How Around Positions Itself in the Market

This idea was born from the frustration of constantly going from store to store in search of items needed now, wasting time and energy during the process.

It evolved into a mission to make local businesses more visible, so people no longer have to wonder what's available nearby.

As the platform developed, it became clear that it's more than just making a marketplace, it’s a tool that will strengthen communities, keep spending local, and make supporting neighborhood businesses easy and rewarding, all while getting what you need in minutes.

Around is a unified marketplace that brings all local businesses together in one place.

Merchants can promote their business, sell goods and services, deliver items to customers, and manage operations.

Our focus is on urgent use cases where customers need goods and services now, as well as everyday shoppers seeking unique or simply local offerings from businesses in their community.

It’s about getting ahead of the curve.

33 million small businesses remain the foundation of the U.S. economy, making up 99.9% of all businesses and responsible for 63% of new job creation since 1995. Yet, despite their impact, they’re under more pressure than ever to survive in a post-pandemic, driven by the constant rise of e-commerce shopping.

The surge in online shopping, accelerated by COVID-19, has reshaped consumer behavior and expectations. Shoppers now demand the same-day convenience and the seamless experience they've grown used to with platforms like Amazon that small businesses can’t compete with. While local businesses often lack the digital infrastructure to keep up, and customers, especially, locals, prefer to shop online than look for goods and services locally.

There is no time to guess, customers expect instant shopping visibility at their fingertips. Don’t we all?

While entrepreneurship is booming, with over 5.1 million new business applications filed in 2022, many of these small businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Inflation remains the top concern for small businesses, with over half saying it’s their biggest challenge. Access to capital is declining, only 49% of business owners feel they currently have good access to funding, down from 67% in 2017. Owners are working harder than ever, 50% reported working more hours than they did a year ago, up from just 30% in 2016.

A persistent labor shortage means job openings are going unfilled, adding to the burden. There are nearly 5 million more open jobs than unemployed workers in the U.S. And the closure rate remains high, with 595,000 small businesses closing every year, many unable to compete with larger, tech-enabled players.

At the same time, consumers are increasingly eager to support local businesses, but only if the experience is convenient, transparent, and accessible.

Around exists to bridge this gap. It equips local businesses with the tools to match the convenience of e-commerce giants, offering digital storefronts, delivery infrastructure, and discovery features, all within one unified platform. As communities look to shop locally and economies shift toward decentralization, Around ensures local businesses are not left behind.

Bringing all local and unique businesses to your fingertips, so you can discover and buy locally while supporting your communities.

Reviving local shopping by equipping small businesses with the tools they need to compete with major e-commerce platforms.

As more people turn to Around, new businesses, previously unseen, will emerge, creating more jobs and strengthening local economies.

Our fear of AI shouldn’t make us insecure about the future of our jobs. Instead, it should inspire creativity and pave the way for new jobs.

Search engines are limited to displaying store locations, contact details, and reviews, but they don’t show the full range of goods and services offered, nor do they allow customers to purchase or get items delivered.

Food delivery apps are mostly focused on restaurants and groceries, offering limited product delivery, mainly small items from major retail chains.

Service-based apps act as directories, connecting customers to providers without facilitating instant bookings or purchases. Most of their listings require custom quotes, adding friction to the process.

Around changes that. We bring together all types of local small businesses, products and services alike, into one platform where they can showcase what makes them unique and instantly reach local buyers. Users can discover what’s nearby when they need it, purchase on the spot, and get it delivered, regardless of the item’s size or weight.

Around will be made of three apps:

1. Merchant

2. Customer

3. Driver

Customers can get items delivered, schedule services, or even buy and sell with one another. For merchants, Around provides tools to promote their business, manage operations, and connect with local buyers instantly. Drivers earn for every delivery they complete, including delivery fees and tips.

Three Phases

Phase 1

Services and product directory

Merchants can showcase their business, track inventory, get paid for goods and services, and deliver to customers with their teams

Summer 2025

Phase 2

Services and product delivery

More business management tools and delivery support for items of any size and weight, handled by either the merchant’s team or our drivers.

Fall 2025

Phase 3

User to User Marketplace

Customers will be able to buy and sell with each other, with pickup and delivery available for sold items, offering a secure way to handle small exchanges.

Winter 2026

Contact us at Info@thearoundhub.com to speak with our team!