Knowing where, and how, to raise money is one of the biggest challenges to face start-up businesses, but a specially developed master class helped businesses navigate this early growth phase.

Held on 19 March 2014, the class was presented by Capital Angels, a private sector driven investor initiative which was formed in 2005 to provide a forum for high-net worth individuals to proactively support our region’ s entrepreneurs by providing investment and business support.

Experienced business leaders and investors presented case studies on a range of topics relevant to start-ups and high-growth enterprises. The master class was a great chance for local businesses and entrepreneurs to hear from experts in the field, and included in the program were peak government funding bodies, investment agencies and experienced Canberra entrepreneurs.

Chairman of Capital Angels Michele Troni said: "The keys to successfully raising capital is to know your business, understand what investors are looking for and standing out from the crowd.

"When putting their money behind a venture, investors are looking for a well developed and tested idea, a good understanding of the relevant market, a qualified and enthusiastic team, scalability and a clear exit strategy.

"If we can help early-stage Canberra businesses gain a better understanding of the funding environment, and hear the experiences of those who have gone down the funding path before, then those new business operators stand a better chance of not only surviving, but excelling.

"A number of Canberra companies have already achieved excellent results, proving that our city has what it takes to turn innovative ideas into winning businesses."

The ACT Government is committed to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship; and the Government’s Business Development Strategy contains numerous initiatives to support businesses. Prior to the event Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA said he was looking forward to opening the master class and highlighting the importance of a clear funding path for the creation of new innovative businesses which will help to diversify Canberra’s economy.

The event was proudly sponsored by the Citadel Group and the Canberra Airport – two Canberra success stories and examples of what local businesses can aspire to. The ACT Government contributed $15,000 in seed funding and a further $5000 to establish the Capital Angels website.

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