Success Story: Linked Cause, LLC
St. Paul SCORE, 176 Snelling Avenue North - #300, St. Paul, MN 55104|phone (651)632-8937|fax (651)632-8938
Problem:Hunger is a problem that has been addressed in many different ways including local, regional, national, and worldwide initiatives. But, despite our best efforts, it continues to be an ever-expanding problem that is looking for unique and innovative solutions.
Challenge:To discover and implement ways to provide for those in need.
Solution: Three approaches…by:
- Fighting hunger around the world;
- Providing marketing opportunities for participating restaurants; and,
- Helping food shelves and other providers raise funds and awareness for their causes.
Owner’s Background: David Woodbury got his start as an entrepreneur by opening a Verizon franchise store in 2008. He built the business to 18 stores and eventually sold the operation in 2012. Wanting to do something that had a social impact as well as the potential for financial rewards, he started Linked Cause, LLC and developed the concept for eatiply™ in 2012.
SCORE’s Involvement: Before launching eatiply™, Woodbury approached St. Paul SCORE for assistance in developing and implementing its unique marketing concept. Doug Petersen was assigned as David’s mentor. Petersen’s entrepreneurial background and extensive cause related marketing experience was a perfect fit for Woodbury’s needs.
Business Description:In concept, eatiply™ provides an effective way to address the problems of world hunger. Participating restaurants agree to donate a certain amount for every item ordered from their special menu, which is prepared by eatiply™. This amount is usually about $.39 per order. Of that amount, $.20 is directed to the customer’s selected charity and the remainder is used for eatiply™ marketing to expand the restaurant base and for other operating costs. In essence, each order results in a donation that will provide one meal to the customer’s designated local or worldwide charity partner.
Projects:In the first full year of operation, eatiply™ donated over 300,000 meals to charity by working with restaurants in Minnesota, Arkansas, and Washington.
The Future: Woodbury’s goal is to expand to all 50 states and to have at least 50 participating restaurants in each state. He is seeking an initial round of financing to expedite growth and to greatly increase the number of meals that can be donated to charity partners. Also, Mr.Woodbury plans to launch another related concept called drinkiply™ which will work on the same partnership concept as eatiply™ but will provide clean drinking water to people in developing countries.
More information:
- Linked Cause, LLC:
- St. Paul SCORE:
02/9/2014
St. Paul SCORE, 176 Snelling Avenue North - #300, St. Paul, MN 55104|phone (651)632-8937|fax (651)632-8938