Springfield Business Journal_2021-01-11

Startup connects businesses, customers via ‘quests’ Locally Noted concept sends ticket holders on themed experiences at area businesses by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net An entrepreneur is expanding his portfolio with a new venture focused on connecting small businesses and customers for interactive expe- riences. Veteran software developer Brad Benton last month launched Locally Noted LLC, which through its web portal organizes themed quests that involve multiple businesses, such as breweries and restaurants. The participating businesses provide ex- clusive offerings to ticket holders at each of the quest’s waypoints. He said the crux of the idea is creating business-to-consum- er experiences at a time when many locally owned shops are financially stressed. “What we wanted to do was create an experience where you go and visit that business and you’re actually building a relationship be- tween the business owner and the customer and not just of- fering a quick discount,” Ben- ton said. Ticket sales for the first expe- rience, dubbed Brew-to-Brew, began Dec. 1. He said over 410 tickets were sold as of early Janu- ary for the quest, which started Christ- mas Day. That’s over halfway to the 800-ticket goal – equating to $20,000 – he has for each of Locally Noted’s initial quests. Tickets are $25 and sold through LocallyNoted.com, but Benton said a mobile app is under development and should be available later this month. Ten busi- nesses are on board for the SWMO Brew-to-Brew $2.00 · SBJ.NET JAN. 11-17, 2021 · VOL. 41, NO. 25 40 YEARS • YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY B R E W T O B R E W Q U E S T D A T E N I G H T Q U E S T I C O N C E A T S Q U E S T 4 by 4 Brewing Co. Great Escape Beer Works Downing Street Pour House Uncle Bob’s Brewpub 417 Taphouse Tie & Timber Beer Co. MudLounge Best of Luck Beer Hall Leaky Roof Meadery Prehistoric Brewing Co. HOW IT WORKS The Locally Noted startup plans to roll out three themed quests by spring, beginning with breweries. Each quest is designed for 10 waypoints, all local businesses. At each waypoint, participants can learn about the business, receive free or discounted items and are presented with a roadblock. Roadblocks are interactive tasks that must be completed on-site to earn rewards and unlock the next waypoint. Waypoints can be completed in any order during a six- month period. CONSTRUCTION High project backlog and optimism usher the construction industry into the new year. PAGE 9 MCKENZIE ROBINSON Locally Noted owner Brad Benton, right, connects with Zachary Campbell, co-owner of 417 Taphouse, one of 10 businesses involved in the SWMO Brew-to-Brew experience. See STARTUP on page 20 800 Locally Noted’s ticket sales goal for each initial quest AMANDA MILLER