First Canadian Angel Fund for Women-led Start ups with potential for high growth

Halifax Finance Inc. of  Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, is seeking partners and experts committed to developing the  First “ANGEL” fund for women-led startups with potential for high growth.  This Canadian “Angel” fund will accelerate the funding and growth of women led businesses in Canada.

The First “Angel” fund for women startups will be managed by women and a committed community of advisors, investors, industry leaders and entrepreneurs.  Research indicates that if women were to participate in high-growth entrepreneurship we would see a significant and measurable benefit to our economy, innovation and society.  The First “Angel” fund will provide mentors and access to networks and expertise that women led businesses need to succeed and prosper.

Who we are?  Halifax Finance Inc. was founded in 2008 to address the challenge of women’s access to money to open or grow a business, specifically angel investment.  We are growing our team and it is time to address these challenges with the First Canadian “Angel” fund for women led business owners.  Bringing local and international investors and financing companies together, Halifax Finance helps entrepreneurs save time when raising money or accessing financing.  Halifax Finance continues to grow its’ rolodex of Angels, Venture Capital investors and financing partners.  Halifax Finance stays abreast of government initiatives, financing incentives and investment needs for clients.  Identifying and recognizing these challenges we are looking for partners and experts to develop the First “Angel” fund for women startups in Canada.

The goal of the First “Angel” fund for women startups is to identify and invest in, and help grow women led companies with extraordinary potential.    

Why become an angel investor in an Angel Fund for Women led businesses in Canada?

1. To even out the playing field. (there are no angel funds for women led startups in Canada) For women startups it can sometimes seem as if they are the only female playing in a male dominated football field.

2.  The majority of female led businesses were just as likely to seek financing as majority male-owned firms in 2007 but were less likely to be approved for debt financing than majority male-owned firms and typically received significantly smaller amounts of debt financing than majority male-owned firms.

3.  In 2007, 44 percent of female business owners indicated that they intended to expand the size and scope of their business within two years, compared to 38 percent of majority male-owned businesses according to the Action Strategies to Support Women’s Enterprise Development. The Canadian Taskforce for Women’s Business Growth. November 2011.

4.  In 2010, over 900,000 of the 2.6 million self-employed workers in Canada were women (Statistics Canada, 2010).

5.  In the past 15 years, there has been a 50 percent increase in the number of self-employed women in Canada, according to a report released by the CIBC, “Women Entrepreneurs: Leading the Charge”. The number of women-owned businesses is growing 60 percent faster than those run by men in Canada.

6.  Forty-one percent of women small business owners say that they are not taken as seriously as male small business owners. If a woman is just starting her business, she’s most likely in B.C., Alberta or Ontario.   These provinces have the highest rates of growth in terms of women-owned businesses.

7.  This is a great time to be a Canadian woman in business. More Canadian women are self-employed than ever before. According to Shattering the Glass Box?, a report on Women Entrepreneurs and the Knowledge-Based Economy from Industry Canada, between 1991 and 1996 the number of self-employed women grew 44.3 percent (as opposed to a 20.0 percent increase of self-employed men).

8.  Growth has occurred in all provinces across Canada with the number of Canadian unincorporated businesses owned by women has surpassed the US since 1989.

9.  The number of women incorporating their businesses is also growing and women entrepreneurs are becoming more successful in a diverse range of industries including the knowledge-based economy and new technologies according to Industry Canada’s report Shattering the Glass Box?

10.  Shattering the Glass Box? concludes that while the knowledge-based and new technologies economy provides great opportunities for women entrepreneurs, it also provides diverse challenges.  Staying informed, acquiring funding for growth, finding mentors, and expanding into new markets are four areas the report identifies as being especially challenging for women in business.

The ranks of women entrepreneurs are steadily increasing. “Women business owners are succeeding because they are endowed with the drive, the confidence and the determination that mark true entrepreneurs,” says François Beaudoin, BDC President and CEO in Women Entrepreneurs in Canada: Geared Toward Success).

“Don’t be a bull, or a bear. Just be right.”

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports on how startups have raised money since the worldwide credit crisis. According to the report, banks are reluctant to provide loans to startups and VC firms are investing in the mid – larger stage companies with a particular industry specific.

Here’s where the First Angel fund for women startups bridges the gap to fill this funding gap in Canada.

