What Is Mainvest Used For: Features, Reviews & Alternatives
Invest in local small businesses.
Editorially updated Oct 25, 2025
Mainvest
mainvest.com
The overview
What Mainvest is for
1Core Capabilitie
- Public offering listing pages with business profile
- Secure investment transaction portal
- Investor dashboard for portfolio tracking
- Revenue-sharing note terms display
2Specialized Workflow
- Due diligence document repository (PPM, financials)
- Business application portal for capital seeker
- Community Q&A forum for investor engagement
- Automated payment distribution for revenue-sharing note
Who it helps
Useful ways to use Mainvest
A practical path
Discover Investment Offering
Navigate to the 'Invest' section on the homepage. Browse current investment opportunities, utilizing filters to narrow results by industry, location, or investment type to find businesses aligning with your investment thesi
External signals
Reviews & reputation
Aggregated review score
Mainvest is highly regarded for its accessible platform connecting retail investors with local small businesses, offering a unique opportunity for community-centric investing. Users appreciate the clear presentation of revenue-sharing terms and the thorough due diligence process. Some feedback notes the illiquid nature of investments and the inherent risks associated with small business performance.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
1What are the typical investment minimums on Mainvest, and what kind of returns can I expect?⌄
Investment minimums on Mainvest typically start at $100, making local business investment accessible. Returns are structured as revenue-sharing notes, meaning investors receive a percentage of the business's gross revenue until a target return multiple (e.g., 1.5x or 2x your investment) is achieved. These are not guaranteed returns, as they depend on the business's performance.
2How does Mainvest conduct due diligence on businesses seeking funding?⌄
Mainvest employs a rigorous due diligence process. This includes reviewing financial statements, business plans, credit checks, background checks on principals, and verifying legal compliance. Only businesses that pass this vetting process are approved to list offerings on the platform, providing a layer of investor protection and confidence in the listed opportunities.
3Is Mainvest regulated, and what protections are in place for investors?⌄
Yes, Mainvest is a registered Funding Portal with the SEC and a member of FINRA, operating under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) and Regulation A+ exemptions. This regulatory oversight mandates specific disclosures and operational standards. Investor protections include standardized offering documents, escrow services for funds, and the requirement for businesses to provide ongoing financial updates.
4What types of businesses are eligible to raise capital on Mainvest?⌄
Mainvest focuses on established, revenue-generating Main Street businesses, often in sectors like restaurants, breweries, retail, and service industries. Businesses must typically have a proven operating history, a clear plan for using the funds, and demonstrate the capacity to generate sufficient revenue to repay investors. Early-stage startups without revenue are generally not a fit.
5How liquid are investments made through Mainvest?⌄
Investments made through Mainvest are generally illiquid. Revenue-sharing notes are private securities and do not trade on public exchanges. Investors should expect to hold their investment until the note matures or the target return is met, which can take several years. There is no secondary market facilitated by Mainvest for these investments.
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