neighbors supporting neighbors
and we all benefit
What is crowdfunding?
You may have heard of crowdfunding before. Platforms like Kickstarter, Patreon, and Gofundme have been around for a while and helped people get donations or fund their projects. These platforms are great for certain types of fundraising, but none of them have the local community investment & support like Grow HuCo's Honeycomb partnership. This isn’t just a great opportunity for local small businesses, it’s also a great opportunity for locals to invest in YOU!
We want you to succeed!
We’ve partnered with some fantastic organizations to help get you on the path to success.
Honeycomb
Our partners at Honeycomb Credit have a unique, locally focused opportunity to help you raise funds to start or grow your business.
This method of crowdfunding from your local community helps in several ways beyond just the access to capital. It’s a way to get your message out to the community and let them know what they can look forward to if your project is funded. Learn more about how Honeycomb works.
SBDC
The Michigan Small Business Development Center is here to help you get your business plan created (or tightened up) so you can have clear focus & goals before you start your funding campaign.
What kinds of projects can you get funded?
That’s mostly up to you and the investors who want to fund your project.
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg of what you can do with your business.
Expand outdoor seating at your restaurant.
Add a new machine to your manufacturing facility.
Start your mobile pet grooming business.
Add more acreage to your vineyard.
Remodel your patient waiting room.
Start a microbrewery.
Add an additional instructor for your studio.
The Process
So you want to start a crowdfunding campaign for your business? Great!!
Below you’ll see the basic process for getting your project off the ground. Visit our Resource Center for additional help or contact us if you have any questions.
Step #1
Create a business plan with the help of the Michigan Small Business Development Center
Head over the the SBDC site to get registered for assistance on creating a business plan to be used as a tool as you move forward. Register Here
After you’ve created a businesses plan the SBDC will give you final approval and you’ll be referred to Honeycomb Credit to continue the process.
Step #2
Consult with Honeycomb Credit on completed business plan and funding campaign.
Once you’ve been approved by the SBDC, you’ll be introduced to our partners at Honeycomb Credit.
The great folks at Honeycomb will help you get your funding campaign started, give you tips & tricks for promoting your project, and explain some of more technical parts of crowdsourced small business funding.
Step #3
Launch and promote your funding campaign.
It’s time to share your plans with the community!
Let everyone know what you plan to do and how they can help bring new things to the area and make some money at the same time!
Step #4
Get funded & get started on your project.
Congrats!
This is what it’s all about. You’ve got your plan, your funding, and are ready to get started on your project.
Make sure to let all of your investors and the community know what’s going on…it’s time to build excitement & anticipation!
Need help getting started?
Find help getting your business plan started in our Small Business Resources section.