App for small businesses launched

Small businesses that are interested in expanding their use of technology are in luck. Hiscox Informed, a branded social magazine app that gives small business owners access to expert advice on running a business, recently launched and gives entrepreneurs a chance to expand their company's reach.

The app was designed by Hiscox and tech startup Better Than Paper. It's free to download and includes information that is relevant to small businesses thriving in the world of marketing. The app also has practical tips from approved media sources, which could be of great assistance in making sure a company is on the right track toward expanding their company.

"Small business owners tell us they are information-hungry yet time-poor and don't always have the access to experienced mentors who can help advise them," said Annabel Venner, marketing director at Hiscox. "The businesses with the best chance of success are those that are aware of what's going on around them and know how to adapt to changing trends. Hiscox Informed allows entrepreneurs to easily tap in to relevant and interesting insights which could help them make more informed decisions while they are busy making their businesses work."

The app is free to download for iPhone, iPad and Android tablet devices, which accommodate millions of consumers.

"In today's fast evolving environment we understand content is key, which is why we have helped develop this social magazine app," said Ashwin Saddul, managing director at Better Than Paper. "Bringing together great content from across the small business industry, the app allows small businesses to access and share highly relevant content."

Saddul added that the app is an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs who provide content on their blogs or websites, allowing them to display their best work to a highly targeted audience through LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, which have all been proven as great ways to improve small business marketing.

Kentucky recently received federal funding to promote small business exports, which partially came from the State Trade and Export Promotion initiative. The funding received could result in hundreds of businesses reporting increases in revenue in the near future. The STEP program was funded with $60 million from the Small Business Jobs Act.