The Small Business Beanstalk continues to work toward filling the gap between local businesses and local customers with the introduction of their new mobile app. The new tool launches next week for both iPhone and Android platforms, and a kickoff party is planned on Tuesday evening.

We spoke with SBB Founder Wolf Starr to find out more about what features this new tool will offer and how it can benefit local businesses looking to connect with new customers.

Read on for our Q&A interview:

Q: Did the idea for the app come from the businesses you work with, from SBB card holders, or from somewhere else entirely?

A: We have had many of our clients, cardholders and advisers recommend app concepts. The idea has always been a part of the vision. When we first conceptualized the card in 2009 we looked into many different technologies. The first were RFID solutions where the card could passively reward users. This process did not prove cost efficient and took us beyond on comfort zones. The second attempt was to work with our businesses on scanning each card. However, based on various levels of technology and staff training, this idea never became universally realistic.

When we first started looking into apps, we went through many different concepts as well. The first one did push notifications, but with almost 500 members, that got a little annoying. The next was a basic locator, which was good but not great.

This new app is one that incorporates all of our best ideas and best supports the community without putting extra work on our business owners and their employees.

Q: So, which types of features will users find most interesting?

A: The locator function will be very helpful, as users can see where each of our member business are in relation to their current location. The app can also now display your SBB card, including the number on the back, so that the card can be more readily available.

The check-in feature is location-based and allows cardholders to be rewarded when visiting our member businesses. When a card holder checks into a business they can earn beans, which are our point system. The BeanStore is a redemption section on our website where card holders can turn in their beans for a vast range of free items including local music downloads, gift cards, movie tickets, private parties and more. Beans can also be earned in other ways, such as supporting local nonprofits or attending civic events.

Q: How does the app fit directly into the role of supporting the local small business community?

A: The app ties the shopping local experience closer to the community. The app connects the businesses together and creates a game where you can get something from your independent business owners without it costing them anything. The app also brings attention to many of the businesses that we do not typically think of as being local. The aesthetic differences between the Gateway Film Center and the Lennox AMC 24 are minimal, but the community impact is very different.

Q: Can you tell us a bit more about the launch party next week?

A: We are launching the app at our Holiday Bash next Tuesday at the Wall Street Night Club at 6pm. The event will feature many of our business owners and is open to the public. Anyone who attends the event and downloads the app can check in for 25 bonus beans to get the game going. We will also have local drink specials from Middle West Spirits and Watershed Distillery.

Q: Anything else we should know about the new app?



A: The app itself is a local partnership between ourselves and Hungerly (The Food Cart Locator). Derek Edwards, Founder of hungerly, worked side by side with our team to figure out how to create the best and most functional app. We want to reward those who shop local and support Central Ohio.

More information about The Small Business Beanstalk can be found online at thesbb.com.