Crowd Funding

For the first time in 80 years, normal people can invest in small businesses: New equity crowdfunding rules take effect in May
New Food Economy article by Kate Cox discusses the rules established by the SEC that would permit small businesses to offer and sell equity through crowdfunding as directed by the 2012 Jumpstart Our Business Startup (JOBS) Act.

Six Food Funding Platforms Launch in 2014
This article from Food Tech Connect describes six crowdfunding platforms that are targeting entrepreneurs wishing to start food-related businesses or develop food products.