Regina -- Entrepreneurs and investors will converge on May 5th and 6th in Regina as 17 companies pitch their business plans to an audience of Canadian and U.S. investors.

Investment Future Forum is back for its second year, helping Saskatchewan companies make connections that will help them to grow and expand. The two-day forum, back for its second year, is hosted by Investment Saskatchewan Inc. and Industry and Resources.

The companies selected to present attended a mandatory two-day "boot camp" prior to the Investment Future Forum to help the investees refine their plans and target their investment needs.

"This forum is a useful tool for entrepreneurs to gain more direct access to venture capital sources from across Canada," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "The availability of capital for our growth-oriented companies is a vital part of moving the province forward. Developing these companies will result in more jobs and economic development for people in Saskatchewan."

The forum includes high-profile business speakers such as Deidre McMurdry, from Global TV's Moneywise; Tony Wilson-Smith, Editor of Maclean's magazine; Blair Richardson, president and CEO of Bow River Capital Partners; and Ilse Treurnicht of Primaxis Technology Ventures Inc.; as well as a trade show and networking sessions.

"The calibre of companies involved is very high. It is a good measure of the kind of opportunity that is flourishing amongst entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan," Voss said.

Investment Future Forum 2004 takes places at the Delta Regina Convention Centre. For more information, visit the web site at: www.futureforum.ca.

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