Some crowdfunding industry leaders are using the lull before the fundraising practice is publicly viable to develop educational material for people who may soon be making their first investments.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is currently drafting rules to allow start-ups to sell stakes in their companies to the general public, potentially raising large sums from crowds of small investors.
Until now, selling equity stakes has been limited to so-called accredited investors, people who presumably have the wherewithal and sophistication to know what they are getting into.
Crowdfunding opens the field to the general public, and critics worry the newcomers may not adequately understand the risks involved in sinking money in a untested company.
Enter crowdfunding supporters such as the Crowdfunding Professional Association, a trade group for entrepreneurs, lawyers and investors. The organization is preparing to launch a Global Crowdfunding Education Network, intended to provide online classes and legislative updates for investors and entrepreneurs looking to participate in crowdfunding.