Report
23.03.2016

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32 attendees participated in the CanCham Business Development Forum - Partnering for Profit program about Financing Development at the Grand Palace Hotel on Tuesday, March 22^nd, 2016 at 18.30.

The key-note speaker was Lija Vītoliņa, Head of Corporate Division, LSC Development finance Institution Altum www.altum.lv. Dace Bērziņa, (Risk Capital), Ingus Salmiņš, (Housing insulation support) and Dace Pārupa (Mezzanine loans), also from Altum, provided participants the opportunity to get acquainted with the possibilities Altum offers. Reinis Azis, Senior Investment Advisor at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia www.liaa.gov.lv presented the Agency and was backed up by Linda Grīnfelde from Customer Service. Toby Moore from Imprimatur Capital Fund Management Ltd. http://www.imprimaturcapital.com/ explained funding innovation projects and start-ups, and how they work together with Altum to make things happen. Ed Kalvins of Technical Partners http://tpriga.lv/investor-and-partner-acquisition-services explained his experiences in seeking financing, and reviewed ways project owners could save time looking for investment capital and financing.

In subsequent discussions with participants that evening, it became quite apparent that smaller and medium sized business have needs that could be addressed by the presenting organizations, but the biggest challenge is getting started. Many business owners do not have the time or awareness to find solutions for themselves, and need help in resolving financing issues. The CanCham is working on just that, and regards this as the first step in supporting its members on financing related issues.

Thanks go to all the speakers and their associates for participating. Our work has just begun.

For pictures from the event, please see here. 

Ed Kalvins announced the following upcoming events:

• April 12^th, Tuesday, - Statoil Fuel & Retail business after hours event during which they will be presenting the Statoil re-branding. Presentation by Gunta Jēkabsone, Business Unit Leader, Statoil Fuel & Retail Latvia and Kristian Kjernsmo, Statoil Fuel & Retail Business Centre Leader.
• May 11^th, Wednesday - Partnering for Profit program, Mercure: Theme “How to present ourselves – creating visibility”. Presentation and panel discussions at the Mercure Riga Centre Hotel specifically designed to prepare members for partnering with Canadian and other foreign companies, preparing for CETA, and developing business opportunities amongst themselves. (Arrangements and date to be confirmed.)
• June 8^th, Wednesday - Partnering for Profit program, Grand Palace: Theme: “Getting the message out”. Presentation and panel discussions focusing on advertising and promotion. (Arrangements and date to be confirmed.)
• July 1^st , Wednesday, Canada Day