Economic development professionals have longunderstood that strong rural economies are most effectively achored in entrepreneurs rstablishig companies and creating jobs. To be successful often depends on enabling access to capital. Being employed in rural areas in many US Srares, the Local Crowd model combines the power of Internet crowdfunding with a strong educational focus designed to increase the knowledge base and sophistication level of rural entrepreneurs and investors in using the Internet to raise money and make investments in local companies. The model represents a catalyst for community involvement that will anchor it into rural communities by working directly with local economic development groups. The firm works with rural communities to create local crowdfunding ecosystems that support growth and sustainability of local businesses and organizations. developed tools include locally-based crowdfunding software, consulting and instruction–including webinars, seminars, workshops, retreats, classes (in-person and online), and courses for groups and individuals.
