CSR Press Release

- October 30, 2008 - Entrepreneurs are searching for alternative investment capital to begin and maintain their dream of business ownership now that traditional lending institutions and credit card limits have been reduced to all time, modern-day lows. Some entrepreneurs are finding less conventional methods of obtaining business capital in order to start a business that will make a difference along the way.

Twenty-two entrepreneurs from around the country are forging ahead with hopes and plans in-hand for the opportunity to present their business plans to accredited angel and venture capitalist members of Investors’ Circle Fall Venture Fair and Conference, November 10th thru 12th at the Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

Alison Bailey Vercruysse, Founder and CEO of 18Rabbits, a socially responsible granola company who will attend Investors' Circle fall conference states, "The economic downturn has us on our toes more than ever. Despite the ups and downs of Wall Street, we have doubled our growth in the past few months."

According to Q1,2 2008 report from the Center for Venture Research at the University of New Hampshire "...Angels continue to be the largest source of seed and start-up capital, with 46% of Q1,2 2008 angel investments in the seed and start-up stage, on par with Q1,2 2007 (42%)."

The Small Business Administration estimates that there are at least 250,000 angels active in the country, funding about 30,000 small companies a year. Total angel investments have been estimated from $20 billion to $50 billion as compared to the $3 to $5 billion per year that the formal venture capital community invests. There are about two million people in the United States with the discretionary net worth to make angel investments.

Since the early 1900s, angel investors continue to be a great source of start up and later-stage capital for new and growing businesses. Many businesses, such as the twenty-two presenting to investors at the Investors' Circle fall conference, are able to look forward to providing jobs, products and services in their community to continue to build a stable economy for the future.

Since its inception in 1992, Investors' Circle members have invested over $130 million into 200 companies or small venture funds. The companies in which Investors’ Circle invests historically generate a 5% to 14% return.

To register or learn more information about Investors' Circle Fall Conference 2008, visit investorscircle.net.

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