The Marketplace of Innovation and Ideas
EDC Breakfast to cover raising capital for start-ups

Sarasota, FL (Jan. 25, 2010) --The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) will hold a breakfast, “The Marketplace of Innovation and Ideas,” at 7:45 a.m., Feb.10 at Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd., Sarasota, Fla.

The event will feature a presentation by Timothy J. Cartwright, managing director of Compass Advisory Group, LLC and president of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum. Cartwright will discuss the challenges of raising capital for startups and small business, a process he says can leave business operators both frustrated and discouraged by the amount of time it takes, the rejections they endure, and the lack of linearity over the course of the fundraising process.

Cartwright will define the capital continuum, discuss the basic principles of a successful capital raising effort and describe the capital formation infrastructure in southwest Florida. The cost is $20 for EDC investors, $30 for non-investors. Registration is available online at www.edcsarasotacounty.com/calendar.asp or by calling 309-1200 ext. 103.