10 May 2015

Crowdfunding For Women Owned Products And Services

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.

Many of these women oriented sites have now seen twice the success as others in the industry. While others have seen success, one of the most successful related to women in business is that of Pine Alley. Most likely because it is one of a kind in its funding, development and deployment of products and services established by and for women but in which men can also provide funding.

While men are allowed to contribute, these sites only accept campaigns established by women. In addition, while men can and often do provide funding, the main focus continues to be in relation supporting other women. Still, as all donations are appreciated the women behind these projects appreciate all the support regardless of gender.

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.

Most are happy to share this information as all such sites tend to benefit financially, especially when users post positive reviews. As such, most tend to offer the best tools, tips and tricks possible to set up a successful plan which will result in the product or service finding its way to market. Although, it is also important that all involved have the necessary knowledge and skill base to set up, manage, develop and distribute information in a way that is clear and concise.

If not, the project may never make it past the initial start-up phase. When this is the case, those having donated funds generally expect to have monies refunded. That is, unless there is an upfront agreement which states the individual forfeits such funding even if the project is canceled over time.

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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