Government policies are boosting angel investment, including tax incentives, in the UK and France and co-investment funds in the Netherlands, Scotland and New Zealand. In Canada, there are investment scenarios as well for Angels with major tax incentives that the First “Angel” fund for women startups in Canada can utilize.

Usually, policy makers tend to focus on the venture capital market, which is more visible than the angel market. However, data predicts angel investors will continue to be the CRITICAL SOLUTION in overcoming the financial and growth challenges facing entrepreneurs, in turn, contributing to innovation and job creation.

The report noted that we need more exits. But without money for startups to grow and become “purchase attractive” (acquisition targets). It makes sense if we don’t have enough “purchase attractive” businesses there is usually less interest from investors.  In Canada, the First Angel fund for women startups will provide more money for startups and increase “purchase attractive” businesses in Canada, and more interest from local and international investors.

Recent reports by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported only 5 % of angel investors in Europe are women and there are only 13 % in the US.  There are no Angel funds directed towards women startups in Canada.

“It’s the unseen that will ultimately determine true value,” said Jeff Sica, the president of SICA Wealth Management

A company will often pick a new CEO who was the CEO of another successful company, or a prestigious investment firm will likely pluck its new talent from only the best schools, Sica said. Factors like a candidate’s enterprise or temperament often take a back seat.

In Lin’s case, Sica said, “You can’t measure someone’s desire and intensity to succeed. The same holds for business leaders.”

“You’re turning the evaluation product into a computation mode, trying to oversimplify a complicated process,” Sica said.

The chairman of India Infoline group (IIFL), Nirmal Jain says the market always runs on anticipation.

He says, “Many times people look at liquidity vis-a-vis fundamentals but if liquidity improves fundamentals can improve because most of the companies can raise equity, reduce debt, recast the balance sheet and if the money market condition becomes easier then money can be raised from overseas or money can be raised locally at lower cost and that also improves fundamentals.”

Says Jain, “If you are holding good long-term stock, even if they correct by few percentage points, in a market like this when momentum is behind you, it is better to hold on rather than book profit in a hurry unless you aren’t very sure about the fundamentals of the company and are looking at exit opportunities.”

“We are just not as smart as we think we are,” said Bill James, the statistician and author who inspired Billy Beane of “Moneyball” fame to choose baseball players by new standards. Sometimes, experts first ignore stocks and business changers.

Recently, Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, CVCA, president Gregory Smith, said there is concern about whether enough fund-raising can be dong to support the demand for investments.
This situation was illustrated by the fact new commitments to Canadian VCs were flat last year at $1-billion.

“Canada has a historic opportunity to become an innovation leader,” Smith said, adding that “in order to act decisively on this opportunity, we must first overcome challenges to supplying angel and VC funds that, in turn, supply entrepreneurs.”

“Don’t be a bull, or a bear. Just be right.”

 Join us and become one or our valued partners and/or experts committed to developing the  

first “ANGEL” fund for women-led startups with potential for high growth in Canada.

The First “Angel” fund will accelerate the funding and growth of women led businesses in Canada.

Contact Lana Larder

lanalarder@gmail.com

International Trends in “Angel” Investing

So, you’re looking to become an “ANGEL” investor.  Thumbs up!  There are many reasons why you might become and angel investor.  You may be looking for less risk and more opportunities.

Your ability to invest smaller amounts in more companies will allow you to spread your risk and also increase your chances of picking a winner! (maybe even the next facebook)  Oh, did I mention you are guaranteed a great deal flow.

As an angel the more you invest, the more you learn, like most things in life with experience —you get to know what spells SUCCESS ..in companies, in their management team, and in the entrepreneurs, themselves.

You know how to Pick the winner.

It’s wise even to start a small fund where you can bring in other investors and create a partnership venture.

Improving access to money for women led businesses, along with more women angels and more women specific funds are needed in Canada.  The recent report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that looked at new businesses and startups and how they have been raising money (since the crisis) found only 5 % of angel investors in Europe are women and there are only 13 % in the US.   Women investors are really low in numbers in the angel investment community.

There are groups in the US and in Europe that work to engage women in angel investing.  They also suggest if more women are investors, more women in high growth firms would be successful to get angel and/or VC investment.

