It is not unusual to hear of billionaire tech leaders like Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg to promote and give to philanthropic causes but what is unusual is to hear about startups that base their plan around philanthropic activities along with whatever service or product they are marketing. The new startups have the opportunity to create not only successful businesses but also charitable contributions that grow with their company.

According to one study around 85% of the general public thinks that corporations should give back to causes be it environmental, or social issues the general consensus is that businesses have an obligation to give back. Consumers spend their money with these companies and want to know that their money is being used to better the communities they live in or the world as a whole.

So how do you combine your product, brand, or service with a philanthropic cause? There are many models to choose from such as simply choosing a charity or starting your own to contribute to on an annual basis. Another is to follow the example some online companies such as Ebay that ask buyers and sellers if they would like to add on by contributing to various charities. The possibilities for giving back really lie in the soul of the startup and the creativity of those hoping to give back from the beginning and carry it through throughout the life of the company.

For many startups angel investors were more likely to invest if they knew those partnering to start the company were attached to a philanthropic cause that they felt strongly about. The buy in had to do with the passion for the innovation or service as well as the strong need to help and give back. To link up with potential investors or learn more about philanthropy and startups bring your innovation to The iFestival.

The iFestival takes great pride in the amount of technology that is showcased throughout the multi day festival and has high hopes that potential investors will match up with an entrepreneur or startup destined for greatness. The greatest case for bringing your innovations and investment money to the iFestival is the networking that both sides of the coin can take part in. The iFestival can help bring you together with the right people to get your name and business out their for potential investors. Networking is all about making connections with the right people, individuals or groups that know others looking for a unique and innovative business opportunity.

The iFestival offers multiple opportunities to have your innovative product seen by investors and the chance to actively discuss with them your business plan. Angel investors want to know more about you and will take the time to meet over coffee or a meal to find out more about how your innovation can change the marketplace and the world we live in. Some examples of companies that have benefitted from successful networking and angel investors include Uber and Tesla two of the most innovative companies to emerge in the last decade.

Networking for investors can also give you the choice of investors for your startup. Networking allows you to precede with investors that believe in your ideals and your product, investors that want to see your innovation reach fruition and change the world. To make sure you are networking successfully follow a few simple tips such as looking at networking from the viewpoint of what do you have to offer as opposed to what can you gain, smile and give prospective connections your full attention, make connections with assistants and others close to investors. Don’t force connections but make real relationships. Check out the potential of the iFestival for networking your startup to success.

There are some fundamental problems that most startups have and troubleshooting those problems can mean the difference between failure and success for yours. Statistics show that about 97% of startups fail. 97%. Let that soak in before you jump in without a powerfully strategic plan for investment, marketing, prototyping, and longevity. Does your startup have what it takes to be the 3% of startups that manage to make it and become profitable? The best way to beat the odds is to study what causes other startups to fail and insure that you don’t make the same mistakes.

Thinking about the future of your startup may feel like premature planning but knowing what you want from your startup and setting specific goal for the future are some of the best ways to gain an advantage over your competition. For many startups they only planning they have is getting the product to market. What happens what that is accomplished? Do you have new innovations planned and are you continuously growing and changing to meet consumer demands.

Innovation is just as important as any future plans. Is your technology new and different? Will it make consumers lives easier or change the way we live? Just having a product that fits into a small niche market is not enough to make a go of it with your startup. You need technology that a mass market will feel like they can’t live without and then launch your smaller specialized products.

Surround yourself with employees or partners that will give honest and reliable feedback. Going it alone can set you up for failure so choose a team that encompasses a variety of thinkers that will work toward the goals of innovation, longevity, and profit. Following these basic ideas are just the start to a successful startup company. Connect with like minds and investors at The iFestival.

Innovation is defined as a new method, product, idea, or technology. For many innovation is synonymous with technology and IT systems but innovation can come in the form of a new strategy for business startups. There are the old models of design, research, marketing, and production but what if there was something new, something better that would get your product or business plan up and going? A plan that would make it stand out above the rest. Join us at The iFestival to see what real innovation is and the people who have the fresh ideas that will change the face of business forever.

So how will The iFestival help your business? The iFestival is set up to introduce new technologies and innovations in all areas, arts, tech, healthcare, industry, and business. The purpose of the festival is to help innovators and investors make connections that will benefit both sides to bring new ideas to the public and change how we view specific products and markets. If you have felt that your business or industry has become stagnant and you are looking for a new model The iFestival could introduce you to innovations and creative thinking that are just crazy enough yet planned our strategically enough to work.

