Learn four models of crowdfunding small businesses and startups can use to raise money, how to design a crowdfunding campaign, and successful case studies when SBDC consultant James Thomsen joins host and SBDC director Kelly Bearden on this weekâs free webinar.
James specializes in business planning, funding sources, and eCommerce. Prior to the SBDC, he retired as president of Outdoor International at VF Corporation where he was responsible for acquisitions that included Eastpak, Kipling, Vans, The North Face and others.
This marks the 372nd episode of the âWebinar Wednesdayâ business series that provides news and information helpful to employers and business owners.
The CSU Bakersfield SBDC provides free one-on-one help to small business owners. New and existing businesses can go to https://csubsbdc.com/ for more information or to sign up to meet with a business advisor at no cost.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:39 Whatâs up today February 25, 2026
04:52 Poll #1: âHave you ever considered rewards based crowdfunding such as Kickstarter for a service or even a product business?â
06:19 Poll #2: âWhat is your biggest hesitation about crowdfunding?â
08:26 Crowdfunding is often a âcomplementary capitalâ
08:42 Crowdfunding serves as a leveraging mechanism for additional capital. -Crowdfunded proceeds act as a down payment for larger loans (e.g., $30,000 crowdfunded can be a 20% down payment).
09:57 Service sectors with best crowdfunding fit: hospitality, creative, fitness, education, professional services Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/
12:54 What backers fund by sector (examples & use cases)
14:17 AI’s potential impact on monetary policy is being monitored by the Federal Reserve.
-San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly notes that monetary policy is currently stable. https://www.frbsf.org/news-and-media/speeches/mary-c-daly/2026/02/the-ai-moment-possibilities-productivity-and-policy/
-Concerns exist that AI construction (e.g., for electricity infrastructure) could lead to inflationary pressures, though these have not yet materialized.
-The Fed aims for a balancing policy that supports the economy without compromising inflation targets.
18:34 Subscribe to our CSUB SBDC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@csubsbdc
19:48 Kelly introduces James Thomsen, SBDC consultant, Board chairman for Yosemite Climbing Association, and a successful crowdfunding entrepreneur
21:20 James Thomsen begins his presentation â Crowdfunding: A practical guide for launching and surviving campaign.
21:59 Four Main Crowdfunding models
-Donations: Supporters give money out of care or sympathy.
-Rewards: Backers receive a product or service in return for their contribution, often at a better price than future retail.
-Equity: Investors receive ownership shares in the company (e.g., Wild Rye raised $6 million with minimum $250 investment).
-Debt: A legal method for issuing bonds at higher interest rates.
24:32 Pick the model with the simple decision grid for your situation
26:37 Why Crowdfunding Works – market test, community building, and benefits
29:00 Six-step guide to planning a Kickstarter campaign (what backers get, prove you can deliver, set plan)
31:20 Kickstarter mechanics: all-or-nothing goal setting
32:25 Pre-launch and building momentum (mailing lists, ads, early pledges)
33:28 Key elements for a compelling campaign page include:
-A strong video that conveys authenticity and trustworthiness, not necessarily professional quality.
-A clear value proposition explaining what backers will receive.
-Demonstration of product existence through prototypes.
-Tiered rewards (3-6 recommended) to cater to different contribution levels.
36:03 Stretch goals, launch cadence, campaign length, and promotion
39:34 Manufacturing & fulfillment pitfalls to avoid
41:11 Common failures and how to avoid them
42:35 Pre-launch campaign checklist Four Crowdfunding Case Studies
46:17 BrewDog – an equity crowdfunding campaign for a brewpub, raised millions by mirroring Kickstarter principles with community ownership and experiential rewards.
https://brewdog.com/pages/equity-for-punks-info
48:22 Klettersack backpack campaign – exceeded its $20,000 goal, raising $37,000.
49:42 Hiking Pole Gripper tool campaign – raised $64,000 against a $40,000 goal, leading to production and retailer partnerships without initial capital investment.
51:23 Yosemite Climbing Museum campaign – raised $36,000 against a $21,000 goal using historic photographs as rewards.