PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 15, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) has rolled out its Vestibule Program, an initiative created to increase the number of minority technology enterprises in its investment portfolio to 10% within five years. The service-oriented program, which is designed to help strengthen minority tech firms' readiness for BFTP/SEP's due diligence process, is a component of BFTP/SEP's long-term strategic plan.
Program participants will receive advice and coaching on the process; feedback on the content and format of their application materials; guidance based upon preliminary technological and commercialization due diligence; consulting services, and information related to funding resources.
To ensure the success of its new Vestibule Program, BFTP/SEP has established a 15-member Minority Technology Advisory Board (MTAB) comprised of leaders from the region's entrepreneurial, finance, technology, business and economic development sectors. The MTAB includes:
-- Carlos Acosta (Dinero Securities LLC) -- Beverly Chandran (i2 Technology Group LLC) -- Monique DeLapenha (Duane Morris LLP) -- Michael B. Hill (Lincoln University) -- Vince Hill (KYW News Radio) -- Howard James, Jr. (Federal Reserve Bank) -- Ernest Jones (Philadelphia Workforce Development Corp.) -- Christopher A. Lewis (Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley LLP) -- Brenda Mitchell (Management & Environmental Technologies) -- Chris Pak (Molecular Targeting Technology, Inc.) -- Sushma Rajagopalan (Momentum Technology Partners LLC) -- Tim Reese (OpScale LLC) -- Steven Russell (iNetworks LLC) -- Winslow L. Sargeant, Ph.D. (National Science Foundation) -- Reginald Wilkes (GS Capital, LP)
MTAB members help shape the program's strategic direction by making marketing recommendations, providing advice on deal sources, and utilizing their extensive networks to identify partners for strategic alliances that support minority tech firm growth. For more information about the Vestibule Program or the Minority Technology Advisory Board, contact Dieter Littles, Director, Competitive Edge Initiatives, BFTP/SEP, 215-972-6700, ext. 3063.
About Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
An independent not-for-profit economic development organization, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) was established in 1982 to stimulate economic growth through innovation, entrepreneurship and the development and adoption of new technologies. BFTP/SEP, part of a statewide network supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, provides capital and expertise in technology, finance and business to help entrepreneurs and established businesses overcome challenges and plan for growth. Through our network of resources, the organization fosters dynamic relationships among companies, institutional and private investors, research institutions and the university community.