Program Schedule
5:45PM – 6:20PM
Financing Your Business Idea
Presenter: US Small Business Administration (SBA), Lender Relations Specialist, Mr. Robert Carpenter
Robert Carpenter will explains the nuts and bolts of SBA loans and offers a realistic assessment of opportunities for federal grants and financial assistance.
Mr. Carpenter will also discuss the available finance options and offer practical guidance and advice based on a sound understanding of SBA and federal and commercial standards and financial practices.
6:20PM – 7:15PM
Starting Your Business
Presenter: Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA), Mr. David Fuller
In 50 minutes VDBA, David Fuller will first provide the members of the audience with the practical insight they need to realistically assess the commercial viability of their business ideas, and then walk the audience through the business formation process.
Mr. Fuller will discuss business plans, entity selection and tax strategies and explain how to easily navigate the legal requirements and paperwork associated with business creation.
By the end of this presentation, members of the audience will be equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to move forward with their business ideas effectively.
7:15PM – 7:45PM
Intellectual Property
Presenter: Mr. Brian Jelinek – Patent Agent, Engineer, Former USPTO Inspector
Brian Jelinek discusses business concerns related to IP, and in particular, how the law impacts business decision making.
Mr. Jelinek will give a primer on patents directed towards a business executive, rather than to in-house council, and discuss how the existence of prior IP can impact a business plan.
Finally, Mr. Jelinek will introduce the other main categories of IP (e.g., trademark, copyright, trade secrets) and briefly discuss how they interact to protect various aspects of a business and/or product. |
