Media Release

For Immediate Release

January 21, 2009

British dragon to speak at Saint Mary’s

A business angel from London, England will speak at Saint Mary’s University tomorrow night (Jan. 22).

Permjot Valia is a prolific investor in early-stage businesses, and though his Business Angel Blog (www.businessangelblog.com) he regularly shares his experiences in the world of early stage finance.

Business angels are a source of capital for young, growing or small businesses. If you've ever watched the CBC's Dragon's Den, you know how important business angels like Valia can be to aspiring entrepreneurs. You also know how tough it can be to convince those business angels to invest in your business idea.

The Sobey School of Business and the university’s Business Development Centre invited Valia to speak about the business angel process, his criteria for investing and his portfolio. As part of the event, a number of students will make pitches to Valia, and he will give them his candid feedback.

The presentation will take place in the ScotiaBank Conference Theatre in the Sobey Building beginning at 5 p.m. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

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For More Information:

Blake Patterson
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: blake.patterson@smu.ca
www.smu.ca