$554,420 Raised Last Week: A Research Analysis of Regulated Impact Crowdfunding and the Community-Driven Ventures Behind It
How Diverse Founders, Community Capital, and Real-World Innovation Fueled This Week’s $554K in Regulated Impact Crowdfunding
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A New Week, A New Wave of Community Capital
Each week, our team analyzes the landscape of Regulated Impact Crowdfunding—a growing sector where everyday investors directly fund mission-driven startups, local small businesses, and community real estate developments under SEC regulations like Reg CF and Reg A+. This past week, four standout campaigns raised a collective $554,420, demonstrating once again that impact-focused ventures continue to attract meaningful capital from retail investors who care about both purpose and potential upside.
Our analysis always includes:
Impact offerings identified using our proprietary screening methodology
Campaigns led by minority founders
Campaigns led by women founders
Campaigns led by LGBTQ+ founders
Deals across multiple security types (equity, convertible notes, debt, SAFEs)
Campaigns with validated traction or community benefit
This week’s funded companies span multiple industries—inclusive real estate redevelopment, natural ready-to-drink cocktails, gluten-free brewing, and sustainable fashion—but they all share one thing: they strengthen communities.
Otherwise Brewing — featured on Superpowers for Good in a recent interview.
Now, let’s dive into the funded offerings that defined this week.
Overview of This Week’s Regulated Impact Crowdfunding Activity
This week’s four funded campaigns collectively raised:
Notable Observations
SMBX continues to shine as a platform for community-rooted small businesses using debt securities.
Women- and minority-led companies are strongly represented in this cohort.
Real estate remains a powerful impact category, especially when tied to community revitalization.
Consumer product ventures—cocktails, apparel, gluten-free beer—also continue to perform well because of their tangibility and brand loyalty.
Understanding How We Identify “Impact Offerings”
Not all Reg CF or Reg A+ campaigns qualify as impact offerings. Our selection criteria include:
1. Social, Environmental, or Community Benefit
Examples:
Revitalizing neighborhoods
Improving access to sustainable products
Supporting local artists or small farmers
Creating inclusive business environments
Advancing public health or nutrition
Reducing environmental impact
2. Founder Diversity
We highlight:
Minority founders
Women founders
LGBTQ+ founders
Immigrant founders
Why? Because funding gaps persist, and Regulated Impact Crowdfunding is proving to be one of the most accessible capital pathways for diverse entrepreneurs.
3. Transparency and Regulatory Compliance
We only review SEC-compliant offerings with clear disclosures.
4. Market Validity or Community Proof
Indicators include:
Revenue traction
Customer adoption
Strong repeat-purchase behavior
Retail partnerships
Contract commitments
Brand loyalty metrics
Community-rooted missions
5. Security Types That Fit Community Investors
We look for structures accessible to retail investors:
Debt (common on SMBX)
Convertible notes
SAFEs (simple agreements for future equity)
Preferred and common equity
This week’s mix gives investors a chance to study how these security types align with their personal preferences.
Deep Dive Into Each Funded Offering
Mount Vernon Plaza — $259,000 Raised
Platform: Small Change
Security: Preferred Equity
Founded by: Lyneir Richardson
What They Do
Mount Vernon Plaza represents a neighborhood revitalization effort led by Chicago TREND Corporation, known for transforming underserved urban retail corridors by acquiring and redeveloping community-focused shopping centers. This project in Columbus, Ohio will benefit local entrepreneurs, create jobs, and bring essential services closer to residents.
Impact Angle
Real estate crowdfunding continues to grow because it connects investors directly to projects that improve communities—not speculative luxury developments, but real local commerce.
Why It Resonated With Investors
Proven track record of neighborhood-centered development
Clear community benefits
Strong, experienced leadership
Accessible preferred equity structure
Mount Vernon Plaza is a great example of how Regulated Impact Crowdfunding bridges the gap between institutional real estate and everyday investors.
Shake Up Cocktails — $123,850 Raised
Platform: Wefunder
Security: Convertible Note
Founded by: Daniel Fahrner, Jamie Fahrner, Nick Traeger
What They Do
Shake Up Cocktails produces natural, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails with clean labels and broad retail distribution. With 24,000 cases already sold, the brand is growing into additional states and reports strong retail adoption.
Impact Angle
While beverages aren’t always seen as impact ventures, Shake Up uses clean ingredients, offers transparency, and supports independent retailers by driving foot traffic.
Why Investors Jumped In
Big and fast-growing RTD category
Strong early retail traction
Clear plan to expand distribution
Convertible note provides downside protection with upside potential
This is exactly the kind of consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand that thrives under Reg CF: high visibility, repeat purchases, and direct investor affinity.
