FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Editorial Contact: Ricca Silverio
Bock Communications, Inc.
Phone: (714) 540-1030
Fax: (714) 540-1060 fax
Email: rsilverio@bockpr.com

LOCAL WOMEN’S NON-PROFITS TO HOST NINTH ENTREPRENEURIAL WORKSHOP

Next E101 Program Covers Launching and Running a Business

WHAT: The Association for Women in Technology, Southern California (AWT), in conjunction with the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs of Orange County (FWE), and the Orange County Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-OC), will host the ninth session of E101 on Thursday, April 8, 2004 -- “How to move forward with launching and running a business.” The workshop will feature guest speaker Frank M. Singer, president and co-founder of the Orange County Chapter of Tech Coast Angels.

Speaker topics include:
• Setting check-points and metrics for success
• On-going business planning tools
• When to do it yourself and when to outsource it
• How to use legal and accounting advice without running up the costs
• How to keep costs down and survive in lean times
• When to expand and the problems of too rapid growth
• Watching for and coping with outside factors that can affect your success (e.g. new technology, changes in the economy, emerging competitors)
• Knowing when the organization has outgrown you
• Defining and preparing for your exit strategy
• Common mistakes that will kill your business
• Mentors to keep you on track and on target
• Resources who can help

E101 is a series of monthly luncheon classes designed to prepare promising entrepreneurs to launch and build new companies in the high-growth technology and life sciences sectors. The program offers a structured educational process for completing a business plan and obtaining venture capital through two-hour workshops that provide an overview of issues relevant to building a solid and successful business, as well as networking opportunities.

Luncheon classes are held once a month through April of 2004 at the UCI University Club in Irvine. Attendance costs $30 for members of AWT, FWE and NAWBO. Guests pay $40.00 and students pay $20. The fee includes lunch and materials. Free parking is available. Details for this session are posted at http://www.awtsocal.org/E101-071003-details.shtml. Register online at http://www.fwe.org/p/p.asp?mlid=864&m=4&y=2004&oid=8&eid=1274. For additional information, contact Jnana Anderson at (949) 439-1943 or jnana@fwe.org.

WHEN: Thursday, April 8th, 2004
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: UCI University Club
University of California, Irvine
801 University Club
Irvine, Calif. 92697

About Frank Singer

Frank M. Singer has held executive positions at a number of Fortune 100 companies including Honeywell, General Dynamics, Becton Dickinson, and Microdot prior to acquiring several aviation related businesses. In 1986 he was awarded the first Entrepreneur of the Year in Orange County for pioneering a joint venture in Mainland China. Currently Singer sits on several boards, is one of the founders of Tech Coast Angels and current president of the Orange County Chapter, Chairs the American Electronics Association’s Government Affairs committee, past president of the Orange Coast Venture Group, on Concordia College Dean’s Advisory Board, and recently authored a book on business valuation.

About the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs

The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) is the premier entrepreneurial organization for women and men who build and lead high-growth technology and life science companies. FWE’s mission is to accelerate women's opportunities to start, build, manage and invest in market-leading companies. FWE was founded in 1993 and is a national non profit organization focused on technology and life science industries. To learn more about the Orange County chapter of FWE, please call (949) 439-1943 or visit the group’s Web site at www.fwe.org/socal.

About the National Association of Women Business Owners, Orange County

With more than 165 active members, NAWBO-OC positions women business owners for profits, power and the passionate pursuit of excellence. The organization provides encouragement and support, networking opportunities, educational programs, and professional development. There are nearly 90 NAWBO chapters in the U.S., and the organization is represented in 35 countries worldwide. For information, call (714) 832-5333, or visit the Web site at www.nawbo-oc.org.

About the Association for Women in Technology

The Association for Women in Technology, Southern California was formed in June of 2002 as a local non-profit organization dedicated to serving the advancement of women and girls in all fields of technology. As a dynamic forum for networking and learning opportunities, AWT bridges the gap between industry, education and community institutions and continues to strengthen the fabric of our Southern California technology region. The organization holds meetings approximately every other month, attracting women in every area of technology, from those just entering the field to senior level management and technology innovators. To learn more about AWT, please visit our web site at www.awtsocal.org.

About Bock Communications, Inc.

Based in South Coast Metro, Calif., Bock Communications, Inc. is a full-service public relations agency providing fresh and innovative public relations services to the wireless, Internet and computer industries. For more information about Bock Communications, call 714-540-1030 or visit the company's web site at www.bockpr.com.