Brown University News Bureau

The Brown University News Bureau

1996-1997 index

Distributed September 4, 1996
Contact: Richard Morin

Ukrainian entrepreneurs seek Western investment during U.S. tour

Ten Ukrainian entrepreneurs, graduates of a Brown University training center in Kiev, will present business plans to U.S. investors during a four-city tour, Sept. 9-19.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A group of entrepreneurs from the Ukraine, graduates of a unique business training center in Kiev operated by Brown University, are seeking Western investments at business forums in four United States cities. The entrepreneurs will present their business plans at meetings in Boston (Monday, Sept. 9), Providence (Thursday, Sept. 12), Philadelphia (Monday, Sept. 16) and Washington, D.C. (Thursday, Sept. 19). Among the business plans are proposals for currency-counting machines, impulse laser technology, plastic auto parts and gas station operation. This is the third time Brown has brought a group of entrepreneurs from the former Soviet Union to the United States to present business plans at investment forums.

Editors: A detailed itinerary for the Ukrainian business forums is available from the Brown News Bureau at 401/863-2476.

Ten presentations have been selected from more than 90 entrepreneurs enrolled in the Foreign Investment Training Center in Kiev, Ukraine. The center is operated by Brown University's Thomas J. Watson Jr. Institute for International Studies, which has worked with enterprises in the former Soviet Union since 1987. (Brown has also established a Center in Minsk, Belarus.) The Center uses computer programs and training materials to teach Ukrainian business people how to develop detailed, well-researched business plans that Western investors require.

The oral and written presentations by principal representatives of 10 Ukrainian firms will be in English. After the presentations have been made, investors will have the opportunity to meet with representatives on an individual basis.

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