Recently, Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, CVCA, president Gregory Smith, said there is concern about whether enough fund-raising can be dong to support the demand for investments. This situation was illustrated by the fact new commitments to Canadian VCs were flat last year at $1-billion.

“Canada has a historic opportunity to become an innovation leader,” Smith said, adding that “in order to act decisively on this opportunity, we must first overcome challenges to supplying VC funds that, in turn, supply entrepreneurs.”

So what’s the solution?  This challenge has been around for a long time.  Is it going to change?  How can Canada and the US support innovation and start ups?  How can Canada do a better job of supporting startups? Many say there is not an easy solution?  Is there an easy fix from government or from investors?

A report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) look at how startups have been raising money since the worldwide credit crisis.  According to the report, banks are reluctant to provide loans to startups and VC firms are investing in the mid – larger stage companies with a particular industry specific.

The Solutions – growing class of experienced entrepreneurs and business people step in to fill this funding gap.   These are the “ANGELS”.  They not only invest but help mentor the startups.  This is a growing trend globally.

Government policies are boosting angel investment, including tax incentives, in the UK and France and co-investment funds in the Netherlands, Scotland and New Zealand. In Canada, there are investment scenarios as well for Angels with major tax incentives.

Usually, policy makers tend to focus on the venture capital market, which is more visible than the angel market.  However, data predicts angel investors will continue to be the CRITICAL SOLUTION in overcoming the financial and growth challenges facing entrepreneurs, in turn, contributing to innovation and job creation, according to the report.

Also, the report noted that more exits and success are needed in past investments.  I say, think long term again.  But again, without money it is hard for startups to grow and become “purchase attractive” (acquisition targets).  It makes sense if we don’t have enough “purchase attractive” businesses there is usually less interest from investors.

The chairman of India Infoline group (IIFL), Nirmal Jain  says the market always runs on anticipation. He says, “Many times people look at liquidity vis-a-vis fundamentals but if liquidity improves fundamentals can improve because most of the companies can raise equity, reduce debt, recast the balance sheet and if the money market condition becomes easier then money can be raised from overseas or money can be raised locally at lower cost and that also improves fundamentals.”

Says Jain, “If you are holding good long-term stock, even if they correct by few percentage points, in a market like this when momentum is behind you, it is better to hold on rather than book profit in a hurry unless you aren’t very sure about the fundamentals of the company and are looking at exit opportunities.”

The signals that Jain is picking up at the IIFL Investor Conference where he is interacting with over 400 global investors and more than 90 companies is that the worst appears to be behind us with investors optimistic about the future.

“We are just not as smart as we think we are,” said Bill James, the statistician and author who inspired Billy Beane of “Moneyball” fame to choose baseball players by new standards.   Sometimes, experts first ignore stocks and business changers.

Reported by the Huffington Post:

“Those paid to secure top talent missed the signs of Lin’s worth for years.  Yet, again if Apple could fire Steve Jobs, then it makes sense that the metrics by which we measure a basketball player could fail as well, experts told The Huffington Post.

“The human tendency is to think in terms of a model,” said Andrew Lo, a professor of finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management. “We have a model for what a basketball player should look like, be like and act like. It’s the same for what a good firm model or stock might look like. Occasionally, our preconceived notions are shattered.”  

Lo said that evaluators in any field develop a diagnostic short-hand to make many decisions quickly, and success that deviates from those standards should force evaluators to adopt a more sophisticated scale.

Lo equated Lin’s ascent to the index fund Vanguard in the 1970s. No one saw it coming. Back then, observers thought picking 500 companies based on market cap was absurd. “It’s become a multi-trillion dollar industry that has provided tremendous value for all investors,” Lo said.

“Sometimes what we think are the best characteristics don’t prove to be,” he said. “In the stock market, most people think about growth, growth, growth, and don’t think about price. They often buy overpriced stocks that don’t do well.”

It’s the unseen that will ultimately determine true value, said Jeff Sica, the president of SICA Wealth Management. A company will often pick a new CEO who was the CEO of another successful company, or a prestigious investment firm will likely pluck its new talent from only the best schools, Sica said. Factors like a candidate’s enterprise or temperament often take a back seat. In Lin’s case, Sica said, “You can’t measure someone’s desire and intensity to succeed. The same holds for business leaders.”

