Nearby is a startup that operates as a Public Benefit Corporation, meaning it aims to create public benefits in addition to generating profit for shareholders. The company focuses on supporting local businesses by providing an online marketplace tailored to individual towns. Think of it as a digital version of your town's main street, where you can shop from local stores and have your orders delivered to your door.

Nearby serves small, local businesses and the residents of the communities where these businesses operate. The company partners with organizations like the Uptown and Downtown Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Visit Oakland, and the Alameda County Food Bank to strengthen community ties and support local economies.

The business model is straightforward: Nearby acts as an intermediary between local merchants and customers. They facilitate online orders and handle the logistics of delivery. Merchants are paid twice monthly, and Nearby retains a modest fee to cover costs such as credit card fees, sales tax, and delivery expenses. This fee structure ensures that the service remains affordable for both merchants and customers.

Nearby makes money by charging this modest fee for each transaction processed through its platform. This fee helps cover operational costs and allows the company to sustain its mission of supporting local economies and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.

In summary, Nearby is a community-focused online marketplace that supports local businesses by making it easier for residents to shop locally. The company generates revenue through transaction fees and aims to create economic opportunities while also contributing to environmental sustainability.

Keywords: local marketplace, community support, small businesses, online shopping, delivery service, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, Public Benefit Corporation, local economy, transaction fees.