Entrepreneurial Development Center announces Innovation EXPO 2011

Corridor business accelerator the Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC), is announcing its 5th Annual Innovation EXPO to be held October 26, 2011, at the Coralville Marriott. EDC President and CEO Curt Nelson said “Innovation EXPO 2011” will spotlight and connect the best of entrepreneurs, creatives and innovators in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area, “to leaders and investors in industry, business, community and government.” The EXPO this year is held in partnership with the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI), the Iowa Capital Investment Corporation (ICIC), the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers and the EDC.

According to Nelson, the event is expanded this year in coordination with three state-wide events, each designed to assist, connect with and promote those involved in or interested in Iowa's business vibrancy and global competitiveness. “There are a lot of discussions now about jobs and job creators; these innovators and investors are the job creators,” said Nelson. “Connecting resources to entrepreneurs in this motivated venue means job results, new business, business growth and an increasingly secure economic environment, which benefits our communities and Iowa.”

The EDC is requesting registration for the events to: 319-369-4955 or www.edcinc.org:

The Technology Association of Iowa's (TAI) "Pitch and Grow"

10:00am to 4:00pm

16 entrepreneurs at virtually any stage of the business lifecycle will practice their pitch before a supportive "think tank" of industry experts and business savvy people and receive constructive feedback.

The Iowa Capital Investment Corporation's "Iowa Seed and Venture Forum"

1:00pm to 4:30pm

Entrepreneurs will pitch their more-developed business ideas for investments to a panel of expert Seed and Venture Fund investors from across the state and country.

The EDC's "Entrepreneur Showcase" and "Inventor's Garage"

4:30pm to 7:30pm

Entrepreneur Showcase & Inventor's Garage will feature up to 60 entrepreneurs and inventors who will showcase their businesses in a convention-like setting.

The day-long October 26 EXPO will culminate in EDC's Entrepreneur Showcase - celebrating the area's entrepreneurial companies and individuals. “If you have an interest or stake in Iowa's economic future, said Nelson, “this event is not to be missed.”

About the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI)

TAI is the premier professional organization accelerating the success of Iowa's technology industry and tech-based economy. TAI members include organizations of every size in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Iowa. www.technologyiowa.com

About the Iowa Capital Investment Corporation (ICIC)

ICIC builds Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem through an evergreen, self-sustaining fund of funds and partner venture funds. ICIC and the Iowa Fund of Funds empower promising Iowa entrepreneurs and local investors by stimulating the growth of Iowa's professional venture capital and private equity industry. www.investiowa.com

About the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC)

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) is a unique partnership within The University of Iowa among the Henry B. Tippie College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and University of Iowa health sciences. JPEC offers nationally ranked, comprehensive entrepreneurial education programs to all Iowans, and plays an important role in the development of Iowa-based technology and high-growth start-up companies. www.iowajpec.org

About the Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. (EDC)

EDC was incorporated in 2003 as a community-sponsored, non- profit business accelerator. The company provides economic growth through the development and expansion of entrepreneurial enterprises and has successfully assisted over 400 Iowa-headquartered businesses. Its focus is on creating local wealth for area re-investment by growing and cultivating regional, national, and international businesses. www.edcinc.org

###

Contact:

Christie Remley

Marketing Director

Entrepreneurial Development Center

319-369-4955

cremley@edcinc.org