Connecting with fresh minds that have been trained to problem solve and think outside the box is a monumental step in freeing you business from stale old strategies and bringing creative solutions to your brand. These innovators think more along the lines of “what problem can I solve?” than “how can I be successful?” The shift to hiring a problem solver to improve your business is what links creativity to success. Don’t fall behind the competition when innovation can save your business plan. Today is the right day to think differently than you ever have before. Make your connections at The iFestival.

It’s not enough to just have a product that you think is worthy of investment and eventual marketing and sale. Investors are looking for more than just a product worth investing in. The market is flooded with potential products and those begging to have them invested in. Investors are looking for startups with a back story, with big ideas that will expand into another innovation, or a technique or startup that will also give back or benefit communities and specific groups of people. A gimmicky product that will only amount to one season of sales with no real longevity is not worth an investor’s time let alone capital. So what can you do to make sure you stand out among all of the other innovators in your class? Follow some fairly simple tips to get yourself noticed and on the road to success.

• Give them a viable reason to buy in with personal or emotional ties. Sell yourself along with your innovation. Investors not only want to make money off of your innovation or product but also need to feel some sort of attachment to you or your innovation. Make it something meaningful to them or the consumer market you’re targeting and they are much more likely to notice you and invest.

• Keep it simple without using too much tech talk or insider terms. Many investors aren’t going to be an expert in whatever field you work from but are interested in spending money in something they can stand behind and make a profit from.

• Don’t be afraid to brand and promote yourself using social media. Seeking investments for a new innovation using old school resources won’t get you noticed by investors. Take advantage of the newest channels for networking and advertising to stand out above the rest. Innovation should play a role in all aspects of your business model.

Innovators will change the world and our rapidly changing culture is filled to the brim with promising new startups and innovations geared toward making life simpler and easier. What is more exciting than the possibilities that exist in this new world is that these possibilities are becoming realities at a lightning fast pace. Innovation is the key to success in our ever changing market and economy. What makes innovation essential? The need to adapt and grow with ever changing physical and cultural needs make innovation not just a pastime representing the human spirit for adaptation but also essential to our longevity and lifestyle.

1. Without innovation your business will get left in the dust. You can almost guarantee that if you have thought of it someone else has as well. Innovation is the key to keeping ahead of the competition be it with a business strategy or new technology without innovation your company will not thrive.

2. Innovation is changing how we educate from primary school through secondary education. The training is focused on independent learning, troubleshooting, and collaboration. Your jobs must reflect this changing educational mindset. If you don’t offer innovative career options these young pioneers will show no interest in becoming a part of your workforce.

3. Stagnant gadgets and programs leave your market base disappointed and quick to leave. Gone are the days of brand loyalty and if you can’t create innovative new programs and products your consumer base will jump ship looking for the latest and greatest with another company.

There is a group specifically designed to bring your face to face with the essentials of innovation to benefit both innovators and investors. Join The iFestival to connect with prospective investors, invest in the newest products, and get a taste of what lies in the future of innovation before it becomes the past.

The iFestival is a place to make connections for both innovators, inventors, and investors because it is afterall about the ‘i’. This multi day festival includes all types of innovative technology startups hoping for the chance to interest angel investors and get their product in the hands of consumers hungry for change and new technology. If you are looking for new investments and the chance to get in on the ground floor of the next big thing then the iFestival is the perfect opportunity to put your money in the hands of a startup confident they can change the world. They are hundreds of good reasons to support The iFestival but these are the top 3 reasons why the iFestival is the best opportunity for investment.

1. The future of innovation. Who can say if the next Steve Jobs is preparing a demonstration at the next iFestival. As an investor you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to invest in a startup that is sure to change the face of technology forever. With so many innovators and inventors looking for an investor and confident their product is going to be the next breakthrough your money is sure to land on a winning idea.

2. Supporting The iFestival through contributions or sponsorship showcases your commitment to the future of technology. Becoming a sponsor is a way to express your commitment to all things The iFestival stands for. The iFestival also hosts a marathon in the spring consisting of college age kids looking for opportunities to explore technology and become the next generation of innovators. Your support encourages the future of STEM careers and startups.

3. Potential for profit. Committing your support, time, or funds to The iFestival gives you as an investor the opportunity to invest in a startup that you feel confident in and that you fully buy into as whole. The potential for profit is only available once you have decided to support, sponsor, and attend The iFestival.