in-kind services that now total over $600,000.

Events
The California Coast Venture Forum organizes, underwrites and presents events that support and extend its mission of underserved market business development through interaction with private, fast-track companies and potential investors:

INVESTOR CONFERENCE: There is an annual conference that brings together over 400 investors and new business owners in a forum where business plans are presented and investors have an opportunity to meet the management teams.

EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS: When possible, smaller meetings are held throughout the year concentrating on venture development topics and speakers whose expertise will help entrepreneurs plan their financing strategy.

Sponsorships
There are five levels of CCVF sponsorships open to business, professional and non-profit corporations and academic institutions who together support the Venture Forum:

1. Premier Level: Benefits include a senior, preferred position in all CCVF activities ;
2. Platinum Level: Benefits include a senior, preferred position in all CCVF activities ;
3. Gold Medal Level: Benefits include participation in all events with corporate marketing opportunities provided via program positioning, event signage and event tickets;
4. Gold Star Level: Benefits include limited event participation plus limited marketing via program ads, signage and event tickets; and
For further details.

The CCVF Executive Board
The CCVF Executive Board is composed of California and national business executives and professionals who assist the Venture Forum with their direct support and participation on the following basis:

• Serve on the business plan review committee and/or recruit new companies to become a part of the CCVF;
• Assist with CCVF sponsorship activities, including liaison with current sponsors as well as the recruitment of new sponsors; and
• Together with their companies, provide direct, high-value assistance in the form of no-cost services, marketing assistance and event materials.

Previous sponsors of the CCVF include: