Coming to Ocean County – Small Potatoes presents…
Running a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
An Alternative Funding Option Workshop for the Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner
America’s SBDC New Jersey at Brookdale Community College invites small business owners of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to attend the no-cost crowdfunding workshop Running a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign at Ocean County College in Toms River, NJ. The workshop is useful to entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a business, launch a new product, presell a product or service, as well as musicians, filmmakers, artists and community groups looking to fund and market projects. This no-cost workshop will take place on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 9:00 am 12:30 pm. In the afternoon registered individuals can elect to receive no-cost, one-on-one, confidential one hour counseling sessions. (This is limited and on a first come, first served basis). Register at http://bit.ly/CrowdfundingOCC
As banks have tightened the strings on loans, more and more entrepreneurs are looking for alternatives to fund their business start-ups or expansion. Increasingly, they are turning to crowdfunding sites like IndieGoGo and Kickstarter, where they are able to collect small contributions from family, friends, and strangers in exchange for “perks”. In 2015, businesses and individuals successfully crowdfunded over $34 billion (up from $16B in 2014 and $6B in 2013). In 2016 it’s expected to pass venture capital as a source of funding.
Crowdfunding is part of the White House’s Start-Up America initiative and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Inc. Magazine. Done right it not only provides entrepreneurs with funding, but activates their personal network as brand ambassadors.
Participants in this program will learn how to practically manage and promote an online, perk based crowdfunding campaign. We’ll discuss platforms, developing a promotional plan, building a team, and other aspects of running a successful campaign. It is designed to help entrepreneurs, artists, filmmakers, musicians, and anyone interested in raising funds to for their project.
Presenter Martin Butts ran a successful crowdfund campaign to expand his business, Small Potatoes in 2011. Since then, he has presented this session around the country, and previous attendees have combined to successfully crowdfund over $600,000.
Seating is limited for this for this no-cost, highly valuable workshop and spots will go fast. To register http://bit.ly/CrowdfundingOCC
Speaker:
Martin Butts, owner of Small Potatoes, is a local food advocate, entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and the owner of Small Potatoes, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in working with food businesses of all kinds. He has previously served as the Director of Syracuse University’s Community Test Kitchen, working with aspiring foodpreneurs to help them turn their product ideas into businesses, and as the Community Education and Outreach Coordinator for Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York. He has spoken at conferences and summits around the country, including at TEDxUtica in October 2013. His work focuses on developing fair and sustainable food systems that support independent businesses and healthier communities. In 2010, he was chosen as one of Central New York’s 40 Under Forty, recognizing individuals who have excelled in both the workplace and in the community, and Small Potatoes was awarded a 2013 Snail of Approval Award by Slow Food CNY.