You hadn't added a link to your discussion on an alternate approach, so I'm adding to this thread here:
I think I may have found a solution for "real world" companies and GLBSE.
- https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/i-think-i-may-have-found-a-solution-for-real-world-companies-and-glbse-110042
Because crowdfunding rules in the U.S. haven't even been finalized or published, the requirements to do an equity crowdfunding IPO aren't even known yet.
Generally to crowdfund you'll want to use a crowdfunding platform -- perhaps one that might already have an investor following that is familiar with your industry. But even though things won't start popping until early 2013, you could start vetting platforms now.
One thing you might consider is to put a bug in the ear of one of those local lawyers interested in learning about crowdfunding. Perhaps suggesting the upcoming crowdfunding bootcamp would be something of interest:
- http://crowdfundingroadmap.com/bootcamp
Good sources of news and updates of the crowdfunding industry:
- http://www.CrowdSourcing.org
- http://twitter.com/bitcoinmoney/crowdfunding