Why invest in Renew Port Holdings?
Investing in Renew Port Holdings is an investment in your community.  Each RPH project is its own unique business entity,and by purchasing units within an RPH entity you become a co-owner of that business.  As with other businesses, the owners contribute to, and share in, the success of the business.  Each business will own downtown real estate - a tangible asset, instead of a piece of paper. You will be able to see your money at work, creating economic growth and added value within Port Washington, which will, in turn, positively affect the economic and social fabric of the entire community.  

Sure, it's good for the community, but how does investing in Renew Port Holdings compare to the stock market?
We do not pretend to be investment experts.  Everybody's investment situation is unique and what investment is "better" or "safer" will differ from person to person.  In a webinar presented by the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, Michael Shuman, author of The Small Mart Revolution:  How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition and Going Local:  Creating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global Age, made this comparison:

"...investing in your local community involves some risks that must be considered.  The total pool of potential investments is smaller, therefore making it harder to diversify.  Also, if the community hits an economic downturn, all of your investments could be negatively affected.  But, compare these risks to investing in the stock market.  Unlike investments in your local community, it is very hard to have meaningful knowledge about publicly traded multinational corporations.  With the kind of high-speed automated trading that is coming to dominate the public capital markets, volatility and uncertainty are becoming the norm.  And, of course, there are numerous indirect benefits to investing in your local community as opposed to faraway conglomerates that do nothing to improve your quality of life or local economy (they often do the opposite)."

How can I invest in Renew Port Holdings?
Anyone can apply to become a member in any number of Renew Port Holdings projects.  Each project is its own LLC under the direction of Renew Port Holdings, Inc., with price per unit and projected annual returns dependent on the size and scope of each project.  Contact RPH for details:  [email protected]

When will I see a return on my investment?
This is dependent on a number of factors, including the number of investors in each project and the time-line of success.  By pooling funds from the community, Renew Port Holdings is able to control the rate of return and assist a new business in getting started in the community.  As the business becomes more viable, rents can be increased to market value, thus increasing the potential for returns to the investor.

Who is managing Renew Port Holdings?
Renew Port Holdings was developed by Gertjan van den Broek; resident of Port Washington and a strong supporter of the Port Washington Main Street program (a volunteer organization dedicated to the revitalization of Port Washington's downtown), where he served as a board member since its inception in 2008 through 2010.  With over 20 years of experience in operations, business improvement and project management, combined with experience in business start-ups and business transformations in three different countries, Gertjan is well-versed in bringing potential to reality.  Renew Port Holdings stems from Gertjan's vision of Port Washington as a sustainable, year round, healthy community that is made strong by the investment and support of its residents.

What is a Community Supported Business?
According to the Community Supported Business Organization, "a CSB is a way of thinking and doing business sustainability by using ecological principles to leverage the value of community."  By applying the ecological principles of evolution, diversity, symbiotic relationships, self organization, limits to growth and locality, Renew Port Holdings has developed a holistic business model which will serve the community, as well as the investors.

I want to support our local community but can't afford to invest - what can I do?
There are numerous ways to contribute, other than investing.  You can contribute your talents and volunteer with Port Washington Main Street. Port Washington Main Street also welcomes tax-deductible donations to its activities. 

I own property downtown - what can Renew Port Holdings do for me?
Your property has value, which can be converted into ownership units in a Renew Port Holdings project.  Including your property in an RPH project has significant benefits for both the property owner and our community.  Our alternative business model allows for generating capital and attracting businesses in a way that traditional lending does not allow.  The property owner retains units in the property and, therefore, still has potential for a return on an investment without the risk or the burden of managing or marketing the property.