Entrepreneurs Invited to Pitch Business Ideas and Challenges at Financing the Working Landscape Conference Nov. 7 in Middlebury

Addison County Economic Development Corporation and Addison County Relocalization Network, promoters of the 3^rd annual Financing the Working Landscape Conference, invite entrepreneurs from the working lands community to apply now to pitch their business idea or challenge at the conference. The event will be held November7, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Middlebury American Legion.

Whether you are a business owner in the forestry products industry seeking capital for equipment to increase production, a farmer or food manufacturer looking for opportunities to expand into new markets, or a small company manager seeking guidance to address your most pressing challenge, you can take steps to grow your business at the third annual Financing the Working Landscape Conference. Entrepreneurs interested in receiving professional advice must apply online at acornvt.org/fwl2013/ by Sept. 27.

The event is ideally suited for business decision makers who are thinking about starting a business or looking to expand their existing business. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet capital providers, service providers, and their fellow entrepreneurs during this full day of education and networking.

One of the highlights of the conference has been the Entrepreneur Showcase, which is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to hone their “elevator pitch.” Entrepreneurs have 3 minutes to present their business idea to investors and other business owners.

Some businesses are challenged by marketing and distribution issues, while others are grappling with expansion or product development dilemmas. The Challenge Presentation is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to engage a panel of experts to help address a specific challenge they face in their business. A panel of experts will ask questions and provide constructive feedback for action steps that entrepreneurs can take to effectively address their challenge and move their business forward.

There are a number of new conference activities this year. Part of the day will be devoted to separate tracks for early stage and established businesses so each will have the opportunity to focus on stage-specific topics. There will be case studies related to each of the forest and agriculture sectors. And we will end the day with a special tasting of local beverages and food.

This conference will provide great exposure for entrepreneurs. Presenters are encouraged to complete the online application at acornvt.org/fwl2013 by Sept. 27. Registration for attendees will be live in mid-September at the same URL. The cost for the event is only $30 ($20 for students), and includes lunch and post-event beverages and appetizers from local food artisans and craft beverage makers.

Visit acornvt.org/fwl2013 for more information.

 About Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC)

ADEDC is the resource for navigating opportunities and challenges of doing business in Addison County, Vermont. ACEDC works with businesses in all stages of growth, from pre-venture start-ups to established companies and global corporations, to help them create and retain good paying jobs. Online at www.addisoncountyedc.org.

About Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN)

The Addison County Relocalization Network is a non-profit community network based in Middlebury whose mission is to revitalize our local economy in order to help our communities provide sustainable sources of food, water, energy, employment, and other essential resources, and to promote conservation and a healthy environment. For more information, please visit: acornvt.org.