Debe Fennell: Funding for Your Passion

She leads the Women’s Initiative for the National Crowdfunding Association and is an officer with Entrepreneurship Nevada, a collective of entities and companies is north western Nevada, centered in Reno, NV. Debe serves as a board member of CFIRA, (Crowdfund Intermediary Regulatory Advocates).

1. What is your passion or purpose you are being called to bring into action right now

Crowdfunding for women has my entire focus for the foreseeable future. A year ago I’d never heard of crowdfunding and when I learned how it can bring dreams to reality, I had to be involved. As a woman entrepreneur, I have faced the daunting task of funding my business and was disheartened by the difficulties in dealing with banks, angel investors and venture capital entities. I am committed to educating and facilitating women to get their idea or business into action.

2. What were the motivating factors or defining moments that inspired you to get involved and share your passion?

By serendipity I was introduced to Crowdfunding and there was a distinct “aha” moment, when I knew this was an exciting new arena for women entrepreneurs to play a much bigger part in reviving and growing business.

3. What is your mantra or favorite quote you refer to when you seek inspiration or hope and why?

It’s not rocket science…it’s business. Get focused and give it all you have.

4. Tell us about a moment recently when you were standing in your full power and purpose?

When I told a merchant banker who at the last moment tried to raise their fees, I got to tell him we had launched out crowdfunding without the banks help. He was flabbergasted! We jumped off the cliff and did it ourselves. It was scary, but oh, so wonderful.

5. Why is it so important for women to participate in an event like the Passion into Action Conference?

The more women I’m able to tell about crowdfunding, to show how simple the concept is and to empower them to use their talents and resources to achieve their goals, the more I will have accomplished my purpose. Education is the remedy for fear and failure.

6. What are you hoping will be the biggest take-aways for women both at the Passion into Action Conference and your workshop?

I hope women will learn that they can have their dream. Their business, product or cause can become reality. It requires a plan of action, a clear focus to the future and the means to make those dreams come to life.

7. What is your message to women around the world?

There is nothing you can’t do if you align yourself with the right people and the right kind of thinking. Hard work alone is not enough. You have to have a solid plan, a clear focus for your goals and a plan to execute all the way to success. Success can be yours.