“You’re turning the evaluation product into a computation mode, trying to oversimplify a complicated process,” Sica said.

“Don’t be a bull, or a bear.  Just be right.”

❤ Getting access to ❤ angel ❤ alternative financing ❤

Business owners, especially start-ups ❤   need $ (money) to open or grow a business.  There are many ways to get money to open or grow your business.  It may NOT BE EASY ❤  but there are many options.

It depends on many factors if your business gets access to money: depends upon your stage, what your product or service is, and how hard you want it (passion, endless nights and days of work and maybe no vacations) and a variety of many other factors including your management team and what you have to put in the game (ie money or sales).

According to a Canadian Venture Capital (many investors pool their money in a pot) company in Montreal, Canada (they have been really nice and helpful thumbs up to Bo) that I work with it’s really important you can identify your  Unique Value Proposition clearly!

What’s your unique value proposition(UVP)?

Your unique value proposition is a very clear statement – it  communicates how unique your company’s contributions (your products or services)  are in line with your market’s challenges and desires (the problem you fix or solve)  and reveals how your company provides products and services to your market different than your competitors.

Here are two examples of unique value propositions:

John Reese: Master of online traffic generation Google: Find What You Want Quicker

Amazon: Low price, wide selection with added convenience any time, anywhere

Both of these examples demonstrate that they created product or services around their UVP. (not the other way around) And there’s Facebook – they rock!

Another example:

Halifax Finance Inc.:  Large portfolio of international investors and funders, we work with you to save you time, so you can work on your business. (sorry had to plug my own business)

It’s no accident that Google became the world’s leading search engine.  The founders of these examples discovered wide gaps in their markets and communicated that clearly with a business with clear value.

Your UVP may allow you to be the leader in your market for a period of time, but to stay on the top, you must continually improve and change your UVP.

Without a strong UVP your business case may mean NADA (nothing).

For start-ups, if you do not have your own money, try your friends and family, then banks.  If you have no luck there are always Angel investors (wealthy individuals).

Angels can be a little finicky and may chose to work with you and invest just because they like you.  There are different types of angels- active and non active.  Make sure you have the right angel!  Active angels can really help your business. They may become your best ally.  They usually know the ropes and are very connected with more money as you grow.  Silent angels invest for many reasons – usually to make $$$$$$$$$$$$

They want to know you.  They want to know your business, how you will make money, or if you have sales. They want to know your UVP.  They want to know you have the passion and drive to grow your business (that you will work until it nearly finishes you – surprise entrepreneurs must work really long hours – it’s not a walk in the park).  Some have not had vacations for over five years.

They want to know your competitors, your marketplace potential, your skills and what or who you may need in your management team.  They are usually very financial savy and know how to make money.  Usually, Angels, have been very successful in their own businesses. 

It’s up to you!  Be prepared – have all your ducks in a row so to speak!

What if you are not ready for Angel investing and can not find the money you need to open or grow your business?  There are many alternative ways to access money.

There are government investment plans where investors get huge tax breaks.  There are immigration programs geared towards investing and bringing in a partner.  There are government agencies with many diverse loan and investment programs specific to your area.

There are alternative lenders that will fund your business if you have cash crunches, sales and so on.  There’s commercial loans for buildings.  There are mortgages (private loans) you may be able to take out on your home.  There are many ways to access the money you need to open or grow your business.

Getting access to angels and/or alternative financing can be time consuming so while you’re at it – make some sales!  And don’t forget your friends and family cause if they believe in you they may invest.

May all the entrepreneurs that are trying to change the world be blessed with angels. ❤

‘blue and buff’ – “To Canada” bringing in sacks of money “for investment in Canada”

Canada — For Immediate Release : “TO CANADA” bringing in sacks of money  “FOR INVESTMENT IN CANADA”

Postcard (postmarked 1907) depicting John Bull and Uncle Sam under sign “To Canada” bringing in sacks of money “for investment in Canada”

To Canada for investment in Canada is a postcard dated back in 1907.  Canada’s history of investment began even before 1917 and is steeped in global partnerships.  The UK and US invested in Canada to help fuel economic growth  as pictured in this postcard in 1907.

“To Canada,” John Bull and Uncle Sam bringing in sacks of money “for investment in Canada.”

