Release Date: August 10,2020
Akron Partners With Colu to Launch Akronite App to Support Small Business Recovery from COVID-19
Mayor Dan Horrigan Enlists Pioneering Technology Company to Help Strengthen Relationships Between Residents and Small Businesses
AKRON, Ohio, August 10, 2020—To spur its economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the City of Akron has launched the Akronite app. Akronite is a comprehensive city-centered software platform to increase civic and community engagement, raise up female- and minority-owned businesses, and help residents connect with local retailers.
Mayor Dan Horrigan and his Office of Integrated Development worked with Colu to create a customized Akronite app designed to propel the resurgence of Akron’s small business community. The app gives retailers marketing tools to connect them with residents while incentivizing Akronites to shop locally by rewarding them with specialized blimps that are redeemable at participating Akron businesses.
“Our locally owned small businesses are facing enormous challenges and we need out-of-the-box ideas that safely connect them to consumers and turn local spending into a source of pride for residents,” said Mayor Horrigan. “The Akronite app will enable the city to reward customers for shopping local, improving revenues for our small businesses while helping folks stretch their dollars.”
By offering technology that places the economic and social well-being of cities in the hands of residents and creating long-term, positive behavioral changes that build public wealth, Akronite can empower Akron to foster a sense of community, give local businesses an accessible platform on which to tell their stories and connect residents with the local business community. The Akronite app will use everyday interactions to drive mobility and economic and social progress.
Residents can use the app to discover exciting and sustainable ways to participate in civic life and COVID-safe community activities. They’ll also have the opportunity to like and share City Stories that reveal the vibrant and engaging narratives happening every day in Akron.
“Akron has a long history of innovation within our economy — this initiative draws on that legacy,” said Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development James Hardy. “By putting the future of Akron's locally owned small businesses in the palm of our citizens’ hands, we hope to make it easy for consumers to keep their money local and continue to strengthen our incredible community."
To learn more about Akronite, check out this video produced by Pritt Entertainment Group.
About Colu
Colu is an award-winning govtech company that creates a custom-branded mobile app for cities to reward residents who take actions that promote local goals. Colu helps cities support small businesses and encourage civic engagement by offering a platform that embodies the people and neighborhoods that make cities thrive — increasing local consumption, retaining jobs, and keeping wealth local. Colu has raised $35 million from respected venture capital investors. Learn more at colu.com.