Sessions Will Provide Information about How to Use Crowdfunding to Raise Capital
Opportunity to Comment on SEC Rulemaking Process
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today announced he will co-host a series of crowdfunding seminars across the state for Colorado small and start-up business owners and entrepreneurs looking to raise early stage capital. The seminars will explain how crowdfunding works and how businesses can take advantage of this new resource.
Seminars—currently planned for Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Durango, and Grand Junction—will be co-hosted by local partners including the Colorado Technology Association, the Colorado Bankers Association, Cooley LLP, Colorado Small Business Development Centers, as well as local incubators.
Bennet included the crowdfunding provision in the JOBS Act, which was recently signed into law. It allows small, young and rapidly growing businesses to raise funds from small, individual investors online and through social media. The law seeks to address the difficulties small businesses, young businesses and start-ups face in securing capital, compared with larger companies.
Participants will hear from local entrepreneurs and business owners; legal experts, senior staff from AngelList, a platform for fundraising for startups; and representatives from traditional investment firms in Colorado, including venture capital, banks and microfinance.
“Many small businesses, young businesses and start-ups face challenges raising capital,” Bennet said. “Crowdfunding is great tool to access new investment, drive innovation, promote job growth and support small businesses in a way we have not seen before. These sessions will offer important information about crowdfunding and how it can help Colorado businesses harness capital.”
In addition to learning about crowdfunding, participants will have an opportunity to weigh in on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rulemaking process and offer key input for the commission to keep in mind as it develops specific regulations.