Crowdfunding tips for business mentors; Sheffield’s alternative information centre

Many businesses and social enterprises have described on this podcast and radio programme how they have used crowdfunding to test their market, reach customers, or access finance to build their business.

But if you’re a business advisor and your clients are asking you about access to finance and how to run a successful crowdfund, where do you signpost people to?

Author and crowdfunding expert, Barry James covers how different types of crowdfunding work, and how the process of crowdfunding can unlock investment for businesses from other sources.

He's the author of a book (New Routes to Funding) to meet the need for high quality, expert advice about crowdfunding, tailored not only to startups but to mentors and business advisors, and gives us a sneak peak of some of its content.

Also on this week’s programme:  Nicole Jewitt of Alt Seen Eye, Sheffield’s “alternative information centre and ticket hub.” Showcasing local events, music, artists and other “interesting stuff” Alt Seen Eye  is an example of independent retail, ‘meanwhile use’ of space, and collaboration between independent businesses. Nicole explains how it got up and running, and gives some tips and advice based on her experience here and in other retail and music industry roles. Timings:

• 0 – 10:43 introduction and updates
• 10:43 – 25:27 Barry James
• 25:27 – 42:54 Nicole Jewitt
• 42:54 – end wrapping up and news of some forthcoming, free, business information sessions from Business Sheffield.

This is episode #131 of Business Live, first broadcast on Friday 7 October 2016 on Sheffield Live FM radio.