The Style of BULL – “blue & buff”

Who is John Bull? - Originally created in 1712 by Dr. John Arbuthnot – to represent the heoricarchetype of the freeborn Englishman.  So, John Bull –  was an example of the well-intentioned, jolly, frustrated, full of common sense and entirely of native country stock type of character.  He represented the helpers, the assistants, and the yeoman who preferred his small beer and domestic peace.

What is blue & buff? Arbuthnot always made sure John wore his red topcoat, and royal blue tailcoat with white pants and top hat.  (the Union Jack colours).  During the Georgian period John Bull’s waistcoat was red and his tailcoat royal blue with white breeches, and sources state this is how the  ’blue and buff’ scheme may have started...

1700s – blue & buff -——–The Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Cavendish, first woman to use color to make a political statement. During these times, women were seen more as property.  They were not allowed to own anything, have a profession and not allowed to vote.

The Duchess of Devonshire cleverly used color to rally support for her favorite political party – the Whigs, whose colors were blue and buff.  During the 1700s, Gerogiana had to get creative if she wanted to make a political statement.  That she did – wearing royal blue extravagant dresses and inspiring other wealthy women to show up at political rallies in blue and buff gowns.

Even, famous singer David Bowie took part many years later….wearing a coat in the style of ‘Bull’.

Historical Investing in Canada & economic development- Thumbs Up!

Colonial times - economic development based on mercantilism & philosophy maximum returns from material benefits in Canada (then New France) with minimum imperial investment.

Royal Charter – first corporations to operate in Canada were: La Compagnie des Marchands, (1613 to 1621), Compagnie de Montmorency, (1621 to 1627), replaced by La Compagnie des Cent-Associes (1627 to 1643).

1713 – Britain acquired Acadia and promoted Maritime agriculture.  Financial incentives were offered to settlers to settle, clear and fence their land in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In PEI, the govt. granted 66 lots to private individuals.

1792 – Canada’s first bank founded in Montreal – the Canada Banking Company

1800s – French or British govt. initially seemed unprepared to spend much money or energy to encourage settlement as they wished to keep the lucrative trade with native people. This eventually changed and Europeans invested and encouraged settlement in Canada. Early 1800′s, economies of Canadian Maritimes most industrialized, and prosperous in British North America.  During the economic activity of the colonial business elite, capitalism evolved,  and with it the Canadian banking financial system.

1817 – Bank of Montreal

1820 – Bank of New Brunswick

1821 – Bank of Upper Canada

1832 – establishment of the Montreal Stock Exchange

1846 - repeal of the Corn Laws, Parliament of Britain, terminated colonial trading preferences marking end of mercantilism & new era of capitalism

1850s & 1860s  - Canadian Maritimes especially prosperous. Thumbs up!

1861 – Toronto Stock Exchange

1865 – Sun Life Insurance

1867 – Confederation

1870 – Mutual Life Insurance

1871 – Confederation Life Insurance

1871 – newly formed Government of Canada Bank Act

1871 -Dominion Lands Act - efforts to settle west of Canada

1874 – London Life Insurance

1886 – 38 banks chartered

1904 – Winnipeg Commodity Exchange

Fast forward to 1990 – 2012

1990s – the number of entrepreneurs in Canada rose dramatically. Number of entrepreneurial-class immigrants came seeking opportunities for capital investment in Canada.

2011 – Foreign direct investors invest funds in Canada second quarter with additional inflow of $14.5 billion, after two quarters of investment totalling $23.5 billion. Cross-border merger & acquisitions strengthen further in quarter, accounting for the bulk of the investment.   United States investors led investment concentrating on Canadian energy and metallic mineral sectors.  Investment mostly directed to finance and insurance sectors.

Canada number One – ranking & standing among 139 countries.  Thumbs up!

Ranking based on the degree of soundness of financial institutions. Source: Global Competitiveness Report, 2010-11 ** Standing among 500 world banks based on total assets and long-term credit ratings. Source: Global Finance Magazine , September 2010

The Famous Five or The Valiant Five were five Canadian women who challenged the Supreme Court of Canada – “Does the word ‘Persons’ in Section 24 of the British North America Act, 1867, include female persons?

The petition was filed 1927 and summarized that women are not persons.  This case came to become known as The Persons Case.  The case was overturned and made progress for women’s rights and engendered a radical change in the Candian judicial approach to the Canadian constitution, an approach known as the “living tree doctrine.”

The five women known as “trailblazers” were:

Emily Murphy (the British Empire’s first female judge

Irene Marryat Parlby (farm women’s leader, activist & first female Cabinet minister in Alberta)

Nellie Mooney McClung (a suffragist & member of the Alberta legislature)

Louise Crummy McKinney (first woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, or any legislature in Canada or the rest of the British Empire)

Henrietta Muir Edwards (an advocate for working women and a founding member of the Victoria Order of Nurses).

Foreign investment in Canada, 2009

Related articles

• Today, Impact Investing Goes Mainstream in Canada (socialfinance.ca)
• Today, impact investing goes mainstream in Canada (marsdd.com)

Angels abundant in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

 

Happiest City on Twitter – Halifax

 

If you are looking for the happiest place, just head east:  

 

Halifax has been dubbed the happiest city in Canada, based on what it tweets.  

 

 

 

 

 

‘The best day Halifax ever had’

$25 Billion Contract awarded Oct. 19, 2011

Halifax Shipyard to build navy combat ships

Halifax Rainmen Basketball team break NBL Canadian Record –

Halifax Rainmen set the most points scored by a single team in one game at 125 points.  

Halifax native Mike Squires – 2 year contract CFL Calgary Stampeders -

 

Mike Squires grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia and played high school football at Halifax West a few years ago. All Canadian Acadia receiver will graduate from Acadia University with a business degree in May 2012. Then Mike will be officially training with the CALGARY STAMPEDERS!

 

 

 

 

17 year old Brad Eddy – NASCAR track Champion – 1st Canadian !

Brad Eddy is just 17 years old and in November 2011 won a Nascar Track Championship. 

From what I hear – he is the first Canadian to ever win a US based Nascar Championship!  Brad is from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia and has been pursuing racing since the age of six! 

 

 

 

 

     

Province of Nova Scotia listens to small businesses 

September 30, 2011 – Province of Nova Scotia made many changes to improve financing opportunities for small business owners in Nova Scotia.  The Credit Unions in Nova Scotia offer provincially guaranteed loans.  Changes include:1. loan program increase max. loan amount from $150,000 to $500,000; 2.  extend amort. from 7 to 10 years 3. offer initial guarantee of 90 %, up from  75 %.

9th Most Powerful Woman in the World, Forbes Magazine

First Woman to lead International Monetary Fund – Christine Largarde.  

The IMF is an organization of 187 countries that work together to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, international trade, and sustainable economic growth and reduction of poverty around the world.

9th Most Powerful Woman in the World, Forbes Magazine

 

 

Stronach partner has plans for Nova Scotia

Women – Jolt the region needs?

Halifax Finance Inc. partners with Belinda

Stronach Foundation.  Money connector Lana

Larder has lofty goals for female entrepreneurs in

Atlantic Canada.  And an invitation to rub

shoulders with the heavy-hitting partners of the Belinda Stronach Foundation could be the jolt the

region needs.

Message – Go south, young start-up.  

Canada’s venture capital taps slow to trickle – Thursday, December 2011, the Globe and Mail reported that Canadian entrepreneurs now making trips to Silicon Valley, Boston and NYC for VC funding that’s increasingly hard to find at home. 

Halifax Finance Inc. rolodex of Angels exploding.  Directly because of research, advancements in technology, and the ever increasing global reach we are now able to connect businesses to funders from China, United States, Dubai etc. Our rolodex and our partnerships are exploding.  

 

3.5 Billion Ways to Change the World (Change Agents needed) – Girls, Boys, Women, Men, Funders, Policy makers, Business People, NGO’s

3.5 Billion ways to change the world

Halifax Finance Inc. was founded because women internationally have a harder time to access financing.  Following our mission to make global changes for women and girls, Halifax Finance Inc. is proud to be a partner with the The G(irls)20 Summit – 3.5 Billion Ways to Change the World.

Why 3.5 billion ways to change the world?  There are 3.5 billion girls and women in the world.  Whether you are a girl, boy, woman, man, funder, policymaker, businessperson or an NGO (non-profit), you can help bring to the attention of the world the role of girls and women in economic and social development.

