Crowdfunding platforms make it possible for individuals and organizations of any size to harness social networks and raise start-up capital for projects that might otherwise fail due to lack of funding. Each week, Xpress highlights notable Western North Carolina crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd.
Sanctuary Brewing Co. build-out
Sanctuary Brewing Co., which functions as both a beer purveyor and animal advocacy organization, was originally scheduled to make its debut in the Hendersonville community on Saturday, Aug. 8. However, several snags in the build-out process have kept co-owners Lisa McDonald and Joe Dinan from opening their doors. “We have several costs we didn’t anticipate in our initial business plan,” McDonald says. The first is fixing the doors themselves. To achieve compliance with fire codes and the Hendersonville Historic Preservation Committee, Sanctuary will need to complete $3,000 worth of door and window upgrades. Inside, the building needs another $6,000 in plumbing improvements and $8,000 in architectural and electrical work. “These are all items we are more than happy to fund,” McDonald writes on her crowdfunding page, “but as they were not a part of our original business plan, crowdfunding is extremely helpful in allowing us to keep control of our business and not being forced into selling off equity or incurring more bank debt.” McDonald and Dinan aim to raise $10,000 by Saturday, Aug. 15, to help cover the unexpected expenses.
The Tiny Potty book
Before the popularization of disposable diapers in the 1950s, the average age of a certified potty-trained child was 18 months, but now that figure hovers around 3 years, according to author and concerned mom Andrea Olson. “Help me reverse this trend,” writes the potty training expert on her crowdfunding page. Olson’s strategy to hasten the learning curve involves a short, entertaining book that teaches children 6 months and older that a potty routine is fun and achievable at an early age. Although she’s already written the The Tiny Potty and obtained illustrations, Olson aims to raise $8,000 by Wednesday, Aug. 19, to pay for the remaining printing, distribution and marketing costs.
Send your crowdsourcing campaign news to kmcreynolds@mountainx.com. A limited number of campaigns will be highlighted each week, at Xpress’ discretion. Campaigns must be locally based and should represent a current project with an achievable goal. Conditions are subject to change. Read about more Western North Carolina projects here.
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