A new online directory for Bermuda small businesses has launched to connect companies and customers.

Kimwana Eve founded Lookie Lookie last year to encourage residents to find businesses, connect with them and then shop. While the platform is a directory, it also serves as a marketing opportunity for businesses.

“A large number of businesses in Bermuda aren’t brick and mortar and if the owner isn’t your friend, co-worker or family member, you likely don’t know about the business,” Ms Eve said.

She said with plenty of options, the island needs to do a better job of supporting small businesses.

“You don’t have to go online to purchase what you need whether it’s for a service such as building a website or buying tangible items,” she said. “The platform is designed for you to search to see if you can find what you’re looking for in Bermuda first and if not, then go online.”

Lookie Lookie supports entrepreneurs who do not have the time or capacity to advertise their products or services, allowing them to focus on the things they love.

The platform is meant to be the Bermuda version of the popular US website Yelp.

Ms Eve wants to help many smaller businesses that were created during the pandemic get more exposure and get in front of their ideal clients and customers.

“Thousands of people search the internet daily, trying to find ‘that thing’,” Ms Eve said. “The challenge in Bermuda is that there is no one spot for all small businesses. You cannot search for something that you do not know exists.

”The goal is to help small businesses get noticed by increasing brand awareness through social media platforms that put them in front of an audience who wants to support Bermuda’s small business community, ultimately increasing sales.”

Businesses can register with Lookie Lookie through a tiered-payment system starting at $22 per month. In addition to the directory, the packages can also include content creation via stories, posts, carousels and reels on Instagram.