FAQ’s
What’s a crowdfund?
A crowdfunding effort is when a community (digital or literal) comes together to support a cause, idea, or project to help get it to the next stage. Many inventors, designers, artists, singer-songwriters, and entrepreneurs launch crowdfunds to share their dreams and ideas to offer their supporters something unique for them to get behind!
Who’s running Westy’s?
Find more on the about page regarding who’s behind this effort and why. “T” is the creator of this project and has a team of local talented individuals coming alongside him to help make this vision a reality. Artists, advisors, business owners, farmers, seasoned entrepreneurs, restaurateurs and of course community members are all uniquely contributing this project.
If I contribute will this make me part owner?
Wouldn’t that be great? But no, you wouldn’t have ownership in the business. A crowdfund is simply you claiming that you believe in the project, team, or entrepreneur behind an endeavor, and you are contributing to what helps them succeed! In this case, you are helping change the healthy food landscape of an entire corner of a city!
Is Westy’s a non-profit organization?
No. It is a pro-profit business out to provide a service to help customers as well as members of the community.
Why are you using GoFund Me?
Two reasons. The first is transparency. We believe people should know how much we raise and how close we are to our goals at all times. We want to do everything possible to maintain a clear sense of what we’re doing and why. GoFundMe is the third party we decided to carry our crowdfunding effort for its great reputation, familiarity and ease for everyone to use!
Can I write off my contribution on my taxes?
Yes and maybe. It depends on the capacity of the contribution. We have rewards set for businesses or individuals who would get promoted and endorsed by us for their contribution, which would be acceptable for them to count that as a marketing expense. If you’re an individual, you should check with your tax advisor as we are not a designated 501(c)(3), but a pro-profit business.
Is Westy’s operating and open now?
We are in the development stage of our products, sourcing vendors, farmers, bakers and building a team as we speak. Our juices and food are currently being beta-tested by a lucky few in our community at no cost! Wanna be one of the lucky ones? Shoot us an email at: hello@westysorganic.com
When will Westy’s actually open?
The campaign ends on Oct 15th, 2021. For the rest of 2021, we’ll be nailing down potential places to call home. Whether it’s in a small rented commercial kitchen space or our own place! We’ll be working hard at executing our next step and continue moving towards the goal line. We will surely be servicing our target area which is West of 83rd Ave and North or Pinnacle Peak Rd. Depending on what tier we hit, we could launch shortly after the campaign or possibly early 2022 if we reach the larger tiers!
What happens to the money raised if you don’t reach Tier 1?
If we grossly underperform and don’t hit tier one, all of our supporters will receive their money back! If you received swag during the campaign though… you get to keep it!
What will the money be used for?
We are raising capital for Westy’s to reach its next stage as an organic kitchen and juicery. At any given tier, the money raised will fund operating costs to launch the business into its next evolution. Operating cost consists of product development, staff, equipment, food costs, packaging, and other day-to-day needs to bring our product(s) to market.
Can I get a refund for my contribution if I change my mind?
Yes, of course. If you changed your mind for any reason, we want everyone to be 100% behind this project, and if you do not want to be a part of it, it’s ok! In normal circumstances, because the funds will reside with GoFundMe, we ask that you wait until the end of the campaign. They are not releasing funds until the very end anyway. Note that if you received an instant reward for your contribution and it was shipped out to you, the retail price of the item(s) gifted to you will be deducted from your contribution. But you can still keep the amazing swag!
Note: if we do not reach Tier 1 by October 15th, everyone who contributed will be refunded!
Will Westy truly serve only 100% organic products?
Yes. We believe eating organically is very important. It’s not the starting block by all means for everyone, it takes time to buy and consume organic on the regular, but as far as Westy’s goes, we’ll be sourcing reputable, organically grown ingredients and produce free of pesticides and GMO’s. Our ingredients will also be as seasonally and locally sourced as possible.
I’m digging Westy’s already, how can I get in on it?
The best way to support Westy’s right now would be to jump into the crowdfund. If you would like to discuss or offer something different, we’re all ears to work with people from our community! Just contact us here.