Fintech and Networking Events | National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada

Niagara Event Wrap-up (Sep 27, 2013): Bridging Classroom and Community Learning in Recreation 2013

NCFA Ambassador | James Cooper | October 7, 2013

Welland, ON - Sep 27

Drawing on the success from last year’s inaugural “Bridging Classroom and Community Learning in Recreation”, the Welland Community Wellness Complex was once again host to the free event on Sept. 27, 2013. This year’s theme “Tapping into technology to build your organization” attracted over 120 Brock University and Niagara College students, alumni and working professionals to the ½ day event which featured experts discussing current trends in social marketing and crowdfunding (technology-based fundraising).

Presentations were made by James Cooper, a passionate storyteller, film director, comic writer, author, and representative of the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada who successfully financed a film using crowdfunding. Building from there, attendees were then treated to a talk by Janice Arnoldi, a Partner with Arnoldi McPherson Social Media Marketing in St.Catharines. As the founder and Chapter Leader for Social Media Club Niagara, part of a world-wide organization focused on social media literacy and education, Janice was able to share tools and strategies for navigating the social media world.

As one Brock alumni and professional remarked: “It was a great afternoon for me….in fact I am working on our twitter account right now using some of what was suggested. Also, I reconnected with some former contacts from the College and the YMCA”.

The annual community bridging workshop which represents a partnership between Brock University, Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Niagara College and the City of Welland will continue to focus on other issues related to community recreation and leadership.

Source: James Cooper (Kickstarter for Filmmakers)

The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.

October 2, 2013 Fintech and Networking Events, NCFA Press Releases, NCFA Supported Events, Stories No comments

Dynamic Crowdsourced Event on October 10 in Toronto “How Crowdfunding is Transforming Canada: Stories from the Edge”

NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | October 2, 2013

What:
NCFA Launches Innovative Book Project - 100% Crowdsourced and Crowdfunded!
In celebration of our 1st year anniversary since NCFA Canada was founded last October 2012, NCFA Canada has been inspired to launch an exciting crowdsourced and crowdfunded book project at its anniversary party. In collaboration with Indie Ink Publishing, How Crowdfunding is Transforming Canada: Stories from the Edge celebrates all things crowdfunding by sourcing real-life stories from the crowd to "take the conversation to the next level".

The crowdfunding movement is inspiring a new generation of thinking and collaborating to develop a network and shared values to catalyze self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship and solve the world's smallest or greatest problems. This book and anniversary event is NCFA Canada's chance to say 'thank you' to its board, advisors, sponsors, partners, 'friendlies' and members, as it drives forward collectively with its vision to build Canada's crowdfunding industry.t

Crowdsourced Stories from the Edge: Participate and listen to inspiring stories of how crowdfunding is driving innovation, job creation and at the hub of social and economic change at a grass roots level across Canada. This is a unique opportunity for participants to share their crowdfunding story and help shape Canadian crowdfunding history by propelling the industry forward. Hear first-hand experience from successful and unsuccessful crowdfunding insiders, experts and peers, and learn from insightful campaigns that took a life and shape of their own.

Crowdfunding Pitches for NCFA Promotional Package and Potential TV Spot: Crowdfunding campaigns are much like elevator pitches. NCFA Canada is facilitating this pitch style competition for crowdfunders to pitch their idea to the crowd who will vote on the top business, product idea, or project. Two winning pitches will receive an NCFA marketing package consisting of campaign support and promotion. In addition, these pitches will be presented to a national television producer for show consideration and that means you could be on the air! This is for crowdfunders that are planning to launch a campaign in the near future or are mid-campaign.

When: Thursday, October 10, 2013, 6:00PM to 9:00PM (EST)

Where: Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2R4 (map)

Tickets: Campaign Pitchers and Students ($10), Members - Early Bird ($15), Members - Crowd Building ($20), Non-Members ($30) (Register now)

Registration: Contact Craig Asano for special media passes casano@ncfacanada.org or call 416-618-0254

Event Page: https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8453429435

Event Sponsors: Host - NCFA Canada, Venue - CSI Catalyst, F&B - Mill Street Brewery

About the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada

The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a newly formed cross-Canada non-profit with the mandate to be inclusive in providing education, advocacy and awareness in the emerging crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at a grass-roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Members are industry stakeholders (portals, experts, service providers, and enablers), small businesses and entrepreneurs using crowdfunding to fund their initiatives, and investors seeking to learn more and connect with a dynamic and growing crowd. For more information please visit ncfacanada.org.

