Just as human health depends on the robust circulation of oxygen, nutrients, etc., so too does economic health depend on robust circulatory flows of money, information, resources, and goods and services to support exchange, flush toxins, and nourish every cell at every level of our human networks. The circulation of money and information and the efficient use and reuse of materials are particularly critical to individuals, businesses, and economies reaching their regenerative potential.
As the Regenerative Economy evolves we see the emergence of more and more examples of robust circulation. Often they are vibrant and intricate knowledge-sharing networks, spanning many geographies, that nurture place-based enterprises, empowered participation, shared-value, and experiments in alternative ownership models. As these networks circulate knowledge and expertise, they ultimately also facilitate a more robust flow of capital deeper into the economy. One such network is The Principle 6 Cooperative Trade Movement—a group of retail and producer food cooperatives that is exploring creative ways to support small, local, and cooperative food businesses that in turn support the emergence of a more just and health food system.
Cutting Edge Capital helps small, growing companies access the capital they might not otherwise be able to tap through the mechanism of the Direct Public Offering. DPOs allow a for-profit business to sell debt, stock or other investments directly to the public and to advertise its offering widely. Generally, securities can only be sold in the state(s) where the offering has been registered, although some states make exceptions to this rule for nonprofits and cooperatives. Offering size typically ranges from about $500,000 to $3 million. Although obviously requiring investor due-diligence, the DPOs that Cutting Edge Capital help launch provide an opportunity for non-accredited investors to circulate their capital directly into the small businesses they care about in their communities, while enjoying modest financial returns.