OPPORTUNITY –  If you are a passionate, forward thinking, solution oriented young woman from a G20 country or can represent the European or African Union and will be 18-20 years of age at the time of the Summit (May 29th to June 4th), you are invited to apply.

The Belinda Stronach Foundation in partnership with a number of private sector companies (Halifax Finance Inc.) are committed to ensuring that the experience is accessible to all, and will be assisting with the costs of the Summit for delegates selected to attend, including flights and accommodations.

The  G(irls)20 2012 Summit  application phase opened on November 28^th, 2011 and will close at 11:59 pm EST on January 9^th, 2012.

This initiative is a global campaign that features a Summit modeled after the G20 leaders meeting; bringing together one delegate from each G20 country, a representative from the European Union, and a representative from the African Union. Delegates come together to debate, discuss and design innovative solutions for the economic challenges facing the leaders. The participants are all girls, aged 18- 20.

This “3.5 Billion Ways” initiative is a campaign is about real change. It is an opportunity to add your voice to the discussion around solutions that can literally change the world. This campaign is about ideas and action.

Studies have shown that for every dollar a woman earns, she invests 90 cents in her family, compared to that of their male counterpart girls and women are a lifeline for the well being of their families, communities and countries. Educating girls and women leads to higher wages; a greater likelihood of working outside the home; lower fertility; reduced maternal and child mortality; and better health and education.

G20 countries: Argentina • Australia • Brazil • Canada • China • France • Germany • India • Indonesia • Italy • Japan • Mexico •Russia • Saudi Arabia • South Africa • South Korea • Turkey • UK • USA and a representative of the European Union and one representative from the African Union.

The delegates participate in panel discussions, attend workshops (media relations, social media, business planning, etc.) and caucus to discuss and promote tangible, scalable solutions toward economic prosperity, culminating in a delegate led press conference and communiqué that provides a blueprint on how to utilize and engage one of the best resources in the world – girls and women. What sets this summit apart from other events is that the delegates are required to return home to their communities and to put their Summit experience into action. In fact, as a result of last year’s Summit, six girl led initiatives have emerged girls and women.

This summit is designed to provide ideas and actions to unleash change.  Help us change the World!

HOW?  Girls, boys, women, men, funders, policy makers, business people, and NGO’s – Visit the website and get your number.

If you are a young woman aged 18 – 20 apply to the summit and become part of the upcoming summit to make changes.

Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/Girls20Summit

Twitter http://twitter.com/Girls20Summit

Site http://www.Girls20Summit.com  Make your NUMBER count.

THE FACTS:

122 million girls in Sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $1 a day. – World Bank 2007

An extra year of education increases a girl’s income by 10 to 20% and is a significant step on the road to breaking the cycle of poverty. – Plan UK 2009

In India, girls from 1 to 5 years of age are 50 per cent more likely to die than boys their age. – Half the Sky

Adolescent pregnancies cost Kenya’s economy US $500 million per year, while investing in girls could potentially add US $32 billion to the economy. – NIKE Foundation 2009

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Technology Changes Impact Angel Investing THUMBS UP

Bob Chawarth- Musters, is the founder of the Angel Forum, the oldest Angel group in Canada.  He’s                      basically one of the most innovative and forward thinkers in Canada when it comes to Angel investing.  Since around 1970, angels (private high net worth individuals)  began to form angel groups (pools or groups of  high net worth individuals.)

From 1970′s to 2011, angel investments continued to rise in technology, media and entertainment, and the rise of many women-led ventures in the United States.  In this example, women-led ventures refer to organizations and/or angel fund/Venture Capital fund targeted on women entrepreneurs.  In Canada, there still remains a lack of women-led ventures.

In 2008, I founded http://www.halifaxfinance.ca/ to accelerate angel funding for entrepreneurs, in particular to advance women entrepreneurs. Globally, Canadians are world-class researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Challenges remain to commercialize innovation and create new and growing companies.  Technology has directly contributed to Halifax Finance Inc.’s success through global partnerships to help entrepreneurs access money through angels and alternative funders. Long term plans for Halifax Finance include a fund dedicated for female entrepreneurs.

Technology has not only played a role in Halifax Finance’s success, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, but is also directly impacting global changes.  Just take a look at the Leaders in communication technology driven businesses that are directly impacting social change like:  Twitter, Wikipedia, Skype, Google, Facebook, linked,  and the Ipad, etc. ..

