Entrepreneurs Invited to Pitch Business Ideas & Challenges at Financing the Working Landscape Conference Nov. 6, Middlebury, VT

MIDDLEBURY, VT, August 31, 2014 – Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) and Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN), promoters of the 4^th 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 November6, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Middlebury American Legion. Those interested in applying must do so online by October 10.

Whether you are a food manufacturer or farmer looking for opportunities to expand into new markets, a business owner in the forestry products industry seeking capital for equipment to increase production, or a small company manager seeking guidance to address your most pressing challenge, you can take steps to grow your business at the fourth annual Financing the Working Landscape Conference.

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 with capital providers, technical service providers, and their fellow entrepreneurs during this full day of education and networking.

There are two ways entrepreneurs can receive advice. One is via the Entrepreneur Showcase, which is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to hone their “elevator pitch.” This year, three entrepreneurs will have 5 minutes to practice promoting their business idea to the audience. Other business owners, capital providers and service providers will be on hand to provide feedback.

The second option is the Challenge Presentation. In this segment, three entrepreneurs will engage a panel of experts to help them address a specific challenge they currently face in their business. For example, sometimes established businesses are challenged with expansion issues such as potential new markets, distribution concerns, or new product development dilemmas. The panel of experts will ask questions and provide constructive feedback for action steps that entrepreneurs can take to effectively address their specific challenge to move their business forward.

This year there will be separate breakout sessions with panels of financing experts for enterprises looking for financing under $50,000 and businesses needing funding greater than $50,000.

Our keynote speaker will be Mike Pieciak, Deputy Commissioner of the VT Department of Financial Regulation who will talk about the new VT Small Business Offering Exemption - new rules to make it easier for Vermonters to invest in local businesses.

This conference will provide great exposure for entrepreneurs with lots of networking opportunities for all. Elevator pitch and challenge presenters are encouraged to complete the online application by October 10 to be considered for a presentation.

Visit acornvt.org/portfolio/fwl for more information.

About Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC)

ADEDC is theresource 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. Visit us 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: www.acornvt.org.