Got a great idea for a business but having trouble getting funding? You might be interested in a new kind of conference coming to Prince George next month. Invest Local BC and Community Futures Stuart-Nechako and Fraser Fort George are hosting the Community Crowdfunding Summit at the Coast in of the North on March 16.
Community Economic Development Coordinator Tom Bulmer says the event is the first of its kind in northern BC and that recent adjustments by the BC Securities Commission support crowdfunding as a potentially powerful tool for those looking to get a new idea off the drawing board and into the real world.
“The reason we’re putting this on is the BC Securities Commission has now approved crowdfunding as a means of securing financial contributions for business opportunities, for fundraising and more.”
The event will feature Darryl Hatton, founder and CEO of FundRazr, a Canadian startup that has helped raise more than $75 million for over 50,000 crowdfunding campaigns worldwide.
The conference will also be highlighting local crowdfunding success stories, including Kimberley Allan Mulla of Telkwa, BC. Mulla has used crowdfunding in connection with her two businesses, Kimberley’s Kitchen and Telkwa Takeout, a restaurant and grocery delivery company.
Bulmer has high hopes for the conference and says it’s not just for those new to crowdfunding.
“We’re hoping that people will leave with lots of information about how to get their ideas going. Even if you’ve had some exposure to crowdfunding, it would be worthwhile to come and talk to these people who are immersed in it.”
He hopes the event will raise awareness about the possibilities crowdfunding presents.
“We’re trying to educated people as to exactly how good of a marketing tool crowdfunding is to help move projects forward, start up businesses forward, arts and culture in your communities.”