TCNJ

9 Advanta What it is A mobile marketplace for outsourcing errands or chores to in-app bidders. Apps to the rescue Your next download could be one with TCNJ roots. WITH A MOBILE APP AND THE TOUCH OF A FINGER we can now crowdsource everything from opinions on Bitcoin to Swiffer reviews. Or even emotional comfort and a skinnier workload. Little Words Project What if a mobile app could spread kindness? That's the goal of a new app from Adriana Botti's Little Words Project. A jewelry brand with a purpose, Little Words Project is founded on a simple, but powerful idea: Each inexpensive bracelet bears an inspirational word or phrase designed to empower, encourage, or otherwise help its wearer for as long as she wants or needs it. Then she can pass the bracelet to someone who needs the message more. Botti '12 hatched the idea for Little Words as a way to promote sisterhood in Delta Zeta, her sorority. Before long, handmade "luck" bracelets were showing up at TCNJ exams. "Love" bracelets on date nights. "Courage" bracelets at job interviews. With mentions in high-profile media — InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings — and the launch of the app, Botti's desire to spread positive vibes might just go viral. Using a code on a tag hanging from the bracelet, the owner can unlock the app and explain what the bracelet means to her. Once she hands it off to the next person, the new owner can discover its past and add her own thoughts. In a savvy business move, Botti also gives users the option of gifting a bracelet through the app. "You can track its recipients and stories," Botti says. "This shows how much your single act of kindness helps people down the line." The English major sees a bigger purpose in Little Words. "I knew that the simple, selfless act of removing something from your person and giving it to someone else would speak volumes and aid in changing the way girls treat one another," Botti said in an interview with shesfittolead.com. Says Botti, "We don't need another digital space that will fuel girl-on-girl negativity."—Melissa Kvidahl '07 "I love reading other stories and interacting with girls, sending them support and love. " —Alexis Mims, Clinton, New Jersey Created by Tyler Gambardella '17, Carolina Gamarra '18, and Patrick Monaghan '17 They're in the money Advanta (formerly Handl) took first place in TCNJ's 2017 Mayo Business Plan Competition and used the $30,000 prize to start the business. How it works Clients post their jobs to the app. Job seekers submit bids, and the clients, using the bidders' Advanta profiles and reviews, hire the people they want. Soft launch October

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