New app connects Yukon businesses and customers

WHITEHORSE—Local is Smart, a new mobile app aimed at connecting customers to Yukon businesses launches today as part of Yukoner Appreciation Day.

Created by Yukon software developer Stephan Bardubitzki of mobiTec, the app enables businesses to instantly notify customers of offers, new products and instore events.

App users select the types of businesses they wish to receive push notifications from, and can browse the app any time to see the promotions on offer.

Businesses receive feedback on how many users interact with information they send out, and which types of promotions generate greater interest and more sales.

Local is Smart creator Stephan Bardubitzki is passionate about supporting Yukon businesses.

“We are very fortunate here. Yukon has some fantastic small businesses and entrepreneurs and it is important we support and nurture them. For every $100 spent on a locally-owned business, approximately $68 remains in the local economy—which benefits all of us,” said Bardubitzki.

“Through simple, quick communications, Local is Smart helps consumers stay connected to local businesses and helps those businesses expand their number of loyal customers without having to develop their own app,” he added.

The app is free to download for consumers. Local businesses receive a 30-day free trial after which subscriptions are on a sliding scale from $59 to $199 per month depending on how many promotions they wish to send out. Seasonal businesses can pause their subscription and resume later without losing their data.

According to Bardubitzki, over 25 Yukon businesses have signed up to Local is Smart so far, including Air North, Coast Mountain Sports, Mac’s Fireweed Books, Angellina’s Toy and Children’s Boutique and Antoinette’s Restaurant.

Local is Smart is part of a pilot incubator project funded by the Government of Yukon’s Department of Economic Development and delivered by (co)space.

Technology and Cold Climate Innovation (TI) at Yukon College has supported mobiTec with $67,500 across two phases of the app development. TI is also supporting the company with commercialization of the app and refining the mobile app and web console.

“This launch demonstrates how innovative thinking on a local scale can have positive impacts on our economy. The efforts behind this app not only help build our knowledge economy, but also support our local businesses,” said Ranj Pillai, Minister of Economic Development. “Government of Yukon is pleased to support programs and organizations such as Technology and Cold Climate Innovation at Yukon College, (co)space and TechYukon who assisted in the development of this project.”

“I am very grateful for the support of Economic Development and Yukon College,” said Bardubitzki. “Their teams are knowledgeable and help bridge an important gap for local innovators—how to commercialize our ideas.”

“Local is Smart is a fantastic example of a Yukon innovator creating a product that not only grows their business, but positively impacts many Yukon businesses and consumers,” said Alison Anderson, Technology Innovation Officer at Yukon College.

For more information, contact:

Michael Vernon
Yukon College - Communications
867.668.8786
867.332.4722
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca

Jason Seaton
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5907
Jason.Seaton@gov.yk.ca