Ag-West Bio Partners with Mink Learning to help start-ups raise capital

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On May 29, Steve Balaban, CEO and Founder of Mink Learning, will be in Saskatoon to help start-ups in the agri-food sector increase their chances of raising investment capital.

Startups are invited to Swimming with the Sharks - an Investment Readiness Bootcamp on May 29th in Saskatoon

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Swimming with the Sharks is an investment readiness bootcamp with valuable one-on-one sessions with Steve Balaban, an investment specialist who educates entrepreneurs and family businesses around the globe (including Canwest Commercial & Land Corp. of Saskatoon) and teaches private equity at the University of Waterloo.

Steve Balaban says, “Investment capital is becoming more difficult to obtain – but by being better prepared and educated in the process, a company’s chance of success increases significantly.”

Jeremy Lang, Director of Innovation and Business Development at Ag-West Bio, says, “We’re grateful to the ABIC foundation for supporting this important event. It has been said that the best time to raise capital is when you don’t need it. This bootcamp will provide companies with the tools and strategies to help secure capital so they have it when they need it.”

The event involves two separate days of workshops for startups, as well as opportunities for one-on-one coaching. The format will be engaging and hands-on, involving mock negotiations, information on investment structuring, and personalized pitch practice. Participants will have an opportunity to share their specific challenges.

Workshop sessions for the program will take place a few weeks apart (May 29 and June 19) to allow participants to work on their pitch decks in between, and to get real-time feedback.

Registration fees are $300 for Ag-West Bio members and $400 for non-members. Interested business owners or founders can register here.

About Ag-West Bio

Ag-West Bio is Saskatchewan’s agricultural bioscience industry association. The company works as a catalyst for industry growth in the bioeconomy through direct investments, aiding strategic alliances, hosting educational and networking events, business planning support, and communications. Funding for Ag-West Bio is provided by the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Since 1989, Ag-West Bio has been investing in innovative Saskatchewan companies through its Technology Commercialization Fund. This self-replenishing fund targets early-stage companies that are commercializing bioscience technologies with potential to yield tangible benefits for the province’s agriculture industry. Ag-West Bio investments are patient, non-predatory and flexible.

About Mink Learning

Mink Learning is a reputable firm that makes the complex world of private equity and investment attraction simple for entrepreneurs through interactive methods and engaging material. Steve Balaban, CEO and Founder of Mink Learning, is a trusted educator of entrepreneurs and family businesses around the globe (including Canwest Commercial & Land Corp. of Saskatoon!) and teaches private equity at the University of Waterloo.