One Squamish business is taking a unique approach to growth.
Two years ago, Natalie Pereman was granted the go-ahead by the District of Squamish to create a small commercial hub on Mamquam Road. Since then she's pieced together a vision she shared with her late husband Andrew, who died last year in a tragic accident while working on the project.
On the Farm's small shops, centred around a courtyard, are full, the garden centre is up and running and locally grown vegetables and dairy stock the shelves of a small B.C. farm market. Pereman wants to create an experience, reconnecting people with the food they eat and where it comes from.
The business is making a concerted effort to celebrate the way things used to be, Pereman said.
It's been a dream come true, but one that has emptied her pockets. Now in the final stage which involves being able to offer a wider variety of food products including local meat Pereman's piggybank has run dry.
As a small business owner just trying to get to the end, I really had no other options, she said.
Like a growing number of entrepreneurs worldwide, Pereman turned to social media for help. Prompted by the advice of friends, Pereman placed her hopes with the crowdfunding site Indiegogo.
Crowdfunding got its kick-start in the late 1990s. First implemented by British band Marillion to pay for a U.S. tour, the tool opened doors for musicians and filmmakers raising money for their various creations. The premise is simple people read about your project and if they like the idea, they donate money to it.
Businesses and entrepreneurs have recognized the potential of the open-platform site, said Ayah Norris, Indiegogo's spokesperson for Canada. It's a way to build a customer base and validate one's product if people like the idea, they'll support it.
In return for donations, the recipient often offers some type of bonus, from first viewing of a movie to a gift certificate.
People are often passionate about small business in their community, Norris said. People want to participate in the contribution process.
At first, Pereman said she was hesitant to launch the crowdfunding campaign, but so far it's been a positive experience. As of Tuesday (Oct. 29), the site www.indiegogo.com/projects/on-the-farm-country-market has raised $3,760 to go toward the $50,000 goal.
You need people to believe in what you are trying to do, Pereman said, noting that's the only way the campaign will be successful.
