Kelsey Campbell-Dollaghan profiles Smallknot, a Kickstarter-like platform that allows local businesses to tap their neighbors for capital investments in exchange for goods and services.
Founded by two Wall Street refugees frustrated with the inability, or disinterest, of the global financial system to invest in small businesses, SmallKnot facilitates neighborhood-based seed funding.
Campbell-Dollaghan explains the service thus: "Let's say your local bike shop wants to expand, or your favorite pizza
shop wants to install an authentic wood-burning oven...business owners can launch a campaign to incentivize their
own customers to invest, in return for special deals and perks--not
unlike a more targeted, localized version of Kickstarter."
"Since launching in October, Smallknot has helped a fairly diverse group of small businesses raise funding: $2,500 for a new cake shop, for example, and $10,000
to help beloved Williamsburg brunch spot, Egg, replace its tables and
chairs. Today, a small progressive radio show in South Carolina is hoping to rebuild its website after a hacker knocked it offline ($100 will make you co-host for a show)."
Read the full story: A Platform For Playing Angel Investor, In Your Own Neighborhood
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority