BikerBuddy App Benefits Expands with Help from a USDA Rural Business Grant

Upton, WY. In 2017, the BikerBuddy app was introduced in the US as a tool to help bikers of all kinds find lodging, assistance, and community while they travel. Owners Debbie Douglas, Paul Douglas, Ginger Douglas, and Brannon Frank have since expanded their Upton, WY-based business and now have 910 riders and 260 hosts throughout the US and Canada. The app is available to download for free from the iTunes Store and Google Play. Opportunities for hosts to assist the riders include tent camping, camper use, a bedroom, apartment, or entire home at affordable flat rates.

When looking to expand their market, the business partners met with Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network Regional Director Susan Jerke and Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Regional Director Brandi Harlow. The BikerBuddy founders were connected with resources to apply for a USDA Rural Business Grant — which they were awarded — to further develop the app. They also applied for and received WBC Trade Show and Market Expansion Grants to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2018 and 2019 and the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California last November.

“We are proud to live in Wyoming and appreciate your support and resources.” Debbie said.

Read more success stories in WEDA’s Legislative Update. http://www.wyomingeda.org/news-and-resources/publications/p/item/10626/weda-2020-legislative-update