BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – Bloomington-based Townee has secured $ 20,000 in funding from the Indianapolis-based Community Ideation Fund of Elevate Ventures. The startup has developed a platform for small businesses to connect with users, who can receive rewards for referring others to businesses.

Townee was founded by JR Ricker, who also founded inBloom Juicery in Bloomington and noticed that the majority of his customers were referred by a friend or from social media. Ricker says he will use the funding to continue marketing efforts and bring more small businesses into Bloomington.

“Townee’s startup mission has always been to help other small businesses grow and market themselves,” Ricker said in a press release. “However, this investment means much more than the financing necessary for growth. I see it more as a partnership with some of the smartest, most connected minds in Indiana, who can only help us on our startup journey.

Townee says the app also provides deals to college athletes by letting them enjoy their name, image and likeness through collaborations with local businesses. Elevate Ventures says this made the startup more attractive for investment.

“As a former college athlete himself, JR was able to anticipate the policy changes the NCAA brought before many other entrepreneurs,” said Cy Megnin, Elevate Ventures Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Velocities, a partnership that supports startups. in south-central Indiana. “He was able to capitalize on that with the launch of Townee. “

The Community Ideation Fund provides an investment of up to $ 20,000 to eligible businesses, as well as access to additional funds and resources, according to Elevate Ventures.