Local Investing Opportunity Network Invest in Your Community

Author

Reads 2.8K

To Invest or to Sell Question on Tablet Touchscreen
Credit: pexels.com, To Invest or to Sell Question on Tablet Touchscreen

Local Investing Opportunity Network allows you to invest in local businesses, creating a more resilient and vibrant community.

By investing locally, you're not only supporting your neighbors, but also contributing to the overall economic growth of your area.

Local Investing Opportunity Network connects you with local businesses, providing a platform for investment and community engagement.

This network enables you to invest in businesses that align with your values and goals, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.

Take a look at this: Local Gofundme

What is Local Investing?

Local investing is a way to put your money into local businesses, projects, and initiatives, creating a more self-sufficient community.

This approach allows you to invest in the places you care about, supporting local economic growth and development.

By investing locally, you can help create jobs, stimulate innovation, and preserve community character.

Local investing can take many forms, such as lending to small businesses, investing in community land trusts, or participating in local crowdfunding campaigns.

Credit: youtube.com, LION: Local Investment Opportunity Network

For example, a community land trust can be used to preserve affordable housing, community gardens, or other essential community assets.

This type of investment can also provide a regular income stream through interest payments or rental income.

Local investing can be a more personal and fulfilling experience compared to traditional investing, as you get to see the direct impact of your investment on the community.

By investing in your local community, you're not only supporting local businesses but also contributing to the overall well-being of your neighbors and the environment.

Benefits and Evaluation

The Local Investing Opportunity Network offers a range of benefits to its members, including the ability to invest in local businesses and projects, potentially earning a higher return on investment compared to traditional financial institutions.

By investing in local businesses, members can contribute to the growth and development of their community, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity. This can have a positive impact on the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents.

Members can choose from a variety of investment options, including loans, equity investments, and social impact investments, allowing them to tailor their investment strategy to their individual goals and risk tolerance.

Broaden your view: Aiib Members

Pros

Credit: youtube.com, The benefits of evaluation

Local investing can be a great way to support your community and earn a return on your investment.

One of the key benefits is the level of familiarity and knowledge that comes with a local investment, providing investors with greater insight into the business.

Interest rates on loans can be higher due to the higher risk premium, but this can also be a good thing for local businesses that might not qualify for traditional funding.

The rewards of local investing go beyond financial returns, as investors support their local economy and increase the local quality of life.

Here are some of the specific benefits of local investing:

  • The level of familiarity and knowledge that comes with a local investment can provide investors with greater insight into the business.
  • Interest rates on loans generally reflect the higher risk premium.
  • Dividends and repayment may also take the form of in-kind payment.
  • The rewards are more than financial; by investing in a local enterprise, residents support their local economy and increase the local quality of life.

Program Evaluation

In the pilot project, two investments were made in Chewelah, one in a restaurant for marketing purposes and the other in a local brewpub for capital and equipment.

The pilot project in Sequim saw over 14 new investor additions, with potential investments in local agriculture businesses.

Davenport's small population size made it challenging to secure the necessary investors and deal flow to make the project successful.

Additional reading: Project Finance Model

Finding Investment Opportunities

Credit: youtube.com, Local Investing Made Easy

Local investing allows you to invest in businesses and projects in your own community, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth.

In the Local Investing Opportunity Network, you can find investment opportunities in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. This network connects investors with local businesses, making it easier to find and invest in projects that align with your values and goals.

Investing in local businesses can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and reduce your reliance on traditional financial institutions. By investing in local businesses, you can also help create jobs and stimulate economic growth in your community.

Some local businesses may offer investment opportunities through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, which allow investors to purchase shares in a farm or agricultural project. This model provides a steady income stream for farmers and a way for investors to support local food production.

You can also find investment opportunities in local businesses through crowdfunding platforms, which allow multiple investors to contribute to a project or business. This model has been successful in funding a variety of local projects, including renewable energy and community development initiatives.

Investing in local businesses can also provide a sense of community and social responsibility, as you're directly supporting businesses and projects that benefit your community. This can be a rewarding experience, especially when you see the positive impact of your investment on the local economy.

See what others are reading: Impact Investing Opportunities

How it Works

Credit: youtube.com, LION Local Business Opportunity Network

The Local Investing Opportunity Network (LION) is a unique way for local businesses to get the funding they need. It's a network that connects local investors with local business owners who need capital.

To become a part of LION, a business applies through a standard application process. The designated LION contact then directs the application and funding opportunity to relevant investors in the network. Interested investors contact the business directly and vet out the opportunity.

The process is straightforward and efficient, with four main steps: application, referral, vetting, and negotiation. This allows local businesses to connect with investors who are invested in their community, and see where their money is going.

Consider reading: Wealthfront Funding

History

The Local Investing Opportunity Network has its roots in the Transition Towns movement, with the first network forming in Port Townsend, Washington. This pioneering effort paved the way for similar initiatives in other areas.

In New York, a Local Investing Opportunity Network was launched, demonstrating the movement's growing presence in urban centers. The network's success in New York City and surrounding areas has been notable.

Credit: youtube.com, How We Went From Living In Caves... To Living In "Assets"

The Transition Towns movement has also taken hold in Portland, Oregon, where a Local Investing Opportunity Network was established. This network has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community among local investors.

In Humboldt County, California, a Local Investing Opportunity Network was formed, showcasing the movement's reach into rural areas. The network's impact in Humboldt County has been significant, with many local businesses benefiting from its support.

The Local Investing Opportunity Network has also been launched in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and Columbia County, New York, further expanding its presence in the United States.

How It Works

To connect with investors through LION, you'll go through four straightforward steps. The process starts with a business applying to the LION network through a standard application process.

The designated LION contact will then direct the application and funding opportunity to relevant investors in the network. This helps ensure that your business gets in front of the right people.

Detailed shot of a financial mind map with handwritten text on paper.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed shot of a financial mind map with handwritten text on paper.

Next, interested investors will contact the business directly to vet out the opportunity and determine if it's a good fit. This is a great chance for you to showcase your business and its potential.

Finally, the deal is negotiated, and if everything works out, the deal is funded. It's a simple yet effective way to bring businesses and investors together.

The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund is a catalyst that leverages financial, human, and civic resources to enable traditionally underserved people to participate more fully in New Hampshire's economy.

The Community Loan Fund has a goal to finance $2.5M of nontraditional ventures in 2019, with a focus on solar projects that can significantly lower electric bills for low-income residents.

NST's Community Impact Group allows local investors to own community solar projects, expanding participation to low-income residents, small non-profits, and start-up businesses.

The Group will link mission-minded investors with high-impact projects that generate broad benefits to the community, such as economic development and greenhouse gas reduction.

Take a look at this: Closed End Equity Loan

Credit: youtube.com, Local Investing Opportunities

The White River Investment Club (WRIC) is a group of local residents dedicated to creating a better future through local investing, established in 2015.

The Vermont Community Loan Fund provides loans and other resources to local businesses, community organizations & nonprofits, early care & learning providers, and developers of affordable housing who don't qualify for a traditional lender.

Angel Bruen

Copy Editor

Angel Bruen is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision. Her expertise spans a variety of sectors, including finance and insurance, where she has honed her skills in crafting clear and concise content. Specializing in articles about Insurance Companies of Hong Kong and Financial Services Companies Established in 2013, Angel ensures that each piece she edits is not only accurate but also engaging for the reader.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.