For further information:

Media Contact
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org

The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.

October 1, 2013 Fintech and Networking Events, NCFA Supported Events, Stories No comments

Special Event Toronto (Oct 10, 2013): How Crowdfunding is Transforming Canada: Stories from the Edge

NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | October 1, 2013

EVENT SPONSORS

Host: NCFA Canada

Venue: CSI Catalyst

Beverage: Mill Street Brewery

CROWDSOURCED EVENT OVERVIEW

Date: Thursday, October 10, 2013

Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm (EST)

Where: Centre of Social Innovation (CSI) - SPADINA (map)

Register for this event now

Join NCFA Canada in Celebrating Our First Anniversary Party!

In early October of 2012, NCFA Canada launched with the objective to advance crowdfunding movement in Canada focusing on education, advocacy and providing networking opportunities for members. Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to advance the industry, share quality information, provide a leading voice and connect with crowdfunding hubs, leaders, government, academia and stakeholders across the country.

We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve received towards our cause and the potential ‘power of the crowd’. The crowdfunding movement is inspiring a new generation of thinking and people who are collaborating to develop an ecosystem, network and shared values to mobilize self-sufficiency, catalyze entrepreneurship and solve the world’s smallest or greatest problems. Please join us and help us celebrate our first anniversary party in style.

It's our chance to say 'thank you' to our board, advisors, sponsors, partners, 'friendlies' and members, as we drive forward collectively with our vision to build Canada's crowdfunding industry.

NCFA Launches Innovative Book Project -100% Crowdsourced and Crowdfunded!

In celebration of our 1st year anniversary and all things crowdfunding, NCFA Canada has been inspired to launch an exciting crowdsourced and crowdfunded book project in collaboration with Indie Ink Publishing to “take the conversation to the next level” and illustrate to the masses how crowdfunding is transforming this great country, one story at a time.

This is a unique opportunity for you to share your crowdfunding story and help shape Canadian crowdfunding history and propel the industry forward. The book's contents will be written and funded entirely by the crowd. (more details to come...)

This is a Crowdsourced Event: Tell Your Crowdfunding Story at this Social Networking Event!

This is a dynamic and interactive Crowdsourced Event for NCFA advisors, members, partners, supporters, crowdunders, experts, innovators, makers, and project backers/investors. We invite you to celebrate our journey with us and share your story with our growing NCFA Canada Crowd (#NCFACrowd)! We'll make sure it gets across the country 🙂

Share your story and get in NCFA's video: We're looking to capture some really cool live video at this event that will be used for NCFA Canada's crowdfunding book launch campaign page.

Note: Get your best story telling vocals out! In line with our crowdsourced principles, we'll have the crowd vote on the BEST STORY and INSPIRATION of the night (for a prize)!

Ticket Types

Member - Student with ID ($10)

Member - Early Brid ($15)

Member - Crowd Building ($20)

Member - Join the Crowd ($25)

Non-Member ($30)

*Limited number of tickets for this special social networking event! All ticket types include delicious food and at least one drink.

EVENT DETAILS

Agenda

6:00 – 6:30 Networking the Crowd

6:30 - 6:45 Welcome Introduction

Hosts: NCFA Canada Team

Session 1: Crowdsourced: Stories from the Edge

6:45 – 7:30 Crowdsourced stories from the edge

Inspiring stories of how Crowdfunding is driving innovation, job creation and at the hub of social and economic change at a grass roots level across Canada. Learn first-hand experience from successful and unsuccessful crowdfunding insiders, experts and peers. Uncover the secrets to not only taking that first crucial step to launching your own campaign but listen to insightful stories that took a life and shape of their own.

Networking Break

7:00 – 7:30 Networking Break

Session 2: Crowdsourced: Crowdfunding on CTVs The Social (pitches from the crowd)

7:30 – 8:15 Are you launching a Canadian crowdfunding campaign in the near future? If so, CTV’s new national daytime talk show, The Social wants you (view)! The Social is looking for bright, energetic individuals who could sell a ketchup popsicle to someone in white gloves. J Get immediate national television and social media exposure for your campaign and a potential endorsement from the four spectacular hosts. Practice 'your pitch' (5mins max per presenter) and bring along your prototype for 'show and tell' visuals. The Crowd will vote on the top business or product idea. The winning pitches will be presented to CTV for final selection and that means you could be on the air. This is only for crowdfunders planning to launch a campaign in the near term or for mid-campaigners.

