Crowdfunding, the process of raising money for startups, small businesses or charities, has become an increasingly popular way to get investments for products or ideas that wouldn’t otherwise get off the ground through traditional lending institutions.

But under the Jobs Act, the rules and restrictions on crowdfunding are changing. JumpStart and Ulmer & Berne will host a seminar, Crowdfunding: From Legislation to Reality, on Monday, May 15 to discuss why the legislation was necessary and what it means for small businesses.

“We’re going to go through the nuts and bolts of what the legislation permits and what it doesn’t permit,” says Sean T. Peppard, counsel with Ulmer & Berne. “Essentially, the idea of crowdfunding is raising small amounts of money over the internet."

“Right now, crowdfunding is viewed as a savior for startups and I think there are a lot of people in the community pre-buying because they care about what’s being made," he adds." It’s people investing in small business.”

The seminar will feature a panel of experts with various experiences in startup fundraising -- from angle and venture investors to small successful businesses.

Panelists include Peppard; Michael Belsito of eFuneral; Todd Federman of North Coast Angel Fund; Candace Klein of Bad Girl Ventures and SoMoLend; Chris Sklarin of Edison Ventures and Richard Stuebi of Early Stage Partners.

The free event will be held at the Ulmer & Berne offices, 1660 West 2nd Street, Suite 1100, from 3:30-6:15 pm. Parking at Tower City will be validated. If the demand is great enough, Ulmer & Berne will repeat the event later this spring.

Source: Sean T. Peppard
Writer: Karin Connelly