Media Advisory - Ontario Finance Minister to provide update on crowdfunding strategy

TORONTO, March 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Ontario's Finance Minister, Charles Sousa, will explain the role alternative forms of funding will play in creating a sustainable economy in the province, at the 2016 2^nd Annual Canadian Crowdfunding Summit in Toronto on March 3.  He will address entrepreneurs and investors, and talk about how new legislation announced at the start of the year will increase the number of financing options available for early stage start-ups and small businesses.

Craig Asano, Executive Director of the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada says including crowdfunding in a wider investment strategy for startups and small businesses is long overdue.

"Crowdfunding allows startups & small businesses to access a new source of seed and growth capital. When most people think about crowdfunding they think about Indiegogo or Kickstarter campaigns, but many Canadian businesses are already using these innovative financing tools to raise equity and debt capital up to $5MM.  This new liquidity in the market will help strengthen the early stage funding ecosystem and we welcome the Minister's support."

Notes to Editors

Where: MaRS, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7
When: March 3 2016 | 8.30 - 9.20 am

**OFF-STREET PARKING AVAILABLE FOR OB TRUCKS**

On Day contacts:

• Lyndon Johnson 647-773-2677
• Vanessa Wilson 416-817-1894

About the NCFA

The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country.  NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and ecosystem partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information please visit: www.ncfacanada.org 

SOURCE National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada)