ENTREPRENEURS AND INVESTORS CONVERGE

Investment Future Forum is back for its second year, helping Saskatchewan companies make capital connections to grow and expand.

The two-day forum, hosted by Investment Saskatchewan Inc. and Industry and Resources, brings together a select group of 17 new and leading-edge companies to pitch their business plans to an audience of Canadian and U.S. investors. It takes place May 5th and 6th in Regina.

The investees represent a cross-section of Saskatchewan's most promising industry sectors – including bio-tech and life sciences, IT, manufacturing, diamonds and oil drilling. The presenting companies were selected during a screening process by the financial management firm, Deloitte and Touche. The firm also held a mandatory two-day "boot camp" prior to the public forum to help the investees refine their plans and target their investment needs. The successful applicants are seeking $500,000 to $10 million in investment capital.

"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."

Forum participant Ben Voss, President and CEO of Clear-Green Environment Inc., says the opportunity to pitch his expansion plans to investors is invaluable and that he is honoured to have made it through the selection process for a second year.

"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.

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.

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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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277

Lanis Anthony Investment Saskatchewan Inc. Regina Phone: (306) 787-7273