[lilfeeb]

Has anyone on here thought about or been involved in the use of crowd funding to get a project off the ground? As part of my works development programme we have been helping out with the initial stages of crowd- funding the conversion of a Luton van into a mobile catering unit.

I was wondering if anyone had any hints and tips that might be useful.

 

[AndynJ]

As your probably aware smallholding, country pursuits are generally a lifestyle choice, the difficulty for us would be convincing someone they will get a ROI and the other being I personally wouldn't want to justify or answer to someone else about why my chickens haven't made the correct profit margin this year.

[Raine]

 
I've supported a number of crowd funded projects.  As a backer, I would be wanting to see regular updates of what is going on and how you are doing it.  Things like photo's of the work so far and bio's of the people involved can be a great way of encouraging support.  An idea would be to have a plaque in the van naming all the people who donated £X or naming and thanking them on the projects website.  Don't set the targets too high, so that people feel that they aren't getting any value from supporting you.
I get most annoyed with backing groups and then being left to one side as they start another and another funding stream.

[hughesy]

I think it's a great idea if you can get it to work. You need to be specific about exactly what you plan to do, it's no use just saying you want to run a smallholding or get some chickens.

[lilfeeb]

thanks for your comments. They have given me some food for thought.