Wanted: Entrepreneurs who would like to learn more about starting and financing their own small businesses.

An Entrepreneurial Summit will be held Thursday, March 12, at UNC Pembroke's Regional Center for Economic, Community and Professional Development at COMtech.

It is open to the public and free-of-charge, according to its sponsor, UNCP's Thomas Family Center for Entrepreneurship. The theme is "Financing for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses: The Process and Practice."

The day begins at 8 a.m. and ends with lunch and a guest speaker.

Topics and speakers include:

- "The Financing Landscape," with Timothy Janke, director of Private Equity Initiatives of the Small Business and Technology Development Center in Raleigh. He is responsible for the development and implementation of private equity "Angel" funds across the state. Janke founded Inception Micro Angel family of funds. Janke will also discuss "Venture Capital Financing."

- "Angel Financing," with Dr. Ronald Podraza, director of Technology Transfer, UNC Wilmington. An attorney and entrepreneur, he is an expert in patents and licensing.

- "Bank Financing," with Kyle Chavis, credit administrator with Lumbee Guaranty Bank of Pembroke. He is a 17-year banking veteran who supervises lending for his bank.

- Small Business Administration Financing, with Don Spry II, senior area manager for SBA with responsibility for outreach and marketing in 16 counties in Southeastern N.C. He has 18 years experience in all areas of management.

Dr. Mike Menefee, Thomas Family Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship at UNCP's School of Business will offer the closing remarks. He has more than 35 years of working in entrepreneurship and designed the entrepreneurship programs at UNCP and Purdue University. He has served as an officer for five companies, including two in the Purdue Research Park.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. Contact Phyllis Queen at (910) 775-4208 or phyllis.queen@uncp.edu to secure a reservation.