East Jefferson County, Washington s LOCAL lending and investing alternative ~~~ Dedicated to keeping our community economically vibrant
What is LION? A network of East Jefferson County residents who want to invest their money locally A network that helps members become aware of investing opportunities in our community A project inspired by our local sustainability group, Local 20/20, and based on a tradition of local investing LION is not a pooled investment or loan fund LION does not make collective investment decisions or give advice to investors or businesses
A Profile of Local Investing as of January 2012 $2.7 million invested locally since 2006 by our 54 members $2,500 - $200,000 Range of local investment amounts 37 small business benefitted 80% through loans, 20% through equity offerings 6 real estate investments, 2 Lines of Credit to Non-profits 47% of all investments completed by single investors 53% by multiple investors 5.3% - average interest rate for loans 4.6 years - the average duration of loans
Why are we doing this? Create opportunities for local individuals, businesses, and local investors to network 1) Help build prosperous local businesses 2) Keep investing money in our community 3) Build a more resilient and sustainable LOCAL economy 4) Strengthen community
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whjmrv8q_lc
Our Members Local Investments
Finnriver Farm & Cidery Local leader in sustainable organic farming & artisan cidery www.finnriver.com
Mt. Townsend Creamery Locally made, award winning artisan cheeses www.mttownsendcreamery.com
Sweet Laurette s Café & Bistro Serving Breakfast & Lunch Catering and Special Events www.sweetlaurette.com
The Upstage Popular Downtown restaurant and live entertainment venue
Secret Garden Cottages Uptown cottage housing by a local architect & homebuilder
The Broken Spoke Full-service, retail and rental Bicycle Shop www.thebrokenspokept.blogspot.com
Pindell Engineering LLC A leader in developing reusable products and systems for water adsorption technology www.h2out.com
www.hoperoofing.com
www.rosetheatre.com/starlight-room
An evolving process How it worked 2008 1 st Qtr 2014 New investor members sign a Membership Agreement Provides confidentiality, conflict resolution, and a disclaimer of legal liability for LION Businesses submit opportunities to LION and designate which members will receive them via e-mail Members contact the applicant directly if they are interested in investing Terms are negotiated directly between individual investors and businesses, not by LION We generally meet once a quarter and hold annual community outreach events
An evolving process How it will work moving forward New investor members sign a Membership Agreement Provides confidentiality, conflict resolution, and a disclaimer of legal liability for LION Business owners submit opportunities to LION Businesses are invited to an Entrepreneur Showcase to present themselves and their business concept without going into financials Members contact the business directly if they are interested in learning more about the business Business plans and financials will be shared if there is mutual interest Terms are negotiated directly between investors and businesses, not by LION
The Local Investing Ecosystem Sharing Information & Knowing Each Other s Missions Small Business Development Center Economic Development Council Investing Opportunities: Small Business, Real Estate, Non-Profits Network of Local Investors Local Banks Local Business & Civic Groups College & University
Start a local investing group in your community Begin with a core group of motivated investors who are committed to expanding their local investing Local Investing Kits available on our website Template forms and agreements Recruit members through advertised presentations or presentations to community groups Educate your local small business center, community college, banks and EDC about your group s mission
Entrepreneur Showcase How To Assemble an organizing team Event logistics, presentations & promotion Decide who & how to invite and how to cover costs Public meeting or by invitation Tickets, donations, sponsors, etc. Select 3-8 local entrepreneurs Help them prepare great presentations Personal background and/or business story Samples or product hands-on are popular Financials are NOT covered r
Entrepreneur Showcase How To (cont.) Book an inspiring venue and promote as needed Encourage lots of mingling before and after presentations food & beverages help Facilitate exchange of contact information Interested attendees contact individual entrepreneurs for follow-up meetings Foster relationships and trust Private investment discussions may follow
More on Local Investing LION gets covered!
For further information Local Investing Opportunity Network www.l2020.org/lion Reflects original process until late spring The Local Investing Resource Center www.local-investing.com Sign-up to receive launch announcement scheduled for this summer Detailed guide guides on launching clubs & networks, Entrepreneur Showcases, due diligence, raising money locally and more.