SAVING LA’S SMALL BUSINESSES: DIGITAL MAPPING STARTUP, SPOT, ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MALIBU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS DURING COVID-19
SAVING LA’S SMALL BUSINESSES: DIGITAL MAPPING STARTUP, SPOT,
ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MALIBU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS DURING COVID-19
The Los Angeles-Based Company Spearheads a Solution to Aid Regional Businesses
During Lockdown and in the Transition to Recovery
Los Angeles, CA – As businesses redefine their operations to survive, Los Angeles-based digital mapping startup, Spot, has partnered with the Malibu Chamber of Commerce in creating ShopMalibu, an interactive map to help local businesses during the pandemic. The company has evolved their existing curbside mapping and visualization technology to offer a free, hyperlocal channel for businesses to promote their updated services both during, and out of COVID-19.
“Spot is very proud to partner with the Malibu Chamber of Commerce, who have exemplified the support a chamber should provide to their regional businesses,” states Spot’s co-founder and CEO Elizabeth Zealand, “This is a perfect example of how cities and communities can come together to support the local economy during the global pandemic.“
Founded in 2015, Spot’s core business is to digitally optimize parking management and improve mobility for cities and major universities, including the recent launch at The Ohio State University. While the current stay-at-home orders have changed how consumers are socializing, Spot has repurposed to help businesses and consumers to connect via Spot’s proprietary technology.
Users simply view the interactive map to see how validated businesses are operating day-to-day. Spot outlines details on reopening conditions, daily updates and exclusive offers – and will shortly list if businesses have passed COVID-19 certification – something competing smartphone maps are not offering. Simultaneously, local businesses can directly update their details, such as if they are offering outdoor dining, putting them in the driver’s seat as conditions rapidly change.
Spot ensures that customers can stay informed regarding where, when and how to access services and makes this information available without having to use delivery or other third-party solutions that eat into the small margins of local businesses.
“The Malibu Chamber of Commerce is grateful to have partnered with Spot who developed the ShopMalibu Map,” stated Malibu Chamber of Commerce CEO and President, Barbara Bruderlin. “The map is beautifully designed and, in addition to showing the new hours, dining set ups and COVID-19 safety practices, it even shows users trailheads, beaches, tasting rooms and vineyards! This is such a needed boost for Malibu’s small businesses, who have gone through so much over the past two years.”
Beyond Lockdown
As the world begins its return to normalcy, the need for this service will extend to the transition and recovery phases. At this point in time, it’s not clear how the US government will navigate the staged easing of restrictions beyond lockdown and how this will impact different types of retailers.
With state governments currently responsible for their own rollout plans, Spot anticipates the ongoing need for businesses to require this kind of support. The world may never return to the way it was and flexible solutions will be key during this revolutionary time.
“As industries struggle in ways we never could have imagined, this is the time for companies to innovate and play their part in supporting the local economy and providing clear, real time answers to ensure citizens have safe access to services,” says Spot’s General Manager Mark Frumar. “Within just days, we were able to repurpose our existing mapping technology to deploy an entirely new solution that will continue to be of aid as we transition out of COVID-19.”
Partnership Inquiries:
Mark Frumar, General Manager
1-917-982-3745
Media Inquiries:
Kristin Kelly, Public Relations
1-603-714-5853
For More Information:
