Economy

Crowdfunding for businesses in J&K

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Altaf Hussain Haji

The UT of Jammu and Kashmir has unique features and a strategic location that tells a story of various sectors for employment, development and wellbeing. The manufacturing and services sectors of Jammu and Kashmir suffered a lot due to a number of reasons in the last two decades and affected employment, development and wellbeing. As per current reports of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the government of India, unemployment increased and overall less development happened in Jammu and Kashmir.  At this movement, the government and other institutions need to think of an integrated approach in order to tackle the serious problems of unemployment, derailment from development and little attention towards various indicators of SDGs. The initiatives of the government must be speedy attention for trying to reduce unemployment through sustainable manufacturing and services sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.

The government is trying hard to create a secure environment for improving the manufacturing and services sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.  The current pandemic and instability derailed the institutions of government and non-government sectors and created a lot of problems of unemployment particularly in the service sector in Jammu and Kashmir in the last few years. There are only better hopes of employment in the service sector in Jammu and Kashmir due to the vast avenues of the tourism sector.  Further, a large number of small entrepreneurs and enterprises of manufacturing and services sectors in Jammu and Kashmir did not sustain due to the financing through various sources.

The lack of financing is the only reasons here behind the manufacturing and services sectors for their sustainability establishment in Jammu and Kashmir in the present scenario. It is to state here that state finance should also receive proper attention in order to ensure better fiscal and financial management for such small entrepreneurs and enterprises which played an important role in the business venture or economy of Jammu and Kashmir. A sound policy should be devised to exploit the potential in the sectors of strength. In a nutshell, sound policy and good governance can lead the UT of Jammu and Kashmir to a faster development path.

Also, efforts are needed for the development of infrastructure, generation of employment and alleviation of poverty to bring about the desired socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.  There is also an urgent need to undertake an impact assessment study of the schemes implemented by the government on the socio-economic conditions of the people, particularly those belonging to the economy of various sectors.  On the other side crowdfunding, a new concept developed for new business ventures can be useful at this moment in Jammu and Kashmir

The concept of crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular way for individuals and businesses alike to raise much-needed capital for self-interest and employment generation for others. The financially sound persons may help to promote the business and generate employment for others.

There are different types of crowdfunding such as donation-based, reward-based, equity-based, debt-based and real estate-based crowdfunding. Donation-based crowdfunding is simply asking for a small donation from a large number of people to raise money for personal needs as well as community-based projects like raising money to cover medical expenses or an unexpected financial crisis or raising funds for local projects like a community garden or new park.  Reward-based crowdfunding is another common type of crowdfunding, typically used to raise funds for a new startup or organization. In equity-based crowdfunding, it is the best for small to medium-sized companies that are seeking a large amount of capital to launch or grow their business.

Debt-based crowdfunding is a fast and easy way for both individuals and businesses to raise the money they need. Debt-based crowdfunding works by collecting donations with the promise to pay them back at a later date and real estate crowdfunding is becoming more popular for investors recently who want to put their money in real estate, without the hassle of getting a traditional loan or the obligation of owning all of a single property.  Typically, an individual or a real estate company will collect funds from investors to pay for a large property, like an apartment building.

The financially sound persons of Jammu and Kashmir may help to use the concept of crowdfunding such as reward-based crowdfunding, equity-based crowdfunding, and debt-based crowdfunding for a new or existing business venture, employment generation and development of the economy of the UT.   One of the reasons that manufacturing or others sectors do not grow in Jammu and Kashmir is the lack of awareness of the concept of crowdfunding among business venture culture.

It is true that the rich people of Jammu and Kashmir did not donate to business ventures for self-benefits and help others. The financially sound persons in Jammu and Kashmir mostly keep their wealth held with themselves and do not think of using excess money as crowdfunding to benefit the future generation.  A successful crowdfunding round will give a startup more leverage to come up with better terms and conditions.  As crowdfunding becomes more popular and there is a growth of the number of platforms facilitating transactions, it is extremely important for the right ingredients needed to attract the maximum number of investors.

It is suggested to consider some important facts before crowdfunding for a startup project or new business venture.

Crowdfunding strategies

Strategic Use of Social Media:  It is a good idea to have a wide reach as possible through various modes of publicity including social media. This means picking the right networks to complement marketing and content strategy and ensuring that the right supporters are targeted.

Make and Use Video Clips:  The attractive professional video clips made properly can help potential donors to get a better idea of what is being pitched. A product or service can be seen in action rather than through a series of stills or a wordy brief.

Wait for the Right Time to Ask for Money: With the right enthusiasm and the story of the project presented, people will want to add support naturally. Make sure the backers know what they are supporting and what they can expect in return. Backers should be allowed to invest as little or as much as they want.

Build Interest: Before and during the campaign, it is necessary to generate interest in the business. A pre-existing fan base can help a campaign achieve a strong start. A blog, a documentary, or a social media presence can help generate this interest. The sharing ideas of project/business venture and get feedback and expert guidance on how to improve during crowdfunding.   The number of investors who can track the progress also may help you to promote your brand through their networks and become the most loyal customers through the financing process.

With interaction during conducting annual surveys of industries of National Statistical Office (NSO), Field Operations Division, some entrepreneurs and owners of enterprise of the manufacturing sector in Srinagar, there is a lot of requirements of crowdfunding at this movement in Jammu and Kashmir for the sustainable establishment, economic development and wellbeing of the society. The Good Samaritans of Jammu and Kashmir who are financially sound should come forward for help through crowdfunding particularly reward-based crowdfunding, equity-based crowdfunding and debt-based crowdfunding to save the economy and improve the wellbeing of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The new way happens only if the trust will be built among investors and loyal customers during crowdfunding.  Only Trust makes this concept in successes for the development and wellbeing of the people. At last, it is to say that crowdfunding must be appreciated for startups of new initiatives and ideas. The government should also recognize such initiatives and ideas for the betterment of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Altaf Hussain Haji, ISS, is Deputy Director General National Statistical Office, Shimla. He can be contacted at altafhh@rediffmail.com

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