ABOUT THE LOCAL CROWD COOPERATIVE
Through crowdfunding, we envision strong, resilient local economies where neighbors know each other and support each other’s businesses.
COMMUNITY. CONNECTION. CAPITAL.
The Local Crowd (TLC) is a rewards-based crowdfunding platform that specializes in funding for small businesses and organizations, especially in rural areas. The platform offers a coordinated suite of success-generating services such as education, coaching, research, and networking.
And the best part? The power of TLC’s crowdfunding platform is made more powerful because it is local — activated in communities through community development groups. Each TLC community gets its own, branded platform to support residents, businesses, and nonprofits. Local features such as matching grants, in-kind contributions and sponsored rewards make TLC a one-of-a-kind platform focused on rural communities.
TLC has been helping rural businesses and communities grow since 2014. Three Small Business Innovation Grants (USDA and NSF) helped us to prove the effectiveness of the TLC model, demonstrating how well it works as an economic development tool. TLC crowdfunding strengthens social capital — the relationships between businesses, customers, nonprofits, leaders, and residents. We are currently transitioning to a member-owned cooperative, which will enable local communities to share in platform management and revenues.
TLC made it possible for us to embrace the idea of asking our community to support our cause and our project. They allowed us to consider the potential of a project completed and the real and immediate outcome for our business.
TLC CROWDFUNDING IS A GREAT WAY TO RAISE FUNDS… AND SO MUCH MORE!
Crowdfunding isn’t rocket science…but it is a science! When you know the proven practices that make it work, you are more likely to meet your fundraising goal. The Local Crowd offers robust online courses and tip sheets to help crowdfunding clients build campaigns destined for success. Plus, we have personal coaching services to guide the way. Because of these powerful education and coaching tools, TLC crowdfunding clients enjoy a high success rate, with more than 60% of campaigns reaching their goals—compared to Kickstarter and Indiegogo, which have success rates in the high 30 and low 40 percentiles.
The business benefits go far beyond dollars raised. Crowdfunding campaign creators also refine their business plans, find new partners, test market product ideas, prepare for additional funding, expand their networks, and find new customers.
Crowdfunding is a great tool for startups and established businesses alike!
Do you have a project that could benefit from crowdfunding? If so, tell us your idea and find out how we can help you achieve your funding goal.
