State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and former Controller Steve Westly will speak at the fifth annual Central California Venture Forum, a collaboration among the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fresno, the city of Clovis and Central Valley Fund.
The forum is planned from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Clovis.
The event, unique in the region, brings together public policy leaders, angel- and venture-capital experts, central San Joaquin Valley entrepreneurs, business owners, lawyers, accountants and bankers and community leaders. They will share advice, information and strategies for thriving in the extended economic downturn, said Dr. Timothy M. Stearns, executive director of the Lyles Center.
Lockyer’s luncheon address will focus on “Fixing California,” while morning keynote speaker Westly, an eBay co-founder and venture capitalist, will discuss “Clean Tech Investing in the California Central Valley and Beyond.”
New this year is a “Deal Dating” segment, where up to 10 start-up companies get an opportunity to pitch investors. Modeled after speed dating, this session allows one-on-one time for the companies and potential investors.
Panel discussions will cover “Business Valuation,” How to Raise Investment Capital,” and “The Central Valley Economy.”
“This conference provides entrepreneurs with useful, valuable information and the opportunity to network in an informal setting,” Stearns said. “This the only venue in the Central Valley for the best growth companies to demonstrate that they are candidates for private equity investment.”
The forum also will feature the annual Valley Entrepreneur Showcase in which five new or early-stage businesses present in front of attendees to a panel of investors and compete for best in show, based on investment potential.
Registration, which includes lunch and an afternoon reception, costs $60 before Nov. 1 ($75 after). Students can register for $25 through the Lyles Center. Seating is limited.
Ticket information and more details are at www.ValleyVentureForum.com. Additional information is available by contacting Nancy Kobata, 559.294.2045 or nancyko@csufresno.edu.