Otherwise Brewing — $104,510 Raised
Platform: SMBX
Security: Debt
Founded by: Aaron Gervais, Stellar Cassidy
What They Do
Otherwise Brewing creates award-winning, gluten-free beer using sustainable ingredients and a proprietary brewing method. With distribution across 250+ retailers—including Whole Foods and Total Wine—the company is scaling rapidly.
Founders, Diversity, and Impact
Co-founder Stellar Cassidy brings LGBTQ+ representation into the craft beverage sector.
The company prioritizes ingredient transparency and environmental stewardship.
Superpowers for Good Feature
Otherwise Brewing was recently featured on Superpowers for Good show. The founders discussed sustainability, gluten-free brewing science, and inclusive entrepreneurship.
➡️ Watch the full interview to learn more about their mission.
Why Investors Loved It
High repeat-purchase potential
Clear brand identity and niche market (gluten-free)
Consistent 2x annual growth
Straightforward SMBX debt note with monthly repayments
Gravel & Gold — $67,060 Raised
Platform: SMBX
Security: Debt
Founded by: Tomra Palmer and Holly Samuelsen
What They Do
Gravel & Gold makes thoughtfully designed apparel and accessories with a focus on creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Their products celebrate local artists and responsible supply chains.
Impact Angle
Women founders
Locally rooted creative ecosystem
Sustainable materials
Community-oriented design
Investor Appeal
Strong brand loyalty
Unique California-based identity
Increasing demand for sustainable fashion
Transparent use of funds: inventory, operations, e-commerce growth
For investors looking to support ethical consumer brands, Gravel & Gold is a standout.
Security Types Explained — What Investors Should Know
Regulated Impact Crowdfunding campaigns use a variety of security types. This week included:
1. Preferred Equity
Used by: Mount Vernon Plaza
Investors receive priority rights over common shareholders. Suitable for real estate or asset-backed projects.
2. Convertible Notes
Used by: Shake Up Cocktails
A type of debt that converts to equity later, usually at a discount. Good for early-stage companies.
3. Debt Notes
Used by: Otherwise Brewing, Gravel & Gold
Monthly repayments with interest. SMBX specializes in this model. Great for investors who want predictable cash flow.
How Investors Should Choose Security Types
Equity = long-term upside, higher risk
Convertible Notes = balance of debt and future equity
Debt = lower risk and predictable payments
SAFEs (not used this week) = simple, flexible, equity later
A diversified Reg CF portfolio typically includes all three for balance and resilience.
Recommendations for Founders Using Regulated Impact Crowdfunding
1. Lead with your impact story
Investors want to know why your business matters.
2. Show real traction
Revenue, partnerships, user growth, and repeat customers all strengthen investor confidence.
3. Use a security type that fits your stage
Early stage → SAFE or convertible note
Maybe profitable → equity
Cash-flowing → debt
4. Build community before the campaign
Crowdfunding is not “if you build it, they will come.” It’s community-first.
5. Communicate during and after the raise
Updates = trust = investors who become customers.
Recommendations for Retail Investors
1. Diversify heavily
Most experts recommend 20–40 companies in a Reg CF portfolio.
2. Don’t chase hype
Choose businesses with measurable community benefit or traction.
3. Understand the security type
Monthly repayments? Great.
Potential long-term equity? Also great.
But know the difference.
4. Look for founder-market fit
Founders with direct experience in the problem they’re solving tend to outperform.
5. Align your investments with your values
This is impact crowdfunding—your capital can both grow and make change.
The Power of Regulated Impact Crowdfunding Continues to Grow
This week’s $554,420 in funding may be modest compared to venture capital headlines, but its impact is outsized. Each of these community-backed ventures contributes measurable value—through jobs, sustainability, inclusive leadership, responsible manufacturing, or local economic development.
Regulated Impact Crowdfunding is not just an investment mechanism. It is a collective force for democratizing capital, empowering founders who have historically lacked traditional funding pathways, and enabling everyday people to own a piece of the companies shaping their communities.
And when companies like Otherwise Brewing share their stories on Superpowers for Good, they demonstrate the broader cultural and social value of this movement.
Impact is no longer a niche. It is the future.
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Max-Impact Members
(We’re grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)
Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Green, Envirosult | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on December 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, December 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern, will feature Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., leading a session on “Designing a Winning Marketing Strategy for Your Investment Offering.” Drawing on his deep experience in impact crowdfunding and investment storytelling, Devin will break down the essential elements of building a marketing strategy that attracts, engages, and converts potential investors. Participants will learn how to identify and reach the right audience, craft messages that build trust, and develop a promotional plan that supports sustained momentum throughout a raise. Whether you’re preparing for your first regulated investment crowdfunding campaign or looking to strengthen an ongoing one, this SuperCrowdHour will provide the insights and practical frameworks you need to elevate your offering and boost investor participation.
SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don’t miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.
Community Event Calendar
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We utilized AI to efficiently gather data and analyze key success factors, enabling us to deliver an overview of these successful crowdfunding campaigns.