From The Chair

As the “Founders Forum” is a non-profit organisation, dedicated to assisting emerging Entrepreneurs, we rely greatly on the participation, interest and support of Hunter Region businesses, service providers, industry and Chamber business organiszations, business development groups, federal/state/local government agencies, financial groups, education/training providers etc.

During 2006, our first year, many have assisted in helping us establish Founders Forum in the Hunter and on behalf of the Board & our Operations Committee, I thank you all for that support.

Founders Forums are now established in Brisbane, Gold Coast, North Queensland, Perth and the Hunter, all providing regional entrepreneurs with opportunity to meet and present to potential investors in their geographic areas.

Gold Coast was the first FF in Australia and since formation in 2000, has facilitated over $40 million in investment into regional companies, who have presented (pitched) at their South East Queensland events. A very successful outcome and a great example for our region to aim for in the future.

Our five “Pitch Companies” from 2006, are all progressing well down the path to commercialisation. One has new investors on board and is ready to conduct “clinical trials’ in coming weeks, a second has raised additional capital from current shareholders, to initiate a manufacturing program to meet the customer commitments for their product, another has completed a prospectus for a potential IPO and the others are well into their marketing phase and looking at distribution alternatives for Australian sales. For some their financial support from banks etc has been updated/reviewed and business interface improved. All good outcomes with some market acceptance and success.

2006 was a good first year for HFF, with a launch function followed by two breakfast/presentation events, allowing five entrepreneur companies to “pitch and display” their product/service. In addition our first Business Angels investment seminar was held in September, to introduce the region’s potential investors to these new business growth opportunities in the Hunter and HFF’s facilitation role in bringing these companies forward. All events were very well attended and we look forward to similar support and interest from you all, for our activities in 2007.

Our Newsletter will be a regular email communication to you from HFF in the future, to keep you informed, up to date & aware of happenings/future events/programs etc. We trust it will be welcomed and can be circulated by you to other interested people in your organisation.

The HFF Directors & Operations Committee extends to all, best wishes for a successful 2007 business year.

Neville Sawyer AM
Chairman