So, how’s this changing the world into a better place for entrepreneurs? How does technology help entrepreneurs that have no place else to turn to innovate and grow their business?  Directly because of  changes in technology, there are now thousands of funding opportunities available online for entrepreneurs.  Entrepreneurs can apply on line and have access to thousands of  angel investors.  Similarly, Angel investors are increasing because they can actively search for business opportunities on line.

Technology changes impact Angel Investing – Explosion of Angels!

THUMBS UP!

HALIFAX FINANCE FOUNDER TRAILBLAZER nominated 2011 CANADIAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HALIFAX FINANCE FOUNDER NOMINATED FOR RBC AWARD
Lana Larder Nominated for the 2011 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards

Halifax, NS (Canada) – On Thursday, July 14th, 2011, Halifax Finance Founder and President, Lana Larder, received the news that she had been nominated for the 2011 prestigious RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. These prominent Awards are an initiative of Women of Influence Inc., and are
presented by Royal Bank of Canada. This year’s nomination is made even more special by the fact that Deloitte put her forward as a contender.

A nominee of the Bell Trailblazer Award category is described thus:
“This entrepreneur is a true trendsetter. She has recognized a new market, product, service, technological advancement or opportunity and led the way. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership both within her company and her market, set the standards for originality, quality and successful management. She is a mentor, a visionary, a leader, a successful businesswoman and in all elements a trailblazer in her field.”

“Throughout her 10 plus financing career, Lana has consistently ‘pushed the old boy’s club’ – developing her own network of angels and preferred lenders, building her business; promoting and developing new markets; leading business owners to financing options in markets swept with adversity,
and challenging the “old boy’s club.” Lana also mentors business owners, volunteers to keep youth in school, and raises her family,” commented Bruce Russell of Halifax.

Larder’s entrpreneurial spirit, positive leadership style and unwavering commitment to clients have put Halifax Finance on a successful and exciting path. As the founder of Halifax Finance, she has recognized and tapped clean energy opportunities, commericial lenders, manufacturing lenders,
identified new trends, new financing models and fostured a strong culture.

Larder had this to say of the honour, “It’s exciting to be recognized as a woman in a distinctly, ‘old boy’s club.’ In Halifax, the private lending market is dominated by men. Throughout the world, women have a harder time to access financing and this rings true in Nova Scotia. Founding Halifax
Finance helps even out the playing field.”

The purpose of these Awards is to provide recognition on a national level to Canada’s Women Entrepreneurs, whose successful businesses and achievements contribute significantly to the Canadian and global economies as well as their own communities.

The Awards debuted in 1992 and since then more than 7000 women have been nominated and of those 98 Awards have been presented. Award categories include the following: Deloitte Start-Up, HKMB HUB INTERNATIONAL Impact, RBC Momentum, TPH Sustainability, Bell Trailblazer and PROFIT
Excellence in Entrepreneurship.
Please see the link below to view the full list of 2011 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Nominees

http://www.theawards.ca/cwea/Nominees.cfm

Angel Investors Primary source of funding for Emerging, Start-up Companies in Canada

Better Returns & Less Risk

For the second year in a row, Angel investors are becoming the primary source of funding for emerging, start-up companies in Canada. Angels invest their own money whereas Venture Capital firms manage other people’s money that is then pooled together.

Venture capitalist funds are at a 16 year low in Canada. A recent study in Canada reported that 53% respondents who raised money last year received their funding from angels, compared to 8% who received funding from venture capitalists.

Other findings from the report include: 
Over 60% of CEOs expect revenues to increase at least 25% in 2011
73% expect their companies will be acquired in the next 5 years
84%  are using cloud computing in some form
More than 80% are taking a more aggressive approach to business planning.

When all this is said, is this good news for businesses in Atlantic Canada? Yes, this is – it becomes a win/win for both investors and businesses. The markets are still volatile and have many investors unsure of what to invest in. This sends many investors to angel investing. For the investor this means taking smaller amounts of money and investing in numerous businesses and this helps to spread their money around. For an investor, spreading their money around lessens risk and improves their chances for returns. For entrepreneurs this means there will be more angels to seek funding from thus increasing their chances of success.