Networking Party

8:15 – 9:00 Celebrate NCFA Canada’s 1^st Year Anniversary!

9:00 – late After party (up to the ‘Crowd’)

--> SEE YOU THERE <--

* LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE for this Special NCFA Canada Event

Register for this event now

The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.

September 27, 2013 Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, Small Businesses, Fintech and Networking Events, Fintech Opinions, Innovation and Resources No comments

Crowdfunding – Bridging the rural/urban economic divide

Legend Marketing | By Jeremy Bernard (Guest Post from rural Canmore, Alberta) | September 27, 2013

On Tuesday I was given the opportunity to do a one hour workshop for Canmore businesses. My theme was “Crowdfunding - A new approach to funding projects, passions and businesses”. This turned out to be a hot topic, and the event sold out quickly.

This got me thinking about what was driving the level of interest. If you are lucky enough to live in Canmore, you know that this is an energetic town with a real entrepreneurial spirit. From amazing artists and craftspeople to tech gurus, this place is full of talented, driven people. There are some great local business success stories like Buff Canada (Don’t know what a Buff is? Just buy one. Seriously.) and cool tech companies, with potential for more. However, sometimes a business needs cash to get started or to take advantage of a new opportunity. Unfortunately, it has become difficult to raise risk capital anywhere in Canada and this is particularly true in small towns and rural areas. Even though Canmore is just one hour from Calgary, entrepreneurs here don’t have the same access to private investors, angel networks, venture capitalists and business accelerators. It’s hard enough to raise capital in urban centres, much less small-town Alberta.

And that’s where crowdfunding comes in. If you have a great idea and can tell your story effectively, it doesn’t matter if you live in Toronto, Silicon Valley or Medecine Hat; you’ve got a shot at success. With crowdfunding, you don’t need to land that one big investor. You can raise a significant amount of money through small investments from a large number of supporters. Through social media networking, you can reach potential backers across the country and around the world.

We are already seeing local success stories. Check out Pub Pedals from here in Canmore, now shipping an awesome product to more than 30 countries after raising $8000 and a legion of fans via an Indiegogo campaign.

I believe that as sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter become household brands and provinces begin allowing equity crowdfunding (the US is doing it – let’s go Canada!), we will see crowdfunding become an enabler for rural economic diversification and growth. Don’t get me wrong – geography still matters. When Pebble raised $10,000,000 on Kickstarter to build a smart watch, it probably didn’t hurt that they were based in Silicon Valley. Your personal network and local support counts, even with the global reach of crowdfunding platforms and social media channels. However, by putting together a great campaign you can grow an audience of supporters from anywhere you park your laptop. Don’t let your location be a barrier to taking on the world.

Related: Canadian Crowdfunding Directory

10 tips for crowdfunding success:

Define your project. Be specific. People need to know what you want to do and what they are supporting.
Make a personal connection. You’re not just selling a project or business idea, you are selling your story.
Make a compelling video. It doesn’t have to be professional, but put some thought into it. Get across the key elements of your campaign – what, why, how much, when and why you. Talk about your rewards. If you don’t make a video, your chance of success will drop massively.
Prime the pump. Reach out to your personal network first. Get to 20% of target ASAP.
Get social. A strong social media presence helps you to reach beyond your personal network. Twitter and Facebook are key promotional tools in most crowdfunding platforms, and don’t forget LinkedIn.

Continue to the full article --> here

The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.

September 22, 2013 Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, Small Businesses, Fintech and Networking Events, Innovation and Resources 2 Comments

Toronto Mini Maker Faire, featuring robots and 3D printing, a family affair

The Toronto Star | By: Kim Nursall Staff Reporter, Published on Sat Sep 21 2013

Michael Schwanzer stands eagerly beside his antique typewriter, loading a new page into the machine.

The 27-year-old is dressed to match the 100-year-old keyboard, his brown hair peaking out from underneath a dark-coloured flat cap, made upscale by his charcoal bow tie.

The old-fashioned pair are all the more fascinating because of what happens next: the typewriter whirs into action, plunking letters onto the paper seemingly by itself.

“Tweet Printing Typewriter” a nearby sign reads, underneath “Toronto Mini Maker Faire,” Toronto’s first-ever Maker Faire, taking place Saturday and Sunday at Wychwood Barns.

Schwanzer has repurposed the typewriter to automatically type tweets sent using the Faire’s hashtag, #mmfto.

Schwanzer said the project unites “the online world with the offline world,” and it’s just one of many fascinating technological creations on display this weekend.

