When starting a business, there’s no shortage of funding options available. But crowdfunding might be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to quickly get your business off the ground—without giving up equity or going into debt.
Crowdfunding can get you the money to build a business and the attention to build a customer base without applying for traditional loans. Grants are a great funding option for some businesses, but they can be a lot of work. However, the reward is free money.
Here are three reasons why crowdfunding is a great option for startup businesses.
Crowdfunding Gives You Access to a Wide Pool of Investors
One of the best things about crowdfunding is that it gives you access to a wide pool of potential investors. This could include friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers who believe in your business idea. This broad reach can help you raise the funds you need to get your business up and to run quickly and efficiently.
Investors will help you determine whether your business idea is worth pursuing. They can also provide valuable feedback to help you improve your business model. It is best to get investors who know the industry in which you plan to operate. But ultimately, anyone willing to contribute money to your business idea and believe in it can be an investor.
What’s in it for Investors?
Investors in a crowdfunding campaign are typically rewarded with perks. These include discounts on products or services rather than equity in the company. This can be a great way to get people to support your business without giving up company ownership. Crowdfunding investors could earn from returns on investment with equity (growth in share value), interest (with P2P lending), or other benefits.
Investors who invest in your business believe in your idea and want to see it succeed. They are more likely to be interested in helping you grow your business. They can offer advice or introduce you to potential investors or customers. That’s why you must view crowdfunding investors as something other than just people with money but as partners in your business. Take advantage of what they can offer.
Crowdfunding is Fast and Flexible
Another advantage of crowdfunding is that it’s fast and flexible. Unlike traditional forms of funding, which can take months (or even years) to secure, you can launch a crowdfunding campaign and start raising money within days. If you need to change your campaign along the way, you can do so quickly and easily without going through a lengthy approval process.
Crowdfunding is a fast way to raise money, especially if you are fixing your credit score and need funds for opportunities or cover unexpected expenses. It is also flexible in terms of how you use the funds raised. Unlike a loan, which must be repaid with interest, crowdfunding can be used for any purpose related to your business. This includes funding inventory, hiring staff, marketing and advertising, and more.
With flexible funding, you can keep any money you’ve raised, even if you still need to reach your original goal. Companies utilizing this type of funding will have access to the funds as they come in rather than waiting until the campaign is over. This allows businesses to put their raised capital to work immediately.
Crowdfunding Lets You Keep 100% Control of Your Business
When you opt for crowdfunding over traditional forms of financing, you’ll be able to keep 100% control over your business. That means you won’t have to answer to a group of investors or shareholders—you’ll be able to call all the shots and make all the decisions yourself. And that’s a pretty valuable perk for any startup business owner.
You will have to update everyone. You will still need to be accountable to your crowdfunding investors and update them on your progress. Although they may not have a formal say in how you run your business, they will expect to see a return on their investment, so it’s important to keep them happy.
Choosing the Right Crowdfunding Site
Once you’ve decided to crowdfund your startup, the next step is choosing the right crowdfunding platform for your business’s industry, fundraising needs, and eligibility. Fortunately, there are many great options available. Here are some pointers on how you can choose the best crowdfunding site for your business:
- Consider the type of crowdfunding you want to use. There are four main types of crowdfunding: donation, reward, equity, and debt. Each has its pros and cons, so choosing the right one for your business is important.
- Look for a platform that specializes in your industry. Not all crowdfunding sites are created equal. Some platforms specialize in certain industries, such as technology or fashion, while others are more general. If you can find a site specializing in your industry, you’ll have a better chance of success.
- Consider the fees charged by the platform. Most crowdfunding sites charge a fee for using their platform, either as a percentage of the money you raise or a flat fee. Make sure you’re aware of all the fees charged, so there are no surprises down the road.
- Check the eligibility requirements. Each crowdfunding site has eligibility requirements, such as minimum age, business location, and type of business. Be sure to check these requirements before you launch your campaign.
Start Planning
Crowdfunding might be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to fund your startup business without giving up equity or going into debt. With crowdfunding, you’ll be able to raise money quickly and efficiently, keep 100% control over your business, and flexibly adjust your campaign as needed. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your crowdfunding campaign today!