Business
Happens
Here.

Established in the heart of educational growth, the Enterprise Center at Salem State University welcomes entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals of all ages and experience levels to come in and learn something new.

Welcome

The Enterprise Center is an entrepreneurial hub that offers business owners office space, education, and access and connections to small business resources. Serving entrepreneurs on the North Shore and beyond, we invite you to be part of our community. We’re here to help you and your business start, grow and succeed!

Home Away From Home

Whether you’re ready to move out of your home office or looking for an office building that provides a built in entrepreneurial community, business resources and professional growth opportunities – The Enterprise Center is the place for you.

Our single story, 53,000 square foot building is located on a vibrant and beautiful university campus. We currently have office spaces for one or two individuals or larger spaces with individual offices for you and your employees.

Upcoming Programs

Tue, Oct. 8, 2024 - 8:30am - 10:00am

Marketing educates prospective customers about what your business does and how it serves a need they have. It also creates a lasting image of your business that stays in their minds after the transaction is over. By doing so, marketing…


Thu, Oct. 24, 2024 - 8:30am - 10:00am

New to grant writing or need a refresher? In this workshop, we’ll cover the essential components of crafting a successful grant proposal, explore how to make a compelling funding request, and break down what foundations are really looking for in…


Tue, Oct. 29, 2024 - 8:30am - 10:00am

Contracts Basics for Small Business Owners is an attorney-led crash course for small business owners covering the essentials of common business contracts. It will cover what is needed to make a contract legally enforceable and describe situations where a small…


AD

AD

AD

Small Business Story

Listen to how Jessica Moody, owner of Moody’s Home & Gifts in Salem, Massachusetts discovered the Enterprise Center and took advantage of our many resources to improve and grow her business. Her participation and experience in our Business Plan Program & Competition, Workshops and CEO Groups directly impacted her success.

Watch More Stories
Address

121 Loring Ave Salem, MA 01970

Phone

978-542-7528

Fax

978-542-7061

For Parking

Parking for Enterprise Center events requires an Enterprise Center Parking Pass. Parking spots are located around the “Main Entrance” perimeter of the building and marked by “Parking for Enterprise Center tenants and guests” signs. All other spaces are student parking spaces and can result in a Salem State University Police Parking ticket. If you need a Parking Pass please call (978) 542-7528.

Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a business project or venture by raising money from a large number of people. It is the opposite of traditional financing methods where a project or business raises funds through a small, select group of individuals or institutions. Crowdfunding will help your small business raise large amounts of money so you have the budget for more resources to boost your revenue.   

What are the Benefits of Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding offers small businesses many benefits:

  • Provides access to capital 
  • Minimizes risks
  • Can serve as a marketing tool
  • Offers proof that your business can grow
  • Introduces you to potential customers 
  • Easier than other funding methods

Types of Crowdfunding

Reward-Based

This kind of funding involves offering those who support your crowdfunding campaign rewards or perks. Rewards can range from early access to products, exclusive merchandise, or personalized experiences. This method works best for small businesses or startups that are launching a new product or service and will need extra funding for production. 

Equity-Based

In equity-based crowdfunding, backers will receive shares of your company when they invest in your business. It is very similar to traditional forms of investing but through crowdfunding platforms. 

Debt-Based

This is a form of peer-to-peer lending where individuals or businesses will borrow funds from investors who expect to be repaid. This method works best for businesses that are in need of loans but don’t want to get involved with traditional banking.

Donation-Based

Donation-based crowdfunding involves supporters donating money to a small business because they believe in the cause/mission, and don’t expect a financial return. This model is typically used by nonprofits, social entrepreneurs, and startups. 

How to Successfully Crowdfund Your Business

Apply SMART Measurable Goals 

SMART goals are a widely-used goal-setting model that will help you focus on your ideas and use your time and resources wisely. 

SMART stands for the following:

  • Specific: well-defined, clear goals 
  • Measurable: how you’ll determine your progress
  • Achievable: the end goal is something that you can accomplish
  • Realistic: within reach and relevant to your nonprofit
  • Timely: a clearly defined timeline

This makes it easier to put action plans in place and hold you accountable so you can reach your crowdfunding goals. 

Create a Strong Marketing Plan

The most effective marketing strategies for crowdfunding campaigns include email outreach, social media advertising, guest blogging, and hosting events. 

Social media specifically can attract new audiences to help out with your crowdfunding campaign. While there are many ways to use social media to your business’s advantage, simplicity is the way to go. Plan out three to five major topics that you can feature on social media that will tackle your goals. Keep in mind that potential supporters will be attracted to your story, so it’s valuable to add an emotional element filled with visuals and concise information.

Choose the Right Platform

You’ll find hundreds of crowdfunding options on the internet. However, not all crowdfunding platforms will work for your campaign. For instance, while GoFundMe is the right platform for a donation-based crowdfunding campaign, an online resource like Prosper works better for debt/peer-to-peer lending crowdfunding.  

Crowdfunding, when done the right way, can help your business grow to new heights. At Enterprise Center we can help guide you resources to help finance your business and beyond. 


Sign up for our Newsletter!