Why We’re Crowdfunding
I realized I haven’t really articulated, even to myself, why we’re seeking crowdfunding for Lille Bønne. Instead of, say, small business loans or investors.
I’m all in
First of all, I assume it’s understood, but I’ll say it plainly: I’ve maxed out my personal ability to contribute financially. I mean, why would anyone else want to contribute to Lille Bønne if they don’t know that I have? My husband and I have put in six figures of personal investment into creating Lille Bønne. But buildings and renovations and startup costs aren’t cheap. I’m going in on this with three business partners who are all near and dear to me. They are fantastic and wonderful people who also believe in the vision of Lille Bønne and have contributed significant amounts of their time and treasure to it.
She really is this glorious 😍
But we’re, all of us, just regular folks. We didn’t cash out from a big investment. We didn’t hit the lottery. We’re not trust fund babies. We’re putting our wallets, as well as our hearts and souls, behind Lille Bønne because we’re passionate about the value of connection and we’re curious about new (and old) ways to help foster it.
No outside investment
So. Small team of regular nice gals and guys. We could try to bring on some investors with deeper pockets than ours.
But if capitalism has taught me anything, it’s that those investors would be concerned with the bottom line and the bottom line only. And, while I want this business to be sustainable so we can do what we’re trying to do for a very long time, the bottom line is not my primary concern. I’m working alongside people who I know will help steer Lille Bønne toward financial success, but I also know that they’re driven by the same larger goals and values as I am.
With the team we have, I’m not worried about Lille Bønne losing its soul. I’m not worried about losing my focus. These people help me stay sharp and motivated and driven to pull this off. Whaddya know? Reaping the benefits of connection and community already.
Itty bitty bank loans
So professional investors are a no. We could get some SBA loans, collateralize the building. Bring on outside debt but maintain full ownership.
This isn’t a bad option. And honestly, we’ll probably do a bit of this. But the more risk we take in the debt we bring on, the less risky we’re able to be with our business model. We hope there are some banks or lenders who see the value and potential in what we’re doing and are willing to take a risk on a new business. As I mentioned, success is the goal. But we plan on measuring success in a lot of different ways.
In yoga class attendees. In family-style dinners. In new friendships made. In entrepreneurs and artists supported. In smoothies sold. In games played. Some of these generate revenue. Some of them don’t. We assume that if we are decent at the business part and keep these goals as our main focus, the money will take care of itself. 🤞🏼
This leads to crowdfunding
So the only real answer is you, friends. We know that when people come together to support a common goal, beautiful things can happen. Soon, there will be so many new ways for you to help support Lille Bønne (Plant flowers! Paint walls! Attend a class! Facilitate a workshop! Buy lunch!). But for now, you can help us keep this thing owned exclusively by our community. Not outside investors, not the banks, just the people working to build it.
Plus, we hope you’ll always be able to look at Lille Bønne and feel glad and a little bit proud that you helped get it off the ground.
xo,
Abby
If this sounds fun and worthwhile to you, consider pitching in on our campaign. It’s basically a pre-sale for those upcoming classes and lunches.
