Imagine you run a yoga studio, or a plumbing shop, or a coworking space. How do you link up with other small businesses to build a network, do creative marketing partnerships, or just take advantage of bulk purchasing?
Michael Noble believes he's found the answer to that question, and it's called
Nitch.
While working at the
CoCo Minneapolis shared business space, Noble came up with idea of a website that connects small businesses to each other and to sponsors that cater to specific industries.
For example, a yoga mat manufacturer could get introduced to all of a city's studios by signing up with Nitch, or could create a private network of existing customers.
"Nitch is supposed to be about saving money, connecting with vendors, collaborating with industry peers," says Noble. "What we found in our initial research was that many small businesses spend the majority of their time trying to get new customers, and they're less adept at managing the back office. They don't have time to submit bids, or team up with others for purchasing."
The site's pilot industry was restaurants, and Nitch has about 100 on the site now. Noble expects that number to grow, and for other industries to start being represented, like bicycle retailers.
Although the site only launched in December, Noble feels that the unique mission and the lack of competitors should make for a strong start.
"We're excited to see where this can go," he says.
Source: Michael Noble, Nitch
Writer: Elizabeth Millard