Local Businesses, Farmers,Entrepreneurs, Nonprofits, Community Initiatives:
Do you have an incredible project just waiting to happen?
Want to grow your organization, our community, and the local economy, but don’t have access to capital?
The Local Crowd (TLC) Upper Valley is a rewards-based local crowdfunding platform that helps communities invest in local businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits,
and initiatives that are mission-driven social enterprises. If your organization contributes to the community and could use a lift, apply to be part of the Fall 2019 cohort of campaigns.
and initiatives that are mission-driven social enterprises. If your organization contributes to the community and could use a lift, apply to be part of the Fall 2019 cohort of campaigns.
Submit a proposal for 2019 crowdfunding campaigns if you:
- Have a project with a budget under $10,000 .
- Have a simple, achievable project that will generate excitement in your community.
(your proposal can be part of a bigger project, but it should have stand-alone value.) - Have a project that will create an economic and/or social benefit to your business and the community
- Are a business or organization with the principle of doing something good for people or the planet
- Are able to invest time to build a successful fundraising campaign in September and October 2019
Sample project ideas: Farm infrastructure, renewable energy installation, community garden or art project, vehicle to expand nonprofit service, capital to launch a new rural enterprise, food business equipment
Submit your project proposal by September 4
TLC Upper Valley will select up to six projects to participate in this crowdfunding cohort, based on the potential of each project to positively impact their local economy and community. Selected proposals will launch their campaigns in November, with support and guidance from TLC Upper Valley Advisors.
Campaign guidelines here.
Campaign guidelines here.
TLC details:
You (project/campaign creator) will need to:
- Form a Campaign Team to actively promote your fundraising project
- Work closely with the TLC team to leverage training, marketing, and community outreach tools
- Adhere to the “three keys of success” promoted by The Local Crowd platform: YOU share with your personal network. YOU make it happen.
You will receive:
- Support from the TLC team to run a successful funding campaign
- Access to business development support from project partners including SCORE, Space on Main, SBDC, SBA, GMEDC
- Marketing and outreach support to spread the word about your project
- Free Crowdfunding Readiness Assessment ($85 value)
- Funds raised via the crowdfunding campaign for the designated project (less the 5% platform fee)
- Opportunity to reduce platform fees if you meet campaign milestones
Community. Connection. Capital.
TLC Upper Valley is one of five sites across the country participating in a National Science Foundation research project to pilot The Local Crowd. The project is measuring community knowledge and support for social enterprises, also known as the 4th sector.