For the past few years, the ANZA network has been actively working on bringing innovative Australian and New Zealand entrepreneurs, the well-established and deep-pocketed US tech market and the burgeoning Chinese market together. It seems as if it will all gel over the next 6 weeks during what we're calling "Gateway Season".    

This year's Gateway to the US, Silicon Valley Connect 2011 (September 29-30), is bigger, better and bolder than ever. We've partnered with the Chamber of Commerce International Consortium for Entrepreneurs (CCICE), which doubles the strength of the networks, panelists, keynotes and investors we'll have at two venues: the Computer History Museum and Silicon Valley Bank. 

Pitching to investors this year is by application only - the deadline is September 15. If you are an Australian or New Zealand entrepreneur who wants to attend Silicon Valley Connect register here. If you want to pitch and have not yet signed up, please email me at viki@anzatechnet.com.  

For Aussie and Kiwi entrepreneurs currently located in the Valley, you may qualify to pitch as a local. Email me for details. Spots are very limited and filling up quickly.   

Silicon Valley ANZA members - we would love to have you in the audience to support our entrepreneurs. This year, selected Gateway companies will be pitching side by side with entrepreneurs from all over the world. Tickets are on sale at this link (be sure to register as a "member"). We will be announcing more panelists and an exciting keynote speaker very soon.

Our Gateway to China program takes places in Shanghai, October 17-18.  

This program is open to entrepreneurs of early-stage and small-to-medium size companies from the US, Australia and New Zealand, as well as corporate executives, investors, legal counsel, financial planners and anyone else that is interested in the technology or biotechnology sectors in China or considering doing business there.

It is a rare opportunity to experience the China business culture first-hand. We are providing two days of workshops and conversations with entrepreneurs and industry leaders already doing business in China. If you want to learn more about expanding or exporting into this colossal market, the Gateway to China program is for you.

To all our members, we could not have built out these programs to cover so many aspects of what is required to do business in a new market without your feedback, input and in many instances, your willingness to roll up your sleeves and offer your experience. Thank you - and I hope to see many of you during Gateway Season.     

MORE UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

- 20 September, San Rafael, CA - Green Venture Forum: From Community Idea to Global Impact. A forum on social and environmental entrepreneurship presented by The Green Frog from Silicon Valley and The Venture Greenhouse of Dominican University of California. Keynote speaker: Cheryl Dahle, Principal at Future of Fish, followed by panel discussion. Tickets are $35. Discount for ANZA members. Enter code TGFDISEB and register before Sept. 17. Click here for details.

- 22 September, Redwood City, CA - Advance Word of Mouth with Lars Rasmussen, Creator of Google Maps and Google Wave & Director of Engineering at Facebook. Lars Rasmussen shares his personal story: that of a brilliant engineer and entrepreneur who has lead software engineering at two of the biggest web titans: Google and Facebook. Early bird tickets on sale 'til Sept. 15. Click here for details.

- 29-30 September, Silicon Valley: Gateway to the US: Silicon Valley Connect 2011. Our most exciting Gateway to date! Connect with potential customers from leading Silicon Valley powerhouses. Impressive business panels to focus on the many aspects of successfully doing business in the US. Register today (registration fee includes accommodation and most meals). Pitch to invited Valley investors; slots limited. Contact viki@anzatechnet.com for application, details. Registration closes NEXT THURSDAY 15 September, don't miss out!

-17-18 October, Shanghai: Gateway to China. Unique opportunity for entrepreneurs of early-stage and small-to-medium size companies from the US, Australia and New Zealand, as well as corporate executives, investors, legal counsel, financial planners and anyone else that is interested in the technology or biotechnology sectors in China or considering doing business there. Click here for information and registration.

- Victorian Companies: Victorian companies looking to do business in the US or China are eligible for the Victorian government's Department of Business and Innovation's Fast Track program provided by ANZA. Click here for more details.