Here are some quick tips from the article:

“Bootstrap as long as you can. Finding early ways to get revenue.”

“Get to break even quickly and remember that VC financing has gotten harder to obtain.”

“Be realistic about valuations. Be coachable.”

“Practice pitching and be prepared to make your case to dozens or hundreds of angels.”

“Look for angels who complement your strengths and can help you with more than money.”

For more information:  Juli Brode                                                       April 21, 2009

541-463-4627 or email brodej@clearwire.net                                      For immediate release 

eDev to sponsor Economic Stimulus grant

presentations and workshops in rural Lane County

eDev will be sponsoring five presentations and workshops in rural Lane County to provide an opportunity for businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals to better understand the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (popularly known as the Economic Stimulus Act) and to learn how to apply for the grants.

The two hour presentations will focus on the Economic Stimulus Act and other federal grants that are available.  

The four hour workshops will include presentations on both the Economic Stimulus Act and other federal grants.  Workshops will also cover the key elements of a grant.   Grant workshop attendees will be using laptop computers provided by eDev (formerly known as Lane MicroBusiness) to search for potential grants and to begin initial work on their grant applications. 

There is no cost for the presentations.  The four hour workshops are free to individuals who fall below the HUD income guidelines.   For example, a single member household who earns below $31,100 and a two-member household which earns less than $35,500 can attend the workshops without cost providing they provide income verification.  For individuals who are above the income guidelines, the cost is $70 for the workshop.  If you have questions about whether or not you qualify, please call Juli at 541-463-4627.

The five hour grant workshops will focus on the following elements:

1]     Communicate with government agencies

2]      Locate grants

3]      Understand what is the intent of the government

4]      Eligibility requirements

5]      Need to obtain partners

6]      Understand competition for the grants

7]     Understand what is being requested in the grant application

8]      Understand the deliverables.  How will your organization meet the deliverables?

9]      Cost share

10]  Principal investigators

11]  How to assemble a budget

12]  Understand the review criteria

13]  Understand the selection process and the lag time for the award

14]  Award notices

15]  Performing of the contract

16]  How to make sure that you will get paid for the grant work

Individuals who want to attend the workshops in Florence, Veneta, or Cottage Grove are asked to pre-register for the event.  Individuals wishing to attend the workshops without cost must provide income verification.

For more information, visit eDev’s web site at www.edev.org or contact Juli Brode at 541-463-4627 or email brodej@clearwire.net.