NSU and partners host 2012 Crowdfunding Conference

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Crowdfunding could be the answer to your small business or getting your start-up off the ground and is the focus of a conference on Nov. 1 in Tulsa.

Entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, artists, nonprofits and students are invited to attend Crowdfunding Conference 2012 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Community College Center for Creativity on the TCC Metro campus at 910 S. Boston Avenue.

Crowdfunding is related to online communities and social networks and describes the collective efforts of individuals to pool their resources and support efforts of other people or organizations. It is expected to transform small-scale capital funding in the coming years.

Crowdfunding projects raised nearly $1.5 billion in 2011 through 453 funding sites according to the first-ever Crowdfunding Industry Report compiled by research firm, Massolution. Experts say the money raised by crowdfunding is expected to double in 2012. The workshop will discuss changes and opportunities created by the JOBS Act and what constitutes a well-planned funding campaign.

"Northeastern Oklahoma is gaining national recognition as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs from all walks of life," said Barry Clark, director of open innovation for the Northeastern State University Center for Regional and International Partnerships. "We are committed to providing timely programs and resources to help support and bolster the success of businesses in our communities. The upcoming conference on crowd funding is one example of our dedicated programs and efforts."

The conference features lectures from crowdfunding experts. Scott Steinberg, futurist and best-selling author of "The Crowdfunding Bible," will speak through the sponsorship of the Grace and Franklin Bernsen Foundation Lectureship in Entrepreneurial Leadership at TCC. Sarah Stephan, marketing director with Crowdfunder.com, and Dr. William Paiva, venture capitalist and partner with Sevin Rosen Funds will also speak.

Tulsa Community College is committed to playing a significant role in growing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Tulsa and providing training and resources to take great ideas to market, said Lauren Brookey, Vice President of External Affairs for Tulsa Community College. This crowdfunding conference is an excellent example of a new trend that supports entrepreneurship growth.

The Center for Regional and International Partnerships, NSU College of Business and Technology, Tulsa Community College, TCC Foundation, Rogers State University, Tulsa Tech, University of Tulsa Collins College of Business, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Tulsa METRO Chamber and Tulsa Economic Development Corporation are partnering to present the conference.

"Our goal is to help educate entrepreneurs, startup owners, investors, students and organizations about some significant new seed capital raising opportunities unleashed by the JOBS Act, which will take effect in January 2013," said Clark. "We have been very fortunate to form a willing and productive partnership with these organizations and institutions to bring to town speakers of national prominence. We look forward to an insightful and constructive conversation about harnessing the potential of crowdfunding."

Participants will learn how to use crowdfunding to help fund a small business or seed a startup business; to network and pool resources for a business, organization or charity; sell equity to investors or fund art projects.

Registration is $15 for the conference or $40 for those wishing to receive three hours of credit through NSU Continuing Education. Registration forms are available at nsuok.edu/crowdfunding. For more information call 918-444-4610.