PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE FILLING THIS FORM
To register you must submit a 1-2 page abstract of your idea either by email to: smeda@orange.mu
or a sealed envelope addressed to the Managing Director of SMEDA - Ref: Business Angel’s Forum.
DEADLINE: Friday 22 June 2012
All information disclosed in this form will be treated as confidential and under no circumstances will be divulged to a third party and will be used exclusively for the purpose of this forum
Contact Details:
Name of the Participant: ______________________________________________________________________
Organisation/ Company: ______________________________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________
By filling this form I/We agree to the following Terms and Conditions:
1.
Only the best 15 ideas will be called to participate in the Business Angels Forum scheduled for 19 July 2012 from 15.00- to 18.00hrs
2.
The selection will be performed by an independent organizing committee comprised of representatives of the following institutions (SMEDA,MRC, U.o.M, NPCC, BOI, MCCI, EM and
MITD and private consultants
3.
The members of the organizing committee will not have access to the names and contact details of the participants (i.e. individuals/ companies/organizations having a commercially viable idea) at any point in time
4.
Criteria for selection will be based on the following (See FAQ for details): a.
Innovative aspect of idea/concept/project b.
c.
d.
Feasibility, Validity and Market opportunity
Quick-win
Competitive advantage e.
Growth potential
5.
SMEDA will provide only a platform for Business Angels/Investors and the participants to meet and discuss.
6.
The participants, business angels, and members of the organizing committee will all sign non disclosure agreements between each other to ensure strict confidentiality of the ideas being presented at the forum.
7.
For more information please see : Frequently Asked Questions
The abstract should contain the following:

A clear and concise title (Maximum 3 lines- in Arial size 10)

What is your idea/concept/project? (Maximum 250 words in Arial size 10)
 How do you think your idea/concept/project could be commercialized? (Maximum 200 words in Arial size 10)

What would you require to commercialize your idea? (Maximum 100 words in Arial size 10)

1.
What is a Business Angel?
A business angel is a private investor, who finances very small or start-up companies and sometimes provides them with the benefit of his/her expertise. The Business angel is usually a successful entrepreneur, who is willing to invest in high-risk, high-growth firms at a very early stage, and adds value by supplying hands-on business advice.
Business Angels rarely have a connection with the company before they invest but often have experience of its industry or sector. The commitment of Business Angels is often very strong.
2.
What do you mean by Innovative ideas with commercial potential?
An ‘innovative idea with commercial potential’ is a new and useful concept, technique, or technology that can be easily exploited for profit making. Your idea/concept must be original and must have a potential market either in Mauritius or elsewhere and must be easily realizable. The business that will be developed from your idea should have high potential to grow in the near future.
3.
What is the Business Angel Forum about?
This forum aims at creating a platform for the participants to discuss their ideas (in confidentiality) with business angels and explain how their ideas have a potential for commercialization. This forum is also an excellent platform for networking and creating new business contacts.
4.
What benefits can I get from this Forum
You will get the opportunity to meet and discuss with several potential investors and try to convince them to invest in your project/idea/concept. You may also get some advice from the business angels.
5.
Why do I have to submit an abstract?
The organizing committee for the business angel forum needs this information to select the best ideas for participation in the forum. Hence, your abstract will be extremely important if you want to have an opportunity to participate in the forum.
6.
How do I write my abstract?
You should fill in the different sections of the above form and send it via email to: smeda@orange .mu
Some notions that might help you to write your abstract:

How big will the impact of my idea be on the market?

Will the expected benefits obtained from selling my project/idea be higher than the initial costs I put in? I.e. will my project/idea make profits if commercialized?

How long will it take to realize my idea?

Will there be job creation with the commercialization of my idea?


Will my idea/concept/project be eco-friendly?
You can also send a hard copy in a sealed envelope via registered post addressed to: The
Managing Director SMEDA –Ref. Business Angel’s Forum.
7.
Will SMEDA treat my abstract as confidential?
SMEDA will sign a confidential disclosure agreement with you to ensure that your idea/concept will be kept confidential. You will also sign a confidential disclosure agreement with the business angels.
8.
What are the criteria used for rating my abstract?
Once you have submitted your abstract, it will go through a selection process. The organizing committee will not have access to your personal details such as name, address and phone number. The following criteria will be used to evaluate your abstract: a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Innovative aspect of project/idea: i.e. to what extent your idea is original and new.
Feasibility, Validity and Market opportunity: i.e. how easily can your project/idea be brought to commercialisation? How much time will it take for your idea to be commercialised? (The sooner the better) and Are there potential buyers for your idea/concept?
Quick-win: i.e. Is your idea ready for commercialisation ‘tomorrow’? Will business angels be interested to invest in your project right away?
Competitive advantage: i.e. How will your idea be competitive in the market?
What is it that will give your idea an advantage over the others in terms of competitiveness?
Growth potential: i.e. what are the opportunities for your business idea to grow and flourish over the years to come?
9.
What happens if my abstract is selected?
If your abstract is selected, you will be contacted by SMEDA at latest by the 15 th of July 2012.
If you are called for the forum, you will have to present your project, idea or prototype to the business angel. You will be given a space to display your prototype/ products (if you have any). You can also choose what information you would like to show to the business angel and what will be kept confidential.
10.
What happens if my abstract is NOT selected?
If SMEDA has not contacted you by the 15 th of July 2012, this means that your abstract was not retained for the forum. However you can still call SMEDA get the evaluation of your abstract and discuss with one of our officers for future guidance.
Should you require more details about this event please contact SMEDA on 233 0500.