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Re: Rewards based campaigns
We also published a success story from one of our members on how she successfully used crowdfunding - you can check it here: https://venturize.org/blog/finding-crowdfunding-success-support-community
Re: Rewards based campaigns
I don't have direct experience with rewards based campaigns and crowdfunding, but I have done some research on the subject. First, here are some great articles from nerdwallet for folks who might be interested in learning more about crowdfunding and rewards based crowdfunding.
From what I've gathered, the pitch and associated marketing materials (Cool video, great photos, testimonials, etc.) can be more important than the actual reward or even product being offered in some cases. In this realm of funding, you really have to _Illustrate _ why folks to buy or support your product. Check out this great article on tips for a crowdfunding video, it actually has a lot of great info.
Re: How did you learn how to write a business plan in order to get capital to start your business?
In the SBDC website, you can also find a very detailed template, but I like to start my clients with business model canvas first and then it is sooo much easier to write the plan... www.smallbizla.org
Re: Boost your business through media
Aleanos,
Without knowing any specifics about your business or what you are currently doing for your marketing, here are a couple of thought starters:
- Even if some seniors don't have access to internet at home, they are more than likely to have smart phones. Try mobile advertising targeted to your location and your target age group.
- Try Facebook ads targeting specifically seniors in your area. You will be surprised how many seniors are on FB now. Facebook is the only social platform that is growing among 55+ years old.
- Make sure your coffee shop is well-represented on Yelp and you are managing all the reviews.
- Overall, try to ask your current customers about how they found out about your coffee shop, how they are discovering new places, where they are getting there local news from, etc. That will give you an idea on where to place your ads or how to attract new customers.
Hope that helps.
Thank you!
Re: How did you learn how to write a business plan in order to get capital to start your business?
Our main library here in Phoenix had books on different types of industries with business plan examples. It was at or main library which is very large. You may want to check yours out as well. It helped me a lot.
cindy
Re: How did you learn how to write a business plan in order to get capital to start your business?
Check out this article about how to get started when writing a business plan: https://venturize.org/blog/write-business-plan
Local SBDCs and WBDCs are also great resources as @jhudgins1963 mentioned!
Re: How did you learn how to write a business plan in order to get capital to start your business?
My first encounter writing s business plan, was when I attended classes at the "WBDC" Woman Business Development Center. Also, with SBA.
Re: Federal judge in Texas rules entire Obama health-care law is unconstitutional
For me personally, I am covered by my husband's health care (he is employed at a major University). What I don't understand is what the road forward from this is and how we can help. I just signed a letter that SMB is going to submit somewhere. But what can we do other than that?
JBJ2110
Re: What is one thing you wish you knew when starting your business
That it would take at least three years to get my name known, and five years to really be able to make a living! I think that a lot of people start businesses with high hopes and don't have another source of income.
JBJ2110
Re: Can someone explain what exactly Secure Choice is?
The majority of small businesses don’t offer retirement benefits to their employees because it's too expensive and their firms are often too small to have a human resources/administrative person who can manage a plan. This puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting and acquiring talent.
Some states, including California and Illinois, have developed Secure Choice programs. These state-created retirement programs for private-sector workers help level the playing field between small businesses that want to offer retirement benefits but can’t, and their larger counterparts that can.
California, for instance, just launched its program, called CalSavers. Workers that don't have access to an employer-based retirement plan can enroll in CalSavers. It's free for the business owner; they just have to enroll their workers in CalSavers. CalSavers works like an IRA for the enrolled workers, and will follow them if they leave their current job.
Brian_SBM