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Entrepreneur Plus - Short White
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The World of Crowd Funding What if total strangers gave you money to start a business and didn't even ask to be paid back? At IndieGoGo.com, they just might.

By Kate Lister

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Ninety-two people donated $11,350 so that Chris Young could shoot a stereoscopic, live-action short film. In return, they got special mention in the credits.

Thirty-seven people contributed almost $2,700 to help Elaine Zelker produce "The Hands--Some Journey," a photography project for an Easton, Pa., gallery. Their perks ranged from a big thank-you to a coffee-table book of the collection.

And 32 people gave $1,559 to help Janet Geddis open Avid Bookshop, a coffeehouse and bookstore in Athens, Ga. She'll use the funds, along with her savings, as equity toward a bank loan. In return for their help, Geddis' supporters received locally roasted coffee beans, autographed books, pint glasses and handmade stationery.

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