G$
is One Chatty Farker
Bear with me here as I have NOT thought this through much...
You may be aware of microcredit, and microfinancing.
Essentially, microcredit is the issuing of VERY VERY small loans on favourable terms to very small enterprises in order to get them running in the most basic sense, usually in a "self employed" context. They are generally exclusive to very poor people in developing countries, who would normally not have access to credit because of a lack of credit history, no assets, or no traditional banking in the area. In their current form, a lot of microcredit is extended via on line transactions, or arrangements.
Why Am I talking about small loans to developing countries on a BBQ forum?
I see a lot of parallels between "amatuer" BBQ competitors and the benefactors of microcredit.
We all know that securing sponsorship funds can really help soften the financial burden we face as competitors. And we also know that in many ways, that financial burden is in and of itself a barrier to entry for competing in the first place. Understandably, most sponsors expect some sort of benefit or payback. They also know their paypack is much higher with a more succesful and established team. Therefore, sponsors will (again understandably) expect a track record of performance before committing significant funding. There is the Catch-22.
What I am trying to figure out is a way to translate the principles of microcredit to BBQ sponsorship.
As a competitor, would you be willing to pony up a few bucks, not for your own team, but for a fellow BBQer in return for a percent of their prize money?
First Thoughts
You may be aware of microcredit, and microfinancing.
Essentially, microcredit is the issuing of VERY VERY small loans on favourable terms to very small enterprises in order to get them running in the most basic sense, usually in a "self employed" context. They are generally exclusive to very poor people in developing countries, who would normally not have access to credit because of a lack of credit history, no assets, or no traditional banking in the area. In their current form, a lot of microcredit is extended via on line transactions, or arrangements.
Why Am I talking about small loans to developing countries on a BBQ forum?
I see a lot of parallels between "amatuer" BBQ competitors and the benefactors of microcredit.
We all know that securing sponsorship funds can really help soften the financial burden we face as competitors. And we also know that in many ways, that financial burden is in and of itself a barrier to entry for competing in the first place. Understandably, most sponsors expect some sort of benefit or payback. They also know their paypack is much higher with a more succesful and established team. Therefore, sponsors will (again understandably) expect a track record of performance before committing significant funding. There is the Catch-22.
What I am trying to figure out is a way to translate the principles of microcredit to BBQ sponsorship.
As a competitor, would you be willing to pony up a few bucks, not for your own team, but for a fellow BBQer in return for a percent of their prize money?
- What is an appropriate microcredit amount per "share"? What would you be willing to give back for it?
- Is 10 or 25 bucks for a 6 month or year long % point fair?
- As a competitor, how much help would 250, 500, or 1000 dollars be in a season?
- Would you be willing to accept credit and sell shares, even if it could wipe out or nearly wipe out your chance for making money in a given year?
First Thoughts
- $20 cost for one microsponsorship.
- One microsponsorship entitles to a one percent Share
- Share entitles sponsor to 1% of GROSS winnings from KCBS sanctioned events in the 4 meats and overall categories.
- Team must compete in at least 2 (3?, 4?) contests or return full micro sponsorship.
- Sponsor will be recognized at each contest on 8x10 display card (at their discretion)