Scenario: You work as an intern in Mr. Rudd's small CPA office. Mrs. Rebecca Gregory, one of Mr. Rudd's longtime customers, is in need of financing. She needs approximately $100,000 for the development and launch of a sophisticated website and marketing campaign for her company. Instead of relying on the traditional methods of getting the needed funds, such as a bank loan or equity offering, she wants to try "crowdfunding." She knows very little about this new emerging method of obtaining cash, but she has heard enough good things about it lately that she is willing to try. But she needs to know about the basics of crowdfunding first. Where does she go? What does she need to do? What options does she have? How does it work? Since she relies on your CPA firm for financial advice, she has asked Mr. Rudd for some guidance on crowdfunding. Mr. Rudd thinks that this is a good research assignment for you. And since you have been taking a business communication course at college, he thinks you can also write a letter to Mrs. Gregory with the results of your research.

Your assignment: Research reputable online sources to learn about crowdfunding. This should include how crowdfunding works, what Mrs. Gregory potentially needs to do, and what options she may have. You are educating and informing Mrs. Gregory, NOT persuading nor "selling" the idea of crowdfunding. the summary results of your research in a one to a two-page informational letter addressed to Mrs. Gregory at 1256 Oakland Drive, Suite 326, Pasadena, CA 91101. Mr. Rudd's address is 4500 N. Parkway, Westlake, CA 91356.