Crowdfunding has been in the news since its inception a few years ago. This concept of allowing regular consumers to contribute to the funding of a start-up has excited millions of inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs. However, for many reasons it did not turn out to be the simple solution that many expected.

The biggest hurdle, of course, is having the right idea and knowing how to prepare it to go to market. Not all inventors or entrepreneurs understand how to start or run a business. Therefore, it is not surprising that many crowdfunding applications are rejected.

Of those accepted, there is another big hurdle to cross. Estimating a funding figure can be tricky. It must be high enough to achieve the projected goals and low enough to ensure that it is achieved. Because until the arrival of YouveGotFunds.com, all donations are returned if the financial goal is not reached. Time is wasted and unnecessary disappointment is experienced.

YouveGotFunds.com was launched to address the genuine demands of the startup market and has made the process much more user friendly.

Case in point: An off-Broadway producer was trying to raise funds through Kickstarter, a well-known crowdfunding site, and was only able to raise $10,000 against the goal of $1 million. None of the donations were allowed to be kept and a couple of months were wasted.

That same production company visited YouveGotFunds.com and received help developing achievable goals, marketing plans, and is well on its way to achieving its funding and vision.

The founders of this unique new crowdfunding vehicle are a husband and wife team, David and Ellen Sperling, who bring more than a good idea to the world of online financing options.

faleris: What inspired you to open a crowdfunding site?

Sperling: As previous business owners serving other small businesses and entrepreneurs, we were well aware of how many business owners struggle to raise capital. Not all companies are prepared or have the opportunity to meet with venture capitalists. When we were researching different startups, we became intrigued with crowdfunding and how it could be a great option for people looking to raise funds.

faleris: Are you doing it the same way as Kickstarter and the others?

Sperling: We are a rewards-based crowdfunding site that is the same as Kickstarter, but we are different and offer more benefits for YouveGotFunds participants.

faleris: What makes your program different?

Sperling: we believe in save it all philosophy. With Kickstarter and most others, if you don’t meet your funding goal, you walk away with nothing or have to pay additional fees. Not only is it a waste of time (which is precious when you’re just starting out), but it can take a toll on your credibility. So we’ve changed that.

At YouveGotFunds, participants keep everything they raise even if they don’t reach the goal (minus our 5% fee and PayPal fees incurred). We want every YouveGotFunds client to be a winner so they can keep what they raise; This money will not only help them in the first phase of their project, initiative or business, but it is much easier to generate funds offline when you have proven your appeal online through crowdfunding donations.

Along with the marketing efforts planned by the participants, YouveGotFunds will also promote projects using a publicist for some, and strong social media outreach for most others. We also offer additional start-up services through our fund connection.

faleris: What are you doing to market the service?

Sperling: Since launch and having received very positive feedback about the differences in our business model, we have gained a lot of word of mouth. We have a large presence on the Internet and through social networks. Between our speaking events, blog, ezine, publicity program, and networking events, YouveGotFunds is getting a lot of attention and quite a few new referral clients.

faleris: What is your advice for those who want to start a Crowdfunding campaign?

Sperling: It is important that before starting a Crowdfunding campaign, participants take some time to plan a smart strategy. Write a business plan, network, determine how to tell the story through images and video, and decide on a realistic financial goal.

faleris: Husband and wife teams can be precarious. Have you worked together before?

Sperling: We have previously worked together in a number of outlets. We like to work as a team as we share the same objectives. Ellen focuses on social media marketing and website content development. David manages the daily operations. We both deal with customers and networking.

faleris: Have you ever had to get financing for a business? What is your experience in financing?

Sperling: Like many other small businesses, we have been overwhelmed by red tape and red tape. While we’ve had plenty of time to establish ourselves, the process is so cumbersome that often by the time you complete the paperwork, you no longer have your initial passion. And it’s because we understand this firsthand that we’re very excited to be a part of this new trend of raising money. People can now share their ideas with “the world” and “the world” can embrace these ideas, products and programs and directly support them.

faleris: What are you planning for next year? The next 5 years?

Sperling: As crowdfunding continues to grow by leaps and bounds, we anticipate increased market share, as well as increased profits. Within the next 5 years, we expect to reinvest a percentage of the revenue to keep our marketing efforts and website up to date. We want YouveGotFunds to be a virtual community hub where people can come to build their business, pitch their creative ideas, get feedback and funding.

faleris: Anything else you would like to comment on about your business or the industry?

Sperling: At YouveGotFunds, the participants are not just another project, but real people with great ideas. And we put our money where our mouth is by making sure the participant keeps all the money raised (even if they don’t make it to the finish line) (minus fees). We also try to enhance fundraising success by offering a hands-on approach to marketing and awareness building. YouveGotFunds.com is more than a platform – we are a true crowdfunding partner.

Crowdfunding is a growing concept that is tied to the future. We’re excited to see this next step for YouveGotFunds.com to help new business owners bring their new goods and services to market. It’s good for the economy and good for consumers.

If you have a solid idea and business plan, you can be well on your way to success.