Want to Kick-Start a Small Business Project

Do you have a product concept you want to test before a big launch? Do you need private funding for a new project? Have you finished development and testing, but need some marketing seed money?

If you do, and traditional product testing and fundraising sources are beyond your reach, try Kickstarter.

Kickstarter is a website dedicated to connecting people with great ideas to people with the money to fund them. Unlike lending sites, the “project creators” keep all of the funds pledged to them, with no obligation to “pay back” and of the funds. The catch-- in order to attract “pledges” you offer something of value in return (“rewards”), such as a special version of your product, an invitation to participate in the project, or a launch party with you and your team. You also keep everyone up to date on your progress via a “project blog.”

You set a funding goal, and if you make it in the allotted time, you get the money and the project goes forward and you must deliver the project “rewards.”

Kickstarter is aimed at funding “creativity and ambition” which covers many different business types. While most projects relate to the arts (film, music, painting, plays, etc.) others range from opening a café, producing a 3-wheeled tricycle-type vehicle, and creating new software.

Think about it if you need to test a new product concept—offer it for a “pledge” equal to the selling price, and set a funding goal based on your break-even point. If you make your goal, you know you have a winning concept. If you don’t, then discard it—you won’t get any money, but you won’t owe anyone either.

Currently creating a Kickstarter project is free. After September 15 you will pay 15% of the funds collected. Starting a project is by invitation only. To request an invitation, simply use the contact link on the website and describe your project.

If you want to get involved in funding some of these projects, you can create a Kickstarter account to make pledges.

Check out Kickstarter today!