For the second time, Constant Contact is welcoming a class of startups that will get the opportunity to work side-by-side with the Constant Contact team. And while they’re not all technology firms, they do have something in common: Each is focused on projects that the company believes will actually provide value for other small businesses.
All five participants are offered residence at the SMBInno Loft, which is in Constant Contact’s Waltham headquarters office, as well as $10,000 to spend on marketing activities, and mentorship from the local angel and venture communities. But the two startups that show the most growth and success during their time in the innovation program will be granted two additional months to tap Constant Contact’s resources. This class, which kicks off in February, will also get a new benefit: access to Constant Contact’s Test Drive—an opt-in focus group of over 7,000 small businesses that are willing to test out and provide feedback on emerging products and services.
"This is a great time for small business innovation," said Andy Miller, chief innovation architect at Constant Contact, in a press release. "Our research shows that small businesses are more optimistic than they have been since the recession, a good sign that they can start investing back into their companies. The breadth of solutions offered by our Innovation Program’s second class shows that entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and areas of interest are recognizing the vast opportunities in developing new products and services for small businesses. It’s inspiring to support a variety of new technologies designed to help small businesses succeed."
"This is a great time for small business innovation."
Additionally, two startups that show exceptional growth and success during their tenure will be invited to remain at the InnoLoft for two extra months to take further advantage of Constant Contact’s resources. All five participants will receive residence in the InnoLoft, $10,000 to spend on marketing activities, and mentorship from the local angel and venture communities, among other benefits.
Here’s what you need to know about the startups that are participating (with descriptions from Constant Contact). Four are from the Boston area, while the fifth one, Itsgr82bme, is from New Jersey.
Cloze: Cloze is launching a new premium app that uses data science to help small business professionals proactively keep on top of their relationships.
FamilyID: a self-serve online registration and payment platform for small organizations that regularly host programs—such as schools, camps, and clubs.
Faze1: a data-as-a-service solution that delivers consumer data to small businesses in a mapping interface for optimizing direct marketing campaigns.
Ureserv.com: Ureserv.com is a cloud-based online restaurant reservation and table management system which has already processed over 10 million reservations in a little over two years.
Itsgr82bme: connects small businesses to customers by offering consumers one central location to find family-friendly things to do and places to go, as well as products and services in their local communities or on the go.
