Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As 
System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load

        Me.Visible = False
        Dim Xform1 As New Startup()
        Xform1.Show()
        Application.DoEvents()


'=======Do what you want to do, like open databases or run a loop to 
utilise time, you can also use a timer.  


Xform1.Close()
Me.Visible = True