MAREC to host conference on crowdfunding

Crowdfunding has become a commonly used form of financial support for West Michigan’s growing entrepreneurial and start-up community. Grand Valley State University’s Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center will host a one-day conference to educate businesses and nonprofit organizations on how to properly use donation- and investment-based crowdfunding.

The Michigan Invests Locally Exemption (MILE) Act will be among topics of discussion at the conference. The act, signed by Gov. Rick Snyder in December, gives Michigan-based small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs the ability to raise funds from Michigan residents using crowdfunding strategies.

CrowdCon: Lakeshore Crowdfunding Conference
April 23
8 a.m.-4 p.m., conference
4 p.m.-6 p.m., networking social
MAREC, 200 Viridian Dr.

There is a $50 registration fee, which covers up to two people from each organization. It is open to the public; breakfast and lunch with be provided. Registration is here .

The event will feature a panel discussion and keynote address by Angela Barbash, founder and director of Ypsilanti-based companies of Reconsider and Revalue.

Supporting sponsors include Michigan Small Business Development Center, Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Grand Valley’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, eMerge, GR Current and Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.

For more information, contact Kim Walton, program director for MAREC, at (616) 331-6907 or [email protected].