SAINT program links angel investors to entrepreneurs.

A unique, new Saskatchewan organization that will connect entrepreneurs with angel investors was announced in early February in Saskatoon. Saskatchewan Angel Investors Network, operating under the acronym of SAINT, will create new business growth, stimulate the economy and generate returns on investment.

SAINT has been established and designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and investors. As Saskatchewan's first formalized angel-entrepreneur organization, it will utilize a dynamic and interactive Web-based environment to become the province's foremost market- and meeting-place for entrepreneurs and angel investors to explore new business opportunities. The Web site is located at www.saint.sk.ca

Using state-of-the-art Web technology to identify, introduce, and inspire entrepreneurs with solid business plans to interested angel investors, SAINT is the place where good ideas meet smart money. As a result, SAINT will be the instrument that fills the finance gap between debt financing and venture capital. It will be the much-needed conduit that brings capital and people together during the critical growth phase of concept to commercialization. Through SAINT, business relationships will be made, experience will be shared, knowledge will be gained and skills will be enhanced.

SAINT is a significant player in Saskatchewan's investment scene--setting in motion new business relationships, solving a disconnect between entrepreneurs and investors, and stimulating the province's economy.

Anne Ballantyne, Innovation and Network Advisor of National Research Council--Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) is excited at the prospect of a new "deal-generation" network in the province.

"There are over 250 angel networks across North America with the primary purpose of introducing entrepreneurs to potential investors. Through SAINT, Saskatchewan is now better positioned to forge linkages and relationships between angel investors in Saskatchewan, in Western Canada and beyond."

"As angel groups flourish and network with each other, our commercialization system is strengthened through greater access to financial capital by entrepreneurs, especially at the very early and critical stage of a company's product development."

The Honourable Eric Cline, Q.C., Minister of Industry and Resources and Minister Responsible for Investment Saskatchewan, anticipates SAINT's immediate and positive impact.

"SAINT is a much-needed resource for Saskatchewan entrepreneurs, and will be a welcome addition to our business community," Cline said. The bringing together of savvy business people as investors and mentors will definitely benefit new entrepreneurs in need of those resources."

SAINT provides a connection between entrepreneurs seeking financial capital and investors seeking investment opportunities through an interactive Web-based program by providing entrepreneurs with a business opportunity template to assist them in conveying their opportunity to potential investors. Their business opportunity is then submitted and posted on the SAINT Web site for viewing and consideration by SAINT angel investor members through a secure, password protected system. SAINT provides an investment matching service only and provides no advice or recommendation to angel investor members. Applicants and angel investor members are responsible for completing their own due diligence and coming to their own investment conclusions.