In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with Jenny Kassan, a seasoned attorney, author, and president of the Crowdfunding Professional Association to discuss how crowdfunding can be a powerful tool to close the wealth gap and fund businesses without compromisingownership or vision.

Jenny shares her journey from Yale Law School to the front lines of economic justice, advocating for community-based investment models that empower underrepresented entrepreneurs. We unpack the systemic barriers to capital, the widening racial wealth gap, and why traditional financing often leaves small businesses behind.

This episode dives into the practical and strategic side of raising capital, exploring revenue-based financing, the pros and cons of debt vs. equity, and how to align your fundraising strategy with your business model. Whether you're a founder, investor, or policymaker, you'll walk away with powerful insights on how to fund innovation while building stronger local economies.

🎯 After listening to myconversation with Jenny Kassan, here are the key takeaways to remember:

• Crowdfunding offers an inclusive path to capital and wealth creation.
• Community based finance supports sustainable, local economic growth.
• Access to capital is foundational for entrepreneurship and job creation.
• Revenue-based financing is investor friendly and founder-sustaining
• Structure your fundraising to fit your business, not the other way round.
• Education, advocacy and local ecosystems are vital to crowdfunding's future.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wealth Creation and Capital Access02:25 The Role of Crowdfunding in Economic Development05:16 Meet Jenny Kassan: A Champion for Entrepreneurs06:04 Jenny's Journey: From Yale to Public Service08:32 Understanding Economic Disparities and Structural Issues11:30 The Importance of Access to Capital15:21 Crowdfunding as a Path to Economic Mobility18:31 Revenue-Based Financing: A New Approach25:35 Community Impact and Success Stories31:36 Understanding Debt vs. Equity Financing35:22 Designing Your Fundraising Strategy39:04 The Importance of Investor Mindset40:46 Community-Based Finance Success Stories46:00 Building Local Ecosystems for Investment49:37 Advocacy and Future of Crowdfunding

About the Guest – Jenny Kassan
Jenny Kassan is the founder of The Kassan Group, where she offers legal and strategic support for capital raises tailored to small businesses. She’s the author of Raise Capital on Your Own Terms and a nationally recognized leader in impact investing. With nearly 30 years of experience, Jenny now leads the Crowdfunding Professional Association and continues to champion a more inclusive financial future.🌐 Learn more at jennykassan.com📘Check out the Crowdfunding Professional Association: cfpa.org

About the Host – Karen Rands
I’m Karen Rands, and I help entrepreneurs and investors build wealth through innovation and capital formation. Through this show and my Compassionate Capitalist Movement, I share real conversations and practical strategies to help you grow, fund, and exit your business the smart way.

🔗 Learn more: karenrands.co
🎙 Listen to all episodes: thecompassionatecapitalistshow.com
📘 Download my free ebook: The 4 Ws of Crowdfund Investing
🎓Join the Compassionalist Academy: bit.ly/CA-prelaunch

In this episode, I dive into the core of what Compassionate Capitalism really means and that’s creating wealth for yourself while lifting up entrepreneurs in the process. One of the most powerful tools we have today to make that happen is crowdfunding investing.

I break down the different types of crowdfunding, and why equity crowdfunding is such a game changer, not just for startups, but for everyday investors who want to put their money to work with meaning.

I also tackle the big question: "Is it risky?" Sure, there are risks, but I explain how to navigate them wisely. More importantly, I stress how critical it is that women and minorities get equal access to these wealth-building opportunities.

If you've ever thought about investing in a way that aligns with your values, this episode is your roadmap. Join me as we explore how you can build wealth with purpose through crowdfunding investing.

Key takeaways from the episode:

• Compassionate Capitalism means building wealth while making a difference.

• Crowdfunding opens access to early-stage investing for everyone.

• Equity crowdfunding lets you own a piece of businesses you believe in.

• Education reduces risk and leads to smarter investing.

• Inclusive investing helps close the wealth gap.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Compassionate Capitalism

03:56 The Importance of Funding for Entrepreneurs

06:51 Understanding Crowdfunding Investing

12:45 Types of Crowdfunding Investments

20:20 Risk and Misconceptions in Investing

29:56 Investing in Solutions for Tomorrow

34:29 The Democratization of Investment

39:41 Empowering Underrepresented Investors

47:31 Building Wealth Through Community Investment

54:14 Strategies for Sustainable Wealth Building

About Me: I’m Karen Rands, and I help entrepreneurs and investors create wealth through innovation and capital formation. Through this show and my Compassionate Capitalist Movement, I share practical advice and real conversations to help you build, scale, and exit businesses the smart way.

📲 Learn more at⁠ karenrands.co⁠

See all our podcast episodes at⁠ http://thecompassionatecapitalistshow.com⁠

Sign up for Compassionalist Academy⁠ https://bit.ly/CA-prelaunch⁠

Download my free ebook “4Ws of Crowdfunding” https://bit.ly/FreeCrowdfundInvestingBook

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with Dr. Howard Polansky former dentist turned financial coach, to explore how small business owners can escape the cycle of debt and regain control of their finances. Learn how to use lines of credit strategically, reduce interest payments, and improve cash flow without sacrificing growth.

If you're tired of letting your finances control your future, this episode will show you how to become your own CFO - a Cash Flow Optimizer, so you can grow your business and live the life you’ve worked so hard to build.

Key Takeaways:

• Many startups rely on personal credit to get off the ground, which can become a long-term burden.

• Investors prefer to fund revenue-generating strategies, not debt repayments.

• Lines of credit, when cycled properly, can lower interest and reduce monthly payments.

• Interest-only payments offer flexibility for businesses needing cash flow.

• Not all debt is created equal—know the difference between fixed loans and lines of credit.

• Paying extra on your mortgage doesn’t reduce the monthly obligation—learn smarter strategies.

• Access to liquidity is crucial for day-to-day operations and long-term growth.

• Strategic financial planning can lead to faster business acceleration and reduced stress.

• Entrepreneurs need financial education to make informed decisions and take back control.

• Becoming your own CFO starts with understanding your numbers and using the right tools.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Compassionate Capitalism

04:05 Understanding Startup Debt Challenges

07:52 Dr. Polansky's Personal Journey

12:20 The Shift from Dentistry to Financial Coaching

13:11 Strategies for Managing Debt

18:40 Utilizing Lines of Credit Effectively

23:39 Optimizing Cash Flow for Business Owners

29:57 Understanding Lines of Credit and Debt Management

36:20 The Importance of Interest Rates and Loan Structures

40:34 Final Thoughts and Resources for Business Growth

About Dr. Howard Polansky

Dr. Howard Polansky is a former dentist turned financial strategist who now helps small business owners implement simple systems to dramatically lower fixed debt payments. His approach allows entrepreneurs to reduce financial stress, improve monthly cash flow, and reach their business and lifestyle goals faster.

Grab his free ebook: “Financially LED or Financially Dead? The Introduction to Cash Flow Optimization” 👉 financiallyled.com/ebook

About the Karen Rands

I’m Karen Rands, host of The Compassionate Capitalist Show and advocate for innovation-led wealth creation. My mission is to help entrepreneurs and investors scale businesses strategically and profitably—with the right capital and smart planning.

Learn more: karenrands.co Full podcast archive: The Compassionate Capitalist Show Join the Compassionate Capitalist Academy: Sign Up Here Download my free eBook: “12 Secrets of Innovation and Wealth”