MainStreet Speaker Event Sept. 24 Focuses on Crowdfunding

The University of Tampa will host a panel discussion on Crowdfunding: Cutting Edge Funding for Entrepreneurs on Wednesday, Sept. 24, as part of the Entrepreneurship Center in the Sykes College of Business’ MainStreet Speaker Series.

The event begins with a networking breakfast at 7:30 a.m., with the presentation running from 7:45–9 a.m. It will be held in the Crescent Club on the ninth floor of the Vaughn Center.

Panelists include David D. Chitester, CEO of Florida Funders; Roland Chase, senior counsel, Hill Ward Henderson P.A.; and Roberto Torres, president of Black and Denim. Reid Haney, a shareholder in Hill Ward Henderson P.A., will serve as moderator.

Chitester launched Florida Funders, which can be called “Crowdfunding for Accredited Investors.” He has lectured throughout the state on crowdfunding and the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act) at venues such as Rollins College, the University of South Florida, the Tampa Bay Wave and the Greenhouse in St. Petersburg.

Chase has extensive experience advising public and private companies and individuals on state and Federal securities law matters, including most recently the JOBS Act, under which the Securities and Exchange Commission’s crowdfunding proposal is currently pending.

Torres has successfully helped plan, put together and execute a 30-day crowdfunding campaign through Kickstarter. The campaign reached the funding goal within 12 days and almost doubled the goal by day 30.

Haney’s practice focuses on corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, securities offerings and other capital raising, private equity and venture capital, health care and franchising. He regularly advises startup and other clients on corporate and capital formation.

The event is sponsored by NorthStar Bank. Tickets are free for UT students, faculty and staff with a reservation; $15 for individuals; $150 for a table of eight (four seats go to sponsor a student); and a corporate sponsorship is $500.

For more information, go to www.ut.edu/entrepreneurcenter/mainstreetspeakerseries/, or contact Melissa Flohr, coordinator of centers and institutes, at mflohr@ut.edu or (813) 257-3782. Please RSVP by Monday, Sept. 22.