Dear friend:
As you know, I have been selected to be one of 30 entrepreneurs to board the DC Startup Bus headed to SXSW in Austin, Texas. This is a great honor for me, my company, and by extension, for Annapolis. We leave this Tuesday morning. And, I need sponsors to make this happen. Any help would be greatly appreciated and not forgotten!

Background:
The Startup Bus mission is to foster innovation and entrepreneurialship, two things our economy needs. Thirty entrepreneurs on 10 buses originating all across the country literally have 3 days to completely produce a new startup business together. (from concept to code to product) When we get to SXSW, each bus will get to pitch their idea to some of the world's biggest corporations, angel investors, and venture capitalists. The best biz wins funding for their business. This is a once-in-a-lifetime-chance.

Our Expenses:
Startup Bus pays for nothing. We are responsible for absolutely everything. Our costs will be just over $2500. We need your help to affray these costs and are willing to say thank you in a big way.

In exchange for your sponsorship, we would like to offer you or your business the following:
- we'll put your business logo, synopsis, personal message, and (if you want to) a YouTube video of you/your business on our website
----- The YouTube video is up to you, of course. But, I strongly recommend it!
- link to your website and social media too 
------ which is great for SEO, b/c your website will be linked up to the SxSW sites, the Startup Bus sites, and social media

We will have behemoth angel investors, capital venturists, and all kinds of local businesses and people visiting our website because of this. This event will put us, our website, and our friends on the national stage. 

The trip, the judging, and the finals will be filmed. Yeah ... it's that big. :-)

THANK YOU for helping to make this happen for us! Your help will NOT be forgotten. 

We need:
- Food for the bus trip (there are a few vegans on board and also a few gluten free allergies).
- Food and House Supplies during the conference.
- Daily Transportation to the conference.
- One SxSW badge ($950 - my previous price was incorrect).
- Transportation back from Austin, Texas.

Please consider:
- Any contribution can be considered an advertising expense because of the exchange for advertising on our website, social media, and YouTube Channel.
- We won't turn down a PayPal or Credit Card donation. But, Gift Cards, Cash, or Checks are preferable since we are leaving in just two days.
------ Checks can be picked up by Shawn Cochran tomorrow in Annapolis or mailed.
------ Credit Card or PayPal donations can be made on the Branches PSP website in the Community Support section under "What We Do".

Thank you and God bless you for supporting this adventure!! 
Entrepreneurs WILL change the world. 

Yours very truly,
Jennifer Cochran
BranchesPSP.com

Google Voice Numbers
Annapolis: 443.252.2010
Harrisburg: 717.842.0241

Growing Business from the Ground Up!

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If you would like to chat with me about this, please email me at Jen@BranchesPSP.com or use GoogleTalk to chat with the same email address.

And . . . PLEASE SHARE THIS NOTE OR MENTION THIS ON YOUR PAGE. SMALL BUSINESSES SUPPORT EACH OTHER.

Click on the "Download File" link below to view the article in your browser. Or, visit the What's Up Magazine website to read the article. 

Jennifer Cochran - as featured in the January issue of What'sUp Magazine : "People to Watch 2012".