CAPCO Programs

Enhanced Capital Partners and Advantage Capital Partners, DC CAPCO investment firms, awarded the winner of the PremierPlan business plan competition, Affinity Lab, $100,000:

Enhanced Capital, a national private investment firm participating in the District’s CAPCO program, is happy to announce that Affinity Lab is the winner of the 1st Annual PremierPlan business plan competition. Enhanced Capital, in conjunction with Advantage Capital Partners, awarded Affinity Lab with a $100,000 check at the Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) 2009 Small Business Awards and PremierPlan Business Plan Competition dinner.

Over 40 DC-based businesses entered the competition to win the funding prize of $100,000. Four finalists were chosen to enter the oral presentation competition which was the final stage of the business plan competition. The finalists were given an opportunity to present in a 30 minute pitch to a panel of 20 judges including venture capitalists, business owners, elected officials, government officials, educators and graduate business students. Affinity Lab’s presentation highlighting its expansion plans won out in the end.

Affinity Lab is an entrepreneurial launch platform that combines shared office space with a collaborative network for start-up businesses and entrepreneurs. The shared environment that Affinity Lab provides to entrepreneurs allows for greater creativity, cost savings, partnering opportunities and a shared infrastructure for growth. Enhanced Capital’s investment in Affinity Lab will allow the company to secure an additional location for its thriving businesses. Their current location in Adams Morgan is filled to capacity and additional space is needed in order to continue their support of local small businesses.

“We are excited to be involved with a company like Affinity Lab because of its dedication to helping small businesses grow and flourish,” said John Tyson, Director, Funding and Outreach for Enhanced Capital. “As a DC-based investment firm, we hope to find new investment opportunities from the companies that Affinity Lab nurtures.”

“We are honored by this award and elated with the opportunity to expand our business and service to 70 more new businesses, non-profits, arts organizations and entrepreneurs in DC,“ said Philippe Chetrit, Affinity Lab’s Chief Operating Officer.

About Enhanced Capital

Enhanced Capital Partners, Inc. (www.enhancedcap.com) is a national private investment firm specializing in investments in small and mid-sized companies to further economic development in strategic areas. Enhanced manages over $400 million out of its offices in New York, Alabama, Colorado, Louisiana, Texas and Washington D.C.

About Affinity Lab

Affinity Lab (www.affinitylab.com) is a DC-based entrepreneurial launch platform serving a rich community of businesses, non-profits and start-ups. The Lab manages shared operational needs of its member organizations, allowing them to better focus on mission and execution.

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