Downingtown-based TBJ Gourmet has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise between $250,000 and $1 million to finance its market expansion, writes Diane Mastrull for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The rapidly growing culinary enterprise is already represented in 5,500 retail stores, including Walmart, and is available in around 1,000 restaurants.

Unlike its previous crowdfunding effort six years ago, when TBJ sold its products to raise $12,000 in 30 days, this time it is offering an ownership stake in TBJ under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Crowdfunding. This is a more accessible approach that allows for both non-accredited and accredited investors.

The WeFunder campaign requires a minimum investment of $100, with first $75,000 being offered at $26.50 per share.

“It allows a regular Joe to buy into something they believe in,” said Michael Oraschewsky, co-founder and CEO of TBJ.

TBJ Gourmet was previously known as The Bacon Jams. But Oraschewsky and his partner, Bruce Kramer, an engineer and home brewer from West Chester, decided to rebrand the company three years ago to expand beyond pork products.

The company has also partnered with hunger-relief nonprofit Philabundance to create a sweet-and-savory, non-bacon, spiced tomato jam. Philabundance will receive the proceeds from the sales.

Read more about TBJ Gourmet in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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