06/21/2016 | Ironwood Insight
2016 Inner City Capital Connections Boston
On June 8th I was honored to once again serve on a panel that was part of Executive Education Day, organized by Inner City Capital Connections Boston. At this annual event, invited small businesses are trained on strategic planning, financial projections, capital raising terms, talent management, marketing and sales, entrepreneurial finance and presentation methods and also learn about the financing options available to support business growth and how to prepare for a capital infusion.
My panel, “What are Equity Investors Looking For,” was moderated by Matt HoganBruen, Managing Director, HarbourVest Partners, LLC. The other panelists were:
- Chris Cozzone, Vice President, Bain Capital
- Deb Kemper, Managing Director, Goldenseeds
- Praveen Tailam, Managing Director, TiE Angels Boston.
The panel discussion provided a solid overview for small business owners on what a capital provider looks for in a business that is seeking financing, how to ensure your company is an attractive financing candidate and the spectrum of financing options available to help grow your business. Questions from the audience were encouraged, allowing panelists an opportunity to share more details on their specific financing methods and the advantages and disadvantages depending on their business needs. At the reception following the educational portion of the event I spoke with several business owners, learned more about their specific needs and was happy to share advice on approaches that might work for them.
Established in 2005, Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is a free national program designed to accelerate small business growth and access to capital, through educational seminars, intensive coaching sessions and mentor connections. Companies targeted for participation are for-profit corporations, partnerships or proprietorships with $2 million or more in sales and are headquartered in or have 51% or more of their physical operations in an economically distressed urban area of the United States or have 40% or more of their employees residing in an economically distressed urban area of the U.S. The ICCC program culminates with a conference in New York City.
It’s great to be part of something that makes a difference in peoples’ lives. Since its inception in 2005, Inner City Capital Connections has:
- Served over 1,100 small businesses representing 231 communities.
- Seen participants raise over $1.32 billion in capital
- Had 11,074 new jobs created by participating firms and
- Had participants featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Inc. Magazine, Portfolio, PE Hub, MSN Money and Small Business Television.
Kudos to Hyacinth Vassell, director of the Inner City Capital Connections program on a stellar program and an outstanding day. I’m proud to have been a part of it!
