Smallground

Inspiration

SmallGround is an app that connects store front venues to the vast inventories of big box stores and other consumer product suppliers. Small Ground enables store owners to create unique selling environments to build loyalty with member customers without the need to manage inventory or maintain a large footprint. This makes it possible for unique store layouts and gives store owners a low cost chance to offer a wide array of products and amenities - potentially unrelated to available inventory.

SmallGround was created to take advantage of internet connectivity to big box stores, the desire to purchase within a few blocks of one's home and the need to increase foot traffic in retail corridors. Big box stores don't always want a big footprint in neighborhoods due to lagging economics. Big Box store do offer services for online purchases being made available for pickup or delivery. We connect these two premises.

What it does

SmallGround enables retailers to filter and select big box inventory for display and promotion in their stores. Member consumers can used the app to schedule event slots at the location & make product purchases to be delivered to the Smallground location or member's home.

How I built it

Small Ground is currently in concept stage and designed to operate as a tool for popup stores and unique store front experiences. This initial launch is intended begin in a store front cafe and extend to a member bases across like minded entrepreneurs. Development will include blockchain design principles as well as connection to area store owners to offer additional services.

Challenges I ran into

Funding for economic development in these areas does not consider tech plays valid, while VC dollars are not geared toward theses types of initiatives. We had to find an alternate funding model.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

Colony 5 identified a 4-stage funding model that includes residents and the general public in the process of funding startups for distressed communities. This will enable SmallGround to be available more broadly.

What I learned

What's next for SmallGround

It's in the Colony 5 pipeline and seeking an Idea Leader for CTC18 Entrepreneur in Residence for C5C19.

Built With

• blockchain
• it-is-built-on-a-framework-that-accesses-various-ship-to-site-frameworks