PORTLAND – The Maine Investment Exchange announces that its first quarter-2008 MIX forum for entrepreneurs and early stage companies searching for risk capital will be held March 12.

Jan. 30 is the deadline for early-stage companies and entrepreneurs to submit business plans for consideration for the March forum. Business owners can apply online at www.mixforum.org, or call Maine & Company at 871-0234. MIX is sponsored by Maine & Company, a private, non-profit corporation that provides free and confidential services to aid in business attraction, growth and incubation in Maine.

The MIX board of advisers will select up to five companies to present their business plans at the March 12 MIX forum. The MIX board will also work directly with entrepreneurs and leaders of early stage companies to prepare their business plans for presentation at the MIX forum.