Hundreds of people crowded inside the Wychwood community centre, clamouring to get the chance to print using the inevitably popular chocolate 3D printer, one of dozens of 3D printers at the event, or learn how to solder or even pick locks.

Advertised as the “Greatest Show and Tell on Earth,” a Maker Faire like Toronto’s stems from the so-called Maker movement, which prides itself on bringing the ability to make “things” — especially advanced things like electronics — to the masses.

Maker Faires have been held around the world, including San Francisco.

The Faire is “where people show what they are making, share what they are learning, and come play with robots, 3D printing, laser cutting and more,” reads the Toronto event’s website.

Related: Canadian Crowdfunding meets Overseas Accelerator for Hardware Product Success

Saturday was largely a family affair, as kids scuttled from table to table, begging their parents for the Faire’s main food draw: ice cream made with liquid nitrogen.

Many spent the day at the “toy hacking” tables, where kids can take apart old toys using screwdrivers, hacksaws, drills and so on — safety was assured — and then glue, duct tape and sew new creations together, reminiscent of Sid’s reconstructions in Toy Story 2.

Continue to the full article --> here

September 16, 2013 Fintech and Networking Events, NCFA Supported Events No comments

Wrap-up: Event Toronto (Sept 5, 2013): Crowdfunding for Beginners

NCFA Canada | Posted on Sept 16, 2013

On September 5, 2013, NCFA Canada presented at another well attended Crowdfunding event in the Auditorium of the North York Public Library titled "Crowdfunding for Beginners", as part of the small business series of 2013.

Between 60-70 small businesses, creatives, makers and innovators attended the event to learn how crowdfunding markets in Canada are emerging and how they are helping thousands of small businesses to raise capital for product research and development and launch funding to help get their companies off the ground while tapping into the 'power of the crowd' at the same time.

Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of NCFA Canada presented first by providing an excellent Crowdfunding 101 overview at an industry level. He talked about the key industry drivers, benefits, challenges and trends of global and Canadian crowdfunding markets, and also touched upon regulations while challenging the audience to think out of the box.

Next, James Cooper, film director, author of www.kickstarterforfilmmakers.com, and newly appointed NCFA Canada Ambassador delivered a lively and engaging talk on everything you need to know about planning to launch your own crowdfunding campaign.

NCFA Canada would like to thank our wonderful host, Ashley Marissa Spencer, Library Assistant - Business Development at the North York Central Library for organizing this successful event.

Related: Register for the next up-and-coming event: Sept 19th hosted by TechCONNEX from 8:00am - 10:30am

The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.

September 16, 2013 Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, Small Businesses, Fintech and Networking Events, Fundraising, Investing, Trading, NCFA Supported Events, Stories No comments

Event Screening (Oct 8, 2013): Crowdfunding film DAY JOB DOC Toronto Premiere

Dayjobdoc.com via Fidelity Format | Murray McKercher | Posted on Sep 16, 2013

THE FILM

Day Job Doc is a film that follows the gruelling process of three start-up companies in Toronto’s Extreme Startups Accelerator. The film explores the real life stories of these entrepreneurs as they build their idea into a startup company – each facing their own set of unique challenges over the intense 12-week program.

In the heart of Toronto where many start-ups are born, Jeremy Potvin, (CEO of Shifthub), Jayesh Parmar (CEO of Picatic), and Nima Garidideh (CTO of Venio) reveal their stories of hardships, sacrifice, and perseverance as they realize that chasing their dream requires a 24/7 commitment. Located in the heart of Downtown Toronto, we are excited to host the TORONTO PREMIERE screening of Day Job Doc at the TIFF Bell Light Box.

Join us for a fun-filled evening of entertainment and popcorn, with the city’s most talented and aspiring individuals who are passionate about chasing their dreams. Do you have what it takes to make this 24/7 commitment to building an idea?

Related: NCFA Canada Hangout: Crowdfunding and Films (featuring David Chan, Director, Dayjobdoc)

WHY?

Behind every great product or service are individuals with big aspirations and the courage to see them through. We’ve created this film to share their inspiring stories and reveal the [unglamorous] truth – hardships, sacrifice, and perseverance – behind this demanding journey. We are optimistic that in our fast-paced, attention starved world, where we have become obsessed with ‘the end result’, that we have not forgotten the most important part of creation: the process itself. Our hope is that we inspire people to chase their own dreams, no matter how difficult or daunting the journey seems.