(COMING)
AN ONLINE PORTAL THAT INCREASES ACCESS TO CAPITAL FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND INCREASES THE NUMBER OF LOCAL, MAIN STREET INVESTORS
TOOLS FOR THE LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR
Today, it is easier for you to invest in a large, multinational company halfway around the globe than it is to invest in the local coffee-shop around the corner. As a neighbor (and coffee drinker), you probably have a better understanding of the coffee-shop's ability and its market since you live there and frequent the business. It is also more likely that the coffee-shop (especially if the owner is a minority or a woman) is in greater need of access to capital to expand and grow than is the multinational. So, why not invest in the business you are most knowledgeable about -- especially if there is a way to provide you with localized research about investment-worthy businesses in your neighborhood and City?
This is what New Era Capital will do.
With its launch, small, local businesses will be able to raise seed- and early-stage capital by submitting requests for rewards-, donations-, and equity-based crowdfunding. Main Street investors like you will gain access to newfound opportunities to invest locally and in businesses you care most about. Also, if you are not comfortable investing directly into a business, New Era Capital will work to pair you with Local Funds managed by micro-lenders and venture capitalists. Such an opportunity will create an array of investment terms, returns, and risk levels for whatever type of investor you are.
And that is the exciting part.
New Era Capital has the potential to go beyond merely connecting businesses with untapped investors like you. Because of our very low entry-point for investors, community residents of all economic backgrounds will be able to have a direct influence on how their neighborhoods are developed while being part-owners and monetarily benefiting from the changes. Increases in community-serving retail, for example, become more than agenda items to discuss with local politicians. They become a part of residents’ investment portfolios that not only provide a return to them but also improve the neighborhood in which they live. With New Era Capital, investors will be able to purchase shares and/or notes for local business for as low as $20 apiece - effectively democratizing the lending industry and helping to transform neighborhoods.