PORTLAND — Protecting your “business idea” can be difficult. Finding the money to turn that idea into reality can seem impossible.

KeyBank and the Finance Authority of Maine are joining with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, the Biotechnology Association of Maine, and the Maine Software Developers Association to respond to these issues.

On Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26, a conference — “Intellectual Property and Venture Capital in Maine” — will convene at the Radisson Eastland Hotel in Portland to help entrepreneurs learn how they can protect their business ideas while accessing the capital that is needed to take an idea from the earliest stages of research and development to marketing, manufacturing and distribution.

Participants will meet with entrepreneurs and experts, and attend panel discussions and breakout sessions.

Cost is $25 for one day and $35 for both days. Arrive at 8:30 a.m. for registration.

For more information, or to register online before June 23, visit FAME’s Web site at www.famemaine.com or call FAME at 800-228-3734.