In the midst of increasing outreach and raising awareness of the crowdfunding industry, whose regulations and specifics are still in the works, it is always gratifying to learn concrete figures that validate the potential of the market SeedInvest is working to build. In a recent article on Forbes.com, contributor Devin Thorpe reported that estimates for transactions through crowdfunding could reach up to $500 billion annually, which is a monumental figure that illustrates how promising this industry is for creating new jobs and businesses.

This optimism is echoed by none other than SeedInvest’s advisor Sherwood Neiss, who was instrumental in steering the passage of the JOBS Act in Congress. Mr. Neiss recently reflected on the first annual Crowdfunding Bootcamp earlier this October in Henderson, Nevada, where all members of the Crowdfunding Professional Association came together for the first time.

Mr. Neiss takes heart from the immense enthusiasm surrounding the industry at this stage, not just from the United States but from all corners of the world. With the CfPA gaining over 800 members in just six months, he believes that the unification and strength of the CfPA will help the crowdfunding industry achieve its interests by having a strong say in the regulatory process, emphasizing the “solidarity of the industry.” As Mr. Neiss says, “We think the next 36 months will create national, regional and global opportunities for first movers and fast followers. The world is listening to the crowd.”