About this event
- How can we rebuild our community and economy after the ravages of COVID-19?
- How can we make our community more resilient to prepare for future global crises that will come from new pandemics, climate disruption, and economic collapse?
- How can we move my money into the businesses, projects, and people we love?
Rhode Island’s small businesses have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns, as have the local economies that depend on them. As we plan for the revival of our businesses, our economies, and community life, local investing is one potential solution.
Americans now have about $56 trillion in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, pension funds, and insurance funds—nearly all of it invested in global corporations. If we could shift even a small amount of that capital from Wall Street to Main Street, local economies could flourish.
Michael Shuman, author of five books on local economies and local investment, will lead this series of four live sessions on Wednesdays, June 16, 23, and 30, and July 14 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (and 15 videos you will watch independently between sessions).
Event sponsors:
About Michael H. Shuman
Michael H. Shuman is an economist, attorney, author, and entrepreneur, and a leading visionary on community economics. He’s Director of Local Economy Programs for Neighborhood Associates Corporation, and an Adjunct Professor at Bard Business School in New York City. He is also a Senior Researcher for Council Fire and Local Analytics, where he performed economic-development analyses for states, local governments, and businesses around North America.
He is credited with being one of the architects of the 2012 JOBS Act and dozens of state laws overhauling securities regulation of crowdfunding. He has authored, coauthored, or edited ten books. His three most recent books are Put Your Money Where Your Life Is: How to Invest Locally Using Solo 401ks and Self-Directed IRAs; The Local Economy Solution: How Innovative, Self-Financing Pollinator Enterprises Can Grow Jobs and Prosperity; and Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Shift Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street.
Cost
$50 for the full workshop and video series
$30 for nonprofit practioners
$25 for students
Scholarships are available; please contact
Who should participate
These workshops are intended for potential investors, small businesses, community officials, and anyone who cares about the local economy. We will dive into the following questions:
For everyone:
- Why are local businesses so important for community development?
- What are the returns and risks of local investments?
- What are the most promising kinds of local investments?
For local investors:
- How can I find local investments?
- How should I evaluate local investments?
- How can I use tax-deferred pension savings for local investments?
- What are the rules governing self-directed IRAs and solo 401ks?
- Why are local banks and credit unions important for local investors?
For local businesses looking for local investment:
- What local investment opportunities do cooperatives offer?
- What are the basics of securities law?
- What tools and resources are available to help me prepare my business for financing?
- How can my business raise funds from accredited investors?
- How can my business raise funds from grassroots investors?
For policymakers:
- What kinds of community investment funds might facilitate local investment?
Hosted by Local Return
Local Return seeks to build community wealth in Rhode Island, particularly in neighborhoods that have experienced historical disinvestment. We are a new organization focused on building the local community investment ecosystem, advocating for local policies and practices that support a vibrant and just local economy, and increasing community consciousness.
