Why we use Crowdfunding for our Small Business

In today's dynamic business landscape, innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve. Small businesses often possess groundbreaking ideas but may face financial constraints that hinder their growth. This is where crowdfunding steps in as a game-changer, providing small businesses with the funds, validation, and exposure they need to thrive.

Why Crowdfunding Matters

1. Raising Funds to Bring Ideas to Life

Small businesses often struggle to secure the capital necessary to turn their innovative ideas into reality. Traditional avenues like bank loans can be challenging to access, especially for startups. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo bridge this gap by enabling entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to a global audience. Backers contribute funds in exchange for early access or unique rewards, allowing small businesses to secure the financial backing they need.

2. Validation and Audience Sizing

Crowdfunding campaigns serve as a litmus test for your business concept. When backers invest in your idea, they are essentially casting a vote of confidence. Successful crowdfunding campaigns provide valuable validation, demonstrating that your idea resonates with a community of potential customers. Moreover, as backers come from diverse backgrounds, you gain insights into your target market's size and preferences.

3. Market Insights and Awareness

Crowdfunding offers more than just financial support. It's a platform to engage with your audience, gather feedback, and fine-tune your offering based on real-world input. By actively participating in the campaign, backers become emotionally invested in your journey, transforming them into loyal customers once your product or service launches. Additionally, crowdfunding generates buzz and awareness around your brand, amplifying your reach beyond traditional marketing channels.

A Success Story: 19 Bottle Backpack by SUS

Oneexample is the "19 Bottle Backpack by SUS" campaign that we just launched. In just 30 minutes, we reached our funding goal and we are now working towards our stretch goal of $5,000. This story shows how crowdfunding can help catapult a small business to new heights. You can check out our campaign here.

The Future of Small, Sustainable Businesses

As a small business owner, the challenges of gaining exposure and securing funding are all too familiar. Crowdfunding, however, has the power to transform these hurdles into stepping stones. It's not just about raising money; it's about building a community of supporters who believe in your vision.

Crowdfunding is a catalyst that can allow small businesses like SUS to make a big impact. It's a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and the support of a global audience. If you're seeking funds, validation, and a platform to grow your sustainable small business, consider crowdfunding as a viable option. It worked for our business SUS, and it could work for others too.

Innovation drives progress, crowdfunding is a great option that can propel small businesses forward. Entrepreneurs have harnessed the power of crowdfunding to turn their dreams into reality.

Remember, when it comes to small businesses with big ideas, crowdfunding can help to open up opportunities that wouldn’t be affordable or possible.

Conclusion

Crowdfunding isn't just about raising funds; it's about realizing dreams and connecting with a supportive community. The global crowdfunding market's growth, success stories like SUS, and the benefits it offers to small, sustainable businesses make it a compelling option. By harnessing the power of crowdfunding, small businesses can flourish, innovate, and change the world, one idea at a time. 

You can check out our campaignhere.

Recycling in the United States: Sustainable Backpacks Leading the Way

Introduction:

Finding innovative ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability has become paramount. One solution lies in recycling, a practice that offers tremendous benefits for the planet but needs many people to . In this blog post, we'll explore the environmental impact of recycling, zoom in on the advantages of using backpacks made from recycled materials, and discover how SUS is making a difference by weaving sustainability into their products.

Check out our crowdfunding project to see how we are continuing to provide sustainable solutions:  www.susmade.com/crowdfunding 

The Environmental Impact of Recycling:

Reusing holds the key to curbing the mounting waste crisis that plagues our planet. By diverting materials from landfills and incineration, recycling, reusing, and repairing helps conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate environmental pollution. Embracing a circular economy can be a game-changer, and it all starts with a simple yet powerful concept: turning waste into valuable resources.

The Benefits of Backpacks Made from Recycled Materials:

When it comes to sustainable practices, even the smallest choices can have a significant impact. Consider your trusty backpack, an essential companion on various adventures. Opting for a backpack made from recycled materials can make a world of difference. These eco-friendly backpacks not only boast impressive durability but also serve as a beacon of sustainability.

One of the most compelling aspects of these backpacks is their longevity. Unlike cheap single-use material backpacks, a well-crafted recycled backpack should last for 5+ years or even longer.(In my opinion) The NY Times says “A good school backpack should be durable enough to survive the wear and tear of at least four years of education, as well as weekend getaways and trips back home.” 

Refer to our lifetime warranty for our bags and backpacks: www.susmade.com/warranty 

 By choosing one of these sustainable companions, environmentally-conscious consumers can actively contribute to reducing the volume of single-use plastic waste that often litters our communities, clogs waterways, and harms marine life.

Moreover, the manufacturing of recycled backpacks consumes fewer resources compared to traditional backpack production. Using recycled materials requires less raw materials, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. As more individuals opt for recycled backpacks, the cumulative effect on waste reduction and energy conservation becomes truly noteworthy.

Conclusion:

Together, we can create a world where waste is minimized, and sustainability reigns supreme.  Fully recycling, reusing and repairing materials have emerged as cornerstones of environmental conservation in the United States. As we strive to make a positive impact on our planet, let us remember that even the smallest choices, like opting for a backpack made from recycled materials, can lead to transformative change. 

Trash all around us.. Trash in space

WE as people on this planet are running out of places to put our waste. In the articles below there are several examples of that coming to the forefront as a problem in our civilization. Reasons why we see trash in waterways and expanding landfills.

Speaking of all places we put our trash into space via a rocket if you want to check out this article(s).

https://www.newsweek.com/iss-waste-disposal-new-method-1723390#:~:text=A%20new%20space%20waste%20disposal,clothing%20and%20used%20office%20supplies.

https://www.space.com/trash-bag-jettisoned-space-station-nanoracks

Another example with NYC while I love the city we all know that trash is on every street. Increasing the size of the bins is necessary in my view but it exemplifies the challenges that we have with the amount of waste created.

https://gothamist.com/news/as-giant-trash-bins-come-to-nyc-will-the-citys-garbage-heaps-become-a-thing-of-the-past

Countries Restrict Plastic

In May 2019, 187 counties (Not the US) agreed to control the movement of plastics.

This is a common a occurrence with countries like the United States because we don’t have a comprehensive way to recycle these materials.

In order to remove the materials the United States had been shipping them to China before they began to stop taking it from America which led to shipping it to Malaysia.

If you’re interested in the article use the link below..

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/11/world/basel-convention-plastic-waste-trade-intl/index.html

NYC Banning Plastic Bags

Great News out of New York City where they have taken steps to remove plastics bags which will end up reducing a significant amount of waste!

New Yorkers currently use 23 billion plastic bags each year which find there way to landfills, rivers and oceans.

As a company we want to make it easier for you to find other solutions in bags instead of single use plastics like the images above.

If you’re interested in the article use the link below..

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/28/nyregion/new-york-state-ban-plastic-bags.html