The Invest Midwest Venture Capital Forum will start taking applications for next year’s conference.

The early application period officially begins next week at this website.

Up-and-coming companies can apply for a chance to present their concepts to an audience of venture capitalists, corporate and private investors, and professionals in the fields of law, business and finance.

Up to 45 companies will be selected to present; they’ll get eight minutes each. The forum has three tracks: information technology; life sciences; and food, agriculture and bioenergy.

“Companies that apply should be fast-growth companies seeking substantial investment,” said Christine Walsh, InvestMidwest’s executive director. “These applications should be from entrepreneurs of fast-track companies in need of at least $1 million to push those companies forward in a dynamic drive to the next level.”

The InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum rotates between St. Louis and Kansas City, and next year’s forum will be held March 28-29 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.

The final application deadline is Jan. 12, but there are several benefits to applying early.

“It has become apparent over the years that an early application has the opportunity to receive deeper consideration,” Walsh said. “If the selection committee members have questions, early applicants have time to clarify and strengthen their cases. That can make the difference in the committee’s decision regarding a company being invited to present at InvestMidwest.”

The InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum typically attracts 300 to 400 attendees. In 18 years of events, forum participants have raised more than $1 billion.

“We are fortunate that we regularly attract some of the Midwest region’s best fast-growth companies and a great group of investors,” Walsh said. “Our 2017 event in Kansas City attracted about 350 attendees, and we expect our 2018 event in St. Louis to see a comparable turnout.”