Two Leading Women Business Owners Spill Investor Secrets That Grossed a Combined Fortune of More Than $3 Billion

Two accomplished female executives will provide financial-savvy advice to owners of small- to mid-sized women-led businesses - including the intricate rules of raising capital, what venture capitalists seek, and the potential pitfalls of taking on equity partners - all in the amount of time it takes to eat lunch.

As a dedicated partner for women business owners, the Principal Financial Group(R) offers the Women in Business teleclass, "Creative Advice on Financing Your Business" on Tuesday, May 24, at noon Central Time. The complimentary class offers the who, what, where and when to landing venture capitalists and other outside investors for business.

"Securing funding is a top-line initiative for women business owners," says Michelle Swanda, corporate marketing manager of The Principal(R). "We have packed this complimentary class with practical and forward thinking advice that addresses financial options for small to mid-sized businesses, and provides the steps to bring these money-making scenarios to life."

The May 24 teleclass is part of The Principal Women in Business Teleclass Series entitled, "It's Your Business: Managing Growth and Opportunity in 2005," which is designed exclusively for women business owners. The 2005 program offers 10 classes along three tracks. Track One, "Getting Ready, Set, Go!" offers marketing, organization and financing strategies. All classes take place on "Teleclass Tuesdays" and run through December.

Meet the Speakers

Amy Millman, president of Springboard Enterprises, has 30 years experience working for and with business and government officials, and has launched several public and private sector initiatives that increased access to capital and market opportunities for women.

"Over the past five years, Springboard has showcased more than 300 women-led emerging businesses that have raised over $3 billion in equity capital," said Millman. "This type of financing is not for everyone, but if you choose this path there is a secret handshake you need to learn."

Prior to Springboard, Millman served as Executive Director of the National Women's Business Council. For more information, visit www.springboardenterprises.org and www.springboardenterprises.org/learning/.

Vicki Esralew, founder and CEO of VEE Entertainment, will offer advice stemming from her experience of getting her company off the ground with more than $1.9 million in venture capital.

"In order to successfully market your business to potential investors, you first have to communicate a solid and clear company vision that venture capitalists can see, believe in, and have confidence in for sustainability and future growth," said Esralew. "Then, ease yourself into the process of investor relations by laying down a foundation of financial support among your friends, family and former associates before treading into the high net-worth waters of investment bankers and corporations."

All programs are moderated by Delia Passi, former publisher of Working Woman and Working Mother magazines. Passi lends extensive expertise to conduct meaningful one-on-one discussions with speakers to provide practical and valuable insight to women.

How to Get Involved

Women can pre-register for classes at www.principal.com/women. Space is limited. All classes are held at noon Central (1 p.m. Eastern, 11 a.m. Mountain and 10 a.m. Pacific) on the dates scheduled. Registrants e-mail questions to session leaders prior to, and during, the session. In-depth information on the 2005 classes, topics and speakers as well as previously-conducted teleclasses via streaming audio is available at www.principal.com/women.

About the Principal Financial Group

The Principal Financial Group(R) (The Principal(R))(1) is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $168.7 billion in assets under management(2) and serves some 14.9 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit www.principal.com.

www.liwomen.com
May 2005