Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the deadline for submitting company documents (Executive Summary, Business Summary, Power Point presentation (PPT) ?

A: All company documents plans must be submitted by July 22, 2011. 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 $495 for document (Executive Summary, Company Summary, PPT presentation) submissions.

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

A: Absolutely. We are looking for Socially Responsible Businesses within the eleven industry categories shown on the Home page of this website. Each submittal is considered on the basis of its merits. Investors recognize opportunities in all forms of businesses. Many of our attending investors have specialties that are not technology related. In prior years, we have had many different industries receive funding.

Q: How long should a Power Point Presentation be?

A: You will have a total time of 10 minutes to present your business opportunity. In order for your business opportunity to be considered, you must include a one-paragraph Company Summary, an Executive Summary of no more than two pages, Times New Roman 12 font, with 1/2" margins for top, bottom, left and right & in Word format , along with your 10 minute PPT presentation. Your PPT should articulate the business concept, market opportunity, competitive landscape and advantages, management team, funding needs and financial projections succinctly, yet effectively.

Q: Does my Power Point Presentation have to be perfect?

A: A PPT Presentation is never 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. Once accepted, you will reciev a sample PPT from CCVF showing you the desired CONTENT and SEQUENCE of the presentation. The actual PPT slides, final content, design and attractiveness is your responsibility. You will receive expert sughgestions duiring the Mentoring Session.

Q: What if my Business Opportunity gets accepted?

A: Please refer to the "Entrepreneur" tab on this website for details. If your company is selected to present, you will be advised of your mandatory attendance at the 27 July Mentoring Session which is included in the submission fee. This session will allow you the opportuntiy to make your presentation to a team of experts who will help refine and rehearse your presentation. These value added services are worth thousands of dollars in professional advice from some of the best investment bankers, lawyers and business people. The process will help you in your fund raising efforts for many years to come. The submission fee entitles you to have two company representatives attend the Mentoring Session. Additional company attendees must pay $395.00 each and this fee will also include attendance at the CBIS.

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

A: You will be notified by the end of business on July 22, 2011.

Q: Can I submit my company documents by e-mail?

A: Yes, all documents, Business Summary, Executive Summary and PPT must be submitted in electronic form. See the "Entrepreneur" tab for details.

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: To be eligible for selection. companies must be looking 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, expanded venues and new interest in Socially Responsible Entrepreneurs.

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: