Monday, May 11, 2015

Crowdfunding For Women And Similar Opportunities

By Alta Alexander


Men and women alike often have great ideas for a product or service. Crowdfunding for women websites now offer women the ability to support one another through establishing various campaigns oriented toward funding a product or service. Generally, these small business applications, products and services sit on shelves and never see the light of day. So, while men often succeed through more traditional channels, women now have a chance at establishing a business, product or service without discrimination or degradation from businesses who only support men in these areas.

Unless all individuals associated with a campaign understand the process, success may be quite limited. Generally, individuals can post a plan to establish a product or service which needs financial support. Once posted, others interested in supporting the project then donate an unspecified amount of money through a secure networked website.

One of these websites is that of Pine Alley. It is also one of the best and most used of these women oriented sites. Although, there are others which offer the same opportunities, this particular site has already seen great success with campaigns which have come to fruition in a short amount of time.

While these women oriented sites only accept projects posted and managed by women, men and women alike can provide funding, at least on the majority of sites. While men are welcome to participate, most often it is women supporting women which create the most successful outcome.

Most women oriented funding sites create an easy path to setting up a campaign. In fact, most provide step-by-step instructions on set-up through completion. Whereas, some even provide business consultants which can provide ideas and services either free or for a nominal fee. The best of which provide this opportunity of counseling on an ongoing basis when it comes to questions or issues which may arise over the course of the campaign.

As the websites also benefit financially and with regards to positive reviews, most are happy to share this information free of charge. Although, there are others in which these fees help pay overhead and keep the site in operation. One important aspect on the part of the user, and those running these websites is that the individuals or groups have the necessary knowledge and information to take the campaign from start-up through completion.

Otherwise, the campaign or project while possibly obtaining funding may hit a roadblock. If this happens, then most often all monies obtained up to that point and time must be returned to each provider. Although, while most sites require this to be the case, there are a few which will allow the monies to stay in escrow while the individual obtains the necessary knowledge to complete a project.

For those who are not internet savvy and wish to look towards more traditional funding, the option of seeking traditional funding still remains. Although, individuals may want to look toward shows like Shark Tank, or a private investor rather than going through a bank or credit union. For one thing, the interest and percentage of applicable fees is much greater with banks and credit unions than with private individuals or opportunities which allow the individual to share a percentage of the business rather than impose interest over time.




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