VJF Knowledge Series:
Creating and Growing Innovative Entrepreneurial Businesses 

The Venture Jobs Foundation is a 501.c.3 public charity that invests in small businesses bringing jobs to distressed neighborhoods.  We organize events addressing knowledge or skills important to the growth of regional businesses.

Join us at a VJF expert presentation and panel that will benefit those associated with or interested in an entrepreneurial business.

Having an innovative team include the right mix of interests, styles and skills, is critical.  Attendees will learn the complementary talents and qualities needed for success.  They will also have an opportunity to assess their own innovative strengths through an online survey, the Innovation Strengths Preference Indicator (ISPI) developed by Idea Connection Systems.  This tool has been used widely by entrepreneurs, both domestically and internationally.  Each registrant receives a personalized feedback report and their fit in an organizational life cycle.  These reports will highlight their unique capacity to contribute to an innovative team and organization.  Bob Rosenfeld will review the significance and implications of each result catgegory, and how those fitting that profile fit into an entrepreneurial team.  He has presented the ISPI to many groups, including large corporations seeking to innovate and smaller companies needing to develop a team with all key innovative skills.

Following the presentation, a professional panel will discuss organizatinal and operational issues important to all small businesses, both those to be formed and those in an early growth stage.  You will hear from an experienced senior lawyer on small business legal issues such as options for legal structure and board composition appropriate when raising investor capital.  An IP lawyer will discuss how best to protect proprietary intellectual property.  A CPA skilled in suporting the financial needs and health of small businesses will discuss maintaining a sound financial position and managing cash.  A venture capitalist will provide an overview of early stage funding, including building an effective pitch to early stage nvestors.

Join us in a program offering registrants both an in depth appreciation for critical elements of innovation and insights into a range of operational issues important for business launch and early growth.

A Q&A session including both presenter and panelists will follow the panel discussion, allowing registrants to address issues unique to their business.

           Topics and Participants

Presentation: Creating Innovative Entrepreneurial Teams
     
Robert B. Rosenfeld
      President and CEO, Idea Connection Systems
      Rochester, New York

After the presentation by Mr. Rosenfeld, a professional panel will discuss important issue areas faced by new and early stage businesses.  Making the right decisions for your buisness is important for growth and success.  negotiations and outcomes. 

Panel Contributors: Important Small Business Decision Topics

Small Business Legal Issues
     Christopheer Rodi, Esq.                                
     Partner, Woods Oviatt Gilman
     Rochester, New York

Financial Planning and Managing Cash
     David P. Veniskey, CPA
     Partner, EFP Rotenberg, LLP.
     Rochester, New York

Protecting Core Intellectual Property
     Gunnar Leinberg, Esq.
     Partner, Leclair Ryan
     Rochester, New York

Effective Funding Practices and Pitches
     Somak Chattopadhyay
     Board Member, UVANY
     Founder and Managing Partner, Armory Square Ventures
    Syracuse, New York

After the panel discussion, a brief Q&A session will conclude the agenda.  A closing networking period will allow event registrants to discuss their circumstances with speakers.

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