*Media Advisory* Launch of Shawnee Ventures LLC, a new community investment fund to fill the gap between conventional debt financing and pure venture capital.

WHAT: Launch of Shawnee Ventures LLC, a new community investment fund to fill the gap between conventional debt financing and pure venture capital.

WHEN and WHERE:
Tuesday, April 25
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Kokopelli Country Club
1401 Champions Drive
Marion, Ill.

Wednesday, May 3
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Jack's on the Green (Stonewolf Golf Club)
1195 Stonewolf Trail
Fairview Heights, Ill

WHO: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIUC.)

WHY: With a "double-bottom line" approach to investing, Shawnee Ventures will focus on market returns to institutional and "angel" investors, and promote economic growth in the southern region of Illinois. Currently, no fund of this type is operational in downstate Illinois. With a funding goal of $5 million, Shawnee will provide equity and near-equity investment to companies in the region, and will allow institutional investors and angel investors to invest $50,000 subscription units through private placement.

Among the presenters will be Emily Carter, director of the Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center at SIUC, which is launching Shawnee Ventures.

Prospective registrants should contact Jean Morisseau-Kuni, (314) 444-8646.

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