# ByLocal

> ByLocal is a hyperlocal community platform that connects residents, local businesses, schools, PTAs, nonprofits, and community organizations through one shared ecosystem for events, fundraising, memberships, local commerce, and discovery.

## What it does

- **Local discovery**: Residents discover events, businesses, gift cards, deals, jobs, and community activities happening in their city.
- **Community events**: Organizations and businesses create, promote, and sell tickets for local events.
- **Fundraising**: PTAs, schools, nonprofits, and education foundations run digital fundraising campaigns, sell sponsorships, and manage donations.
- **Memberships**: Communities collect and manage memberships digitally for PTAs, organizations, and groups.
- **Business profiles**: Local businesses get a full profile in the local directory with hours, contact info, deals, and gift cards.
- **Promotions and gift cards**: Businesses sell digital gift cards, run promotions, and create discounts visible to local audiences.
- **Local jobs**: Businesses post jobs directly to the local community.
- **Student Ambassador Program**: Students create authentic local content for businesses and gain real-world media experience.
- **ByLocal Boost**: Add-on service for professional video editing, captions, and social media publishing assistance.
- **Local Partner program (white-label licensing)**: Local partners — chambers of commerce, media groups, community leaders — can launch their own branded version of the ByLocal platform in their region.

## Key facts

- **Audience**: Residents (free), local businesses (paid plans), community organizations (PTAs, schools, nonprofits), students, partners.
- **Pricing for residents**: Free. No subscription required to use the app.
- **Pricing for businesses**: Free plan available. Paid plans: Starter ($19.99/mo), Local Reach ($69/mo), Regional Reach ($159/mo).
- **Plans include**: Trusted Business Badge, banner ads, online product catalog, gift cards, memberships, push notifications, priority placement.
- **Cancel anytime**: No setup fees, no long-term contracts. Plans can be canceled or switched at any time.
- **Payments**: Processed securely through Stripe. All major credit and debit cards accepted.
- **Platforms**: Web (https://bylocal.app) and mobile app.
- **Focus**: Hyperlocal — every feature is designed around the local community context.

## Target audience

- **Residents**: People who want to discover what's happening in their local community — events, businesses, schools, fundraisers, jobs.
- **Local businesses**: Restaurants, shops, services, and professionals who want visibility and engagement in their local community.
- **Community organizations**: PTAs, schools, nonprofits, education foundations, EMS organizations, and community groups managing memberships, fundraising, and events.
- **Students**: High school and college students looking for real-world experience in media production, content creation, and community engagement.
- **Partners**: Community leaders, chambers of commerce, local media groups, and influencers who want to launch ByLocal in their region.

## Differentiators

- **One connected platform**: Residents, businesses, organizations, and events all live in the same hyperlocal ecosystem — not fragmented across separate tools.
- **Free for residents**: Discovery, events, and local activities are accessible at no cost to community members.
- **Built for local first**: Every feature is designed around the local community context, not generic national reach.
- **White-label ready**: Communities and partners can operate their own branded version of the platform with local identity preserved.
- **Authentic content**: The Student Ambassador Program produces real, community-driven content rather than generic stock media.
- **Local commerce included**: Gift cards, memberships, sponsorships, fundraising, and product sales are native to the platform.

## Links

- **Website**: https://bylocal.app
- **For residents**: https://bylocal.app/info/residents
- **For businesses**: https://bylocal.app/info/businesses
- **For organizations (PTAs, schools, nonprofits)**: https://bylocal.app/info/organizations
- **For students**: https://bylocal.app/info/students
- **Pricing**: https://bylocal.app/info/pricing
- **About**: https://bylocal.app/info
- **Boost (content add-on)**: https://bylocal.app/info/boost
- **Local Partner program (white-label / licensing)**: https://bylocal.app/info/local-partners
- **Sign up**: https://bylocal.app/bylocal-web/signup
- **Sign in**: https://bylocal.app/bylocal-web/login

## FAQ

**Can businesses cancel anytime?**
Yes. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time from the business account. Access continues through the end of the current billing period.

**Are there setup fees?**
No. There are no setup fees, hidden charges, or long-term contracts. Businesses only pay the monthly plan price.

**Is ByLocal really free for residents?**
Yes. Residents discover businesses, events, and local activities at no cost. The platform is funded by business plans.

**How do payments work?**
Payments are processed securely through Stripe. All major credit and debit cards are accepted.

**Can businesses switch plans later?**
Yes. Plans can be upgraded or downgraded at any time. Changes are prorated to the current billing cycle.

**What if a business has multiple locations?**
Each location is treated as a separate listing. Contact the ByLocal team for multi-location setups.