GoFundU is a 3-week intensive series aimed to walk businesses through major aspects of developing, launching, and benefiting from a crowdfunding effort for starting a business, growing a business, or creating resiliency during a challenging time.
GoFundU is meant for small businesses and nonprofits, creatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The course covers three main topical areas: The Campaign Story, Mass Communications, and The Band Wagon Effect. Individuals who attend the entirety of at least 2 of the 3 workshops may be eligible to receive up to 2 hours of one-on-one technical assistance in the development of their own crowdfunding plan (a $350 value) pending total participant numbers. This program is free to participate in thanks to the support of the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, and will be conducted in a hybrid format. Participants can attend in-person at the Berkshire Innovation Center (vaccine and mask required), or via simulcast on Zoom.
Registration is required. Questions and more info: economicdev@1berkshire.com
Session #1 – Introduction to Crowdfunding
What is crowdfunding anyway? What are the options in terms of platforms? Is it right for my business?
March 15th, 2023 | 5PM-7PM
Crowdfunding is an exciting way to engage your audience and fund a particular project, venture, or opportunity. Join us to learn the basics of crowdfunding campaigns. This session will provide you a high-level overview of what they are, how they operate, and the diversity of options that are out there for you and your business. We will also discuss how to tell the story of your campaign, how to identify and describe the value proposition for your business and your backers.
Session #2 – Communicating Your Story
Building momentum for a successful campaign begins months before a campaign launches.
March 22nd, 2023 | 5PM-7PM
It isn’t just about the money, it’s about building a community, establishing a following, projecting an identity, creating a buzz, and sparking a movement. Learn how to communicate your story effectively to the general public. Start building a community of folks who will come together to bring your project to life and who will be there with you for future endeavors as well.
Session #3 – The Bandwagon Effect and VIPs
Who are your VIPs and how can they help you? What’s a bandwagon?
March 29th, 2023 | 5PM-7PM
Create a bandwagon that other folks want to jump onto! Understand how to identify and communicate with your VIPs before launch to increase your chances of reaching your funding goal. In this session we’ll also discuss setting your funding target, determining reward levels, and strategies for during and after your campaign. This is your opportunity to learn the secret recipe for crowdfunding success. It’s time to go fund you!
About Laura Christensen – Workshop Facilitator & Technical Assistance Provider
In 2019, Laura Christensen designed a Kickstarter campaign to fund production of a book project. Over 200 backers came together to surpass a funding goal of $30,000.
Since then, Laura has been offering crowdfunding workshops and one-on-one coaching for individual creators, small businesses, and nonprofits.
She’s helped a theatre improve their lobby and signage, a writer publish a book, a dancer complete a dance project, a photographer afford better equipment, a stained glass artist build a legacy, an artist collective buy their own building, and a nonprofit organization support farmers and neighbors in need.
Whatever your idea, whatever platform you use, and whatever amount you’re trying to raise, the strategies are very similar. Join in and get the inside scoop! For more information on Laura, visit https://laurachristensen.wordpress.com/crowdfunding/
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