News

In the current issue of FORWARD Florida, editorial contributor, Ed Alexander of the Entrepreneurship Law Firm, PL, says "Crowdfunding – sometimes called crowd financing and crowd sourced capital – is seeing opposition from industry groups and securities regulators who claim it will do more harm than good."

Two of the confirmed speakers for The B.I.G.* Summit, scheduled for November 8, 2012, and presented by Orlando, Inc., have expertise in the area of crowdfunding and will share their insights on this controversial way to raise capital.

Brian Meece is CEO of RocketHub, one of the world's top crowdfunding platforms that has helped thousands of artists, scientists, entrepreneurs and philanthropist raise millions and take their endeavors to the next level. RocketHub provides the credibility and infrastructure necessary to successfully leverage the financial power of communities, and offer the ability to discover and apply for curated opportunities.

"We offer an innovative way to raise money (Crowdfunding) and tangible opportunities to take creative products and endeavors to next level (LaunchPad Opportunities)," says Meece.

Jessica Jackley, started ProFounder in August 2009 with the mission of ensuring that all entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to succeed through the engagement of robust, supportive communities. The ProFounder platform and set of tools made the process of raising investment capital from friends, family and community more efficient, inexpensive, straightforward and legally compliant.

Despite its progress, the current regulatory environment prevents the pursuit of the innovations most valuable to its customers, leading to the decision to shut down the company. "We believe changes are imminent in the crowdfunding regulatory environment and we are committed to being a part of those reforms," says Jackley.

Passage of H.R. 2930 (part of the JOBS Act) by the House of Representatives created a crowdfunding exemption to federal securities law. "The current version of the exemption has real problems that I believe should be addressed," says Alexander. "But we can't ignore crowdfunding for additional early-stage venture capital. We just have to do it right."

The B.I.G.* Summit is a premier event for Business Innovation and Growth, attracting entrepreneurs and business leaders from across Central Florida. This powerful day of learning, idea sharing, discussing new opportunities and forging new business relationships is about building a strong and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem right here in our region. What better way to grow your business than to connect with your peers who have been there and done that.

Make your reservation today! Visit www.orlando.org for details and registration information.

*Business Innovation & Growth

Orlando, Inc.

Orlando, Inc., is one of four lines of business of the Central Florida Partnership and is specifically focused on Regional Entrepreneurship. A "Five-Star Chamber" – the highest level of achievement awarded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – we are positioned to serve the growing needs of businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the Central Florida Region.

In an effort to improve access to fellow members as well as membership benefits, we have placed all members into three new and simple categories: Business Basic (previously Small Business Chamber), Business Connection (previously Chamber Trustees) and Business Partner (previously Regional Board of Advisors). Logon to www.orlando.org for detailed information on how you can best leverage your Orlando, Inc. Membership.

Working together with BusinessForce (Public Policy Advocacy), myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves) and Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership), the Central Florida Partnership is moving "Ideas to Results."

For additional information, visit: www.orlando.org