Crowdfunding (CF) is considered to be an innovative source of funding, and research into its effects on CF participants is being conducted from many different angles. In our article, we propose a qualitative analysis of CF’s impact on creating added value for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper is a conceptual study based on the theory of value co-creation, the Norton–Kaplan value model, and the concept of economic value added (EVA) to identify the areas (perspectives) of business activity where crowdfunding may stimulate the growth of company value. Based on the map of co-relations in crowdfunding that we have created, we propose a new model of crowdfunding value analysis from the entrepreneur’s point of view. Our research demonstrates that crowdfunding not only presents an alternative financing option, but also affects all perspectives relevant to value creation. As compared to the existing literature, this analysis is the most comprehensive take on the importance of crowdfunding for increasing the value of small and medium enterprises to date, thus offering a material contribution to the fuller understanding of crowdfunding from the financial standpoint, as well as pointing to the importance of crowdfunding as a financing method influencing sustainable decision-making by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The added value of the study is the proposed method of analysing the impact of CF on the value of enterprises by using the Norton–Kaplan model and EVA.

Start-up accelerators are units supporting entrepreneurs (substantively, financially, legally, and organizationally) in establishing and running young and innovative companies such as start-ups. The commencing energy crisis has led to the need for energy savings, as well as the need to change energy policies and implement energy transformation, creating a wide field for start-ups and start-up accelerators. Making full use of potentially innovative solutions developed by start-ups is, in turn, essential for energy giants and related accelerators in the market. This has created the need for specific research in this direction. Therefore, in this paper we review the literature for 2011–2021 with respect to the role of accelerators supporting start-ups. A survey based on the Scopus database resulted in the identification of 76 papers on accelerators. Particular attention was paid to aspects of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental). The analysis indicated that 75 works dealt with the economic aspects, 35 focused on social aspects, and only 5 focused on environmental aspects. Due to the perceived gap related to the small number of works dealing with environmental aspects, a decision was made to analyse the energy sector and the methods of operation of accelerators in this sector. Three models found in the market that were used by energy companies to cooperate with start-ups were characterized, along with their goals, in an attempt to enable an improved understanding as to which acceleration model best fits a manager’s organization. The models were supported by case studies—a model of commercial cooperation between a corporation and an external accelerator, a model of creating a corporate accelerator within an internal structure, and a hybrid model.

This paper presents the results of a survey of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Poland that have benefited from crowdfunding (CF). Based on these results, a new business model was developed. On this basis, the CF equity, reward and donation models were analyzed, and the impact of CF on the way of creating value in the company in the context of sustainable development was determined. The survey results show that the use of CF promotes the sustainable development of SMEs in Poland and significantly impacts their business model. In practical terms, this research has contributed to a better understanding of value creation by these companies. The results of our analysis are useful for consulting companies and CF platforms that help SMEs organize campaigns. In theoretical terms, the study conducted and the methodology used allow the presentation of a new definition of CF and a sustainable business model for a company using CF as well as contribute to the value management theory in SMEs.

Purpose – The purpose of the research was to present the transfer of value in the business model of companies using crowdfunding in Poland based on the idea of sustainability in doing business. Research method – A survey was conducted on a group of 121 enterprises using crowdfunding. It used the Norton-Kaplan value map and the value flow model in accordance with the E3 concept and the idea of sustainable development Results – The conducted analyses have shown that the most important perspective of the value of crowdfunding is the financial and procedural perspective, while taking into account the crowdfunding model in conjunction with the concept of sustainable development, the most important are the economic and social dimensions. Originality / value / implications / recommendations – The added value of research is learning about the crowdfunding business model and creating value in CF for a company using the E3 model, taking into account economic, social and environmental values. Moreover, a new model was created based on the survey results, which is in line with the scientific discourse and thus bridges the research gap in this area. In addition, this model allows for the analysis of both the value offered and the value captured, not only for companies, but for each participant in accordance with the idea of sustainable development.