May 3: Learn about equity financing for entrepreneurs

Aziz MakhaniPULLMAN, Wash. – For the small business entrepreneur, equity financing can be a lifeline or a noose. The devil is often in the details, according to Aziz Makhani, a certified business advisor with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Makhani will present “Raising Capital through Equity Financing: Understanding the Equity Distribution Model and Preparing Your Pitch” at Startup Whitman’s Cup O’ Joe session (http://startupwhitman.com/startup-events-calendar/) 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the Crimson Commerce Club (http://www.crimsoncommerceclub.com/) at the armory in Pullman.

As Washington State University commercialization efforts lead to startups across the state, Makhani said, it is incumbent upon the founders to understand the nuances of financing options like angel and venture capital. The session will cover the wide range of equity financing; how to plan for different stages of funding; addressing funders’ risks and concerns; and a how-to guide for presenting to prospective funders.

Makhani joined the SBDC in 2015 and has more than 35 years of experience in high-tech. He has launched three successful startups. He has an M.S. degree in electrical engineering and an MBA.

The Washington SBDC (http://wsbdc.org/) is a network of more than two dozen certified business advisors working in communities across the state to help small business owners start, grow or transition a business. The Washington SBDC is hosted by WSU and receives funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as other institutions of higher education and economic development.

 

News media contact:
Aziz Makhani, Washington SBDC, 509-335-8081, aziz.makhani@wsbdc.org