Where did the idea come from?

Originally it was a site for recommendations around the local area but it shifted into a platform designed for small businesses to connect, network and grow their customer base through Scooploop, amongst many other features included. Our user side is a great platform for people to use if they are looking to get involved with their local community and find out the latest community updates from their local neighbours.

What startups do you work with?

We don’t currently work with other startups as such, Scooploop platform offers an opportunity for businesses to join the site and create a business profile, highlighting what services they offer, upload blog posts and interact with other businesses and users, plus much more! Any type of business can sign up and join Scooploop for business and this could be a great start for start businesses to join.

What work have you been doing in the COVID-19 space to help?

During COVID-19, we wanted to utilise our platform as much as possible. So we set up a volunteer option for members of Scooploop to offer their help to those in need, by offering to walk a persons dog, pick up and drop off any deliveries or post, ring or text someone if they are feeling low and food shop for anyone who is unable to leave their property. On a person’s profile page, it will have a helping hand icon next to it to show that person is offering to help with any of the above services. If anyone is needing help, they can message the volunteer privately to help. Since creating the volunteer option, we have received a fantastic response from Scooploop members volunteering, offering their help.

How has your industry reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic?

It is a little different for our industry, as Scooploop is a social networking platform and with lockdown being introduced into our day-to-day lives, a lot more people have taken to using social media platforms, such as ours and so, we have noticed a spike in activity on Scooploop. It has been really beneficial for people who have not been able to go outside often or even at all, so we like to hope that we have been a beneficial platform for individuals and small businesses that might have been struggling to get their message out to their audience.

How have you guys had to adapt to the current situation?

Adapting to the current situation has been challenging at times, like all businesses, adapting to working from home was strange at first, given we are all used to working in the office together, being able to have face-to-face meetings etc. However, it has been something that we have adapted to quickly, taking meetings online, taking the opportunity to network potentially more so than before the pandemic, as we can do it from the comfort of our own homes.

What do you have planned for the future?

We are currently working super hard to push on the Scooploop for Business side and continue to build a platform that aids small businesses to have another beneficial social networking platform that they can use to network and connect with others in their local area, all in one place.