By: Fatema Fatakdawala

For most entrepreneurs and creative people with a brilliant idea, the largest barrier to commercialization happens to be “how do I raise enough money?” While money is important to keep the dream alive, what is far more important once you get your first round of financing is; “what’s the best way to spend it?”

In addition, unlike your parents and friends, to achieve your second and third rounds of financing, angel investors and VCs want to see a detailed business plan with financial projections. But without any training, let’s face it, it’s hard!

The Altitude Accelerator’s October 11th Growing Your Business seminar looks at raising money from 3 different perspectives. Our experts come with several years of experience with a goal to make your life easier.

First, we have the perspective of a business accelerator. Adam Spence from SiG@MaRS will talk about various models of Crowdfunding for startups. Adam has developed the concept of a Social Venture Exchange (SVX) in partnership with the Toronto Stock Exchange and recently wrote an interesting blog on the advantages and challenges of crowdfunding.

The second perspective will be of Clairvest Inc., one of Canada’s leading providers of equity financing to mid-market companies. It currently has approximately CAD $1 billion of equity capital under management. Michael Castellarin who manages Clairvest’s investment origination, structuring and execution is experienced in management consulting and marketing and serves on the board of directors of Light Tower Rentals Inc. and Sonco Gaming.

The third and final perspective will be the one that is perhaps the most relevant to entrepreneurs. Brian Herner, an entrepreneur, will share his Biorem story and talk about his approach to raising money. Biorem is a leading clean technology company that designs, manufactures and distributes a comprehensive line of high-efficiency air emissions control systems used to eliminate odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Biorem also offers Biogas Conditioning technologies specializing in biological treatment of Hydrogen Sulfide.

Fatema joins the RIC team as the Communications Officer responsible for marketing, social media, event and web management. She is a graduate student pursuing her final year in the Master of Biotechnology program at the University of Toronto Mississauga.