Jen Davis and Jeffery Thomas, partners and founders of Third Wave Music, have turned to crowdfunding to open their Detroit-focused music retail shop.
After competing as a finalist in Hatch Detroit‘s business incubator contest, Third Wave Music has been left to explore alternative funding options when a local restaurant startup was awarded the grand prize, which included a $50,000 grant from Comerica Bank, along with business IT, legal and marketing assistance from the Hatch organization. Out of the four finalists, three were restaurant startups.
Determined to continue their pursuit, Davis and Thomas have turned to crowdfunding service Indiegogo, in an effort to raise a target goal of $25,000. Third Wave Music looks to open inside the newly-renovated Forest Arms building, directly across from the Wayne State University School of Music. The funding will help Third Wave with outfitting the space with sound-proofing, supplies, funds for free community programming (group lessons, recitals, live performances), retail stock and working capital.
The Indiegogo campaign began September 22, and will end on November 21. Perks for contributors include: guitar picks, stickers, t-shirts, “art guitars,” a used saxophone package (with lessons), six months of piano lessons, and custom jingles.
Third Wave Music has also also pledged as an active participant in local community efforts, offering their Play It Forward program for underprivileged young musicians in Detroit. A percentage of all used band instrument sales will be donated to local public school band programs.
Watch the Third Wave Music Indiegogo video below: