The Local Crowd (TLC) is a rewards-based crowdfunding platform that specializes in funding for small businesses and organizations, especially in rural areas. The platform offers a coordinated suite of success-generating services such as education, coaching, research, and networking.
And the best part? The power of TLC’s crowdfunding platform is made more powerful because it is local — activated in communities through community development groups. Each TLC community gets its own, branded platform to support residents, businesses, and nonprofits. Local features such as matching grants, in-kind contributions and sponsored rewards make TLC a one-of-a-kind platform focused on rural communities.The CNPP program has provided funds for four Wyoming economic development groups to host the TLC platform.
The participating organizations include:
- Advance Casper (Serving Natrona, Converse, and Niobrara counties)
- Northeast Wyoming Regional Crowdfunding Support Program (Serving Buffalo, Gillette, Hulett, Moorcroft, Newcastle, Upton, Sheridan, Sundance, and Wright.)
Crowdfunding isn’t rocket science…but it is a science!
When you know the proven practices that make it work, you are more likely to meet your fundraising goal. The Local Crowd offers robust online courses and tip sheets to help crowdfunding clients build campaigns destined for success. Plus, we have personal coaching services to guide the way. Because of these powerful education and coaching tools, TLC crowdfunding clients enjoy a high success rate, with more than 60% of campaigns reaching their goals—compared to Kickstarter and Indiegogo, which have success rates in the high 30 and low 40 percentiles.
The business benefits go far beyond dollars raised. Crowdfunding campaign creators also refine their business plans, find new partners, test market product ideas, prepare for additional funding, expand their networks, and find new customers.
Crowdfunding is a great tool for startups and established businesses alike!
TLC has been helping rural businesses and communities grow since 2014.
Three Small Business Innovation Grants (USDA and NSF) helped us to prove the effectiveness of the TLC model, demonstrating how well it works as an economic development tool for rural communities. TLC crowdfunding strengthens social capital — the relationships between businesses, customers, nonprofits, leaders, and residents.
Since 2014, The Local Crowd has celebrated:
- 94 campaigns nationwide
- $960,471 funds raised
- 19 campaigns in Wyoming raised more than $160,000
- 7,414 campaign contributors
- 62% of TLC campaigns reached funding goal
Do you have a project that could benefit from crowdfunding?
Are you a Wyoming business or organization located in: Natrona, Converse, Niobrara, Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan, or Weston County? If so, you may qualify to receive extra benefits and support as part of the CNPP program! Interested?
