Think you have the next big
idea but lack the resources to make
it happen? Crowdfunding sites might
be your best shot. Sites such as Kickstarter,
Indiegogo, RocketHub, and
Crowdrise have led the growth of crowdfunding
from $530 million in 2009 to almost
$2.7 billion in 2012, and will reach $5 billion
and beyond by the start of 2014. The Internet
is the ideal medium for crowdfunding because it
allows individuals and organizations in need of
funds and investors to reach one another from all
over the globe.