![\"champion\"](\"http:\/\/news.utoledo.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/champion.jpg\")
<\/a>The Champions of Change Program each week recognizes Americans who are doing extraordinary things in their communities to out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world.<\/P><\/p>\nThe White House Office of Public Engagement invited Scott E. McIntyre, UT interim manager of business incubation, to the ceremony along with a group of entrepreneurs who exemplify the promise of crowdfunding to fuel growth of startups, small businesses and innovative projects across the nation.<\/p>\n
“I am honored to be invited to attend this important event with my peers and am gratified to be able to collaborate with such passionate, visionary professionals from all walks of business. I look forward to seeing the continued commitment this administration makes toward restoration of the American dream,” said McIntyre, co-chair of education and training for the Crowdfunding Professional Association, a leading international trade group.<\/p>\n
Traditional methods of financing a business startup can be expensive and time-consuming, but crowdfunding provides entrepreneurs greater access to funding opportunities. Individual donations in a crowdfunding campaign currently average $25 to $80, which is low economic risk for the donor, but could have a huge impact on a startup company if a number of individuals contribute, McIntyre said.<\/p>\n
Websites such as kickstarter.com<\/a> are an example of crowdfunding, which can be used to fund artistic projects as well as manufacture a new product.<\/p>\n McIntyre joined The University of Toledo in April and is responsible for administering an incubation program in partnership with UT and the state of Ohio\u2019s Edison Technology Program.<\/p>\n He also serves a founder\/chair of Phabriq Development, a venture catalyst organization responsible for the founding of CrowdSchools.org<\/a> to support student entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n