Civic Dollars makes spending time outside even more rewarding

by Startacus Admin
The lowdown on the launch of the innovative Civic Dollars app that wants to reward people for spending time in certain public spaces
With the world becoming more open again, the opportunities for regaining fitness lost during the lockdowns, getting that fresh air many will have been unable to breathe, and to start socialising in an active environment again, will be key.
For some, the re-emergence into the wide world is harder than they might have expected, suddenly thrust back into the world, surrounded by people, and a little additional motivation could provide a useful goal to focus on, no matter how small.
Belfast-based Civic Dollars wants to reward people for spending time in certain public spaces, such as local parks. In so doing, they hope to help people to become healthier in both body and mind, as being in nature has been proven time and again to be beneficial to mental wellbeing - something that is much needed after more than a year of pandemic.
By downloading the app, users can simply spend time in selected parks in Belfast and beyond, and start earning civic dollars. These dollars can either be donated to local charities and community groups who can use them to access support from local corporations, or they can be spent on rewards such as public transport passes, tickets to local attractions, clothing and other rewards to improve their lifestyle.
As the project grows, more and more rewards will become available as more local businesses become involved. Particularly as the app can also be used to increase footfall for local businesses and events, hopefully increasing the interaction between the community and their small businesses.
As well as being rewarded for this time spent outside, dollars can be earned by reporting things like fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. The goal of getting people healthier and more active goes side-by-side with the aim of reducing vandalism, littering, anti-social behaviour, and generally improving the experience of visiting these spaces for everyone. The app gathers insights as users spend time in these spaces, which are used for this purpose.
In Belfast, Civic Dollars is funded through the ‘Amazing Spaces, Smart Places’ project - itself jointly funded by Belfast City Council and the Department of Justice via the Department for the Economy’s Small Business Research Initiative - and is part of the council’s ‘Smart Belfast’ programme.
With Leeds the next agreed UK location to pilot Civic Dollars in their City, we hope to see it expand quickly and successfully across the UK and Ireland in the coming months!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Got a business in the manufacturing sector? These tips on how you can reduce energy costs while being more sustainable are well worth a read...

Innovative InsurTech startup SureIn announces a €4M Seed round to further its mission of making insurance easy, transparent and hassle-free for SMBs.

Nassia Skoulikariti, Director of IoT Programmes, Mobile Ecosystem Forum shares some insights on how IoT is having a significant impact on all our lives.

Roger James Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Genius Group, a world-leading entrepreneur Edtech and education group, discusses how introducing a globalized curriculum will help better prepare students.

SuperFi, the debt prevention platform, has announced a $1m pre-seed funding round to support people during the cost of living crisis.

41 startups from 13 countries, including the UK, have been selected for the 8th Kickstart Innovation program, one of Europe’s leading innovation platforms.

Personal training platform Another Round has secured £300k in its latest fundraise, including investment from angels and its community.

Thingtrax Secures £4.3M to Empower Manufacturers to Build the Factories of the Future

A measure of inflation relief for small firms sees transport costs fall but service price increases remain elevated

Bedfordshire-based HR tech startup HR DataHub has built a range of tools for HR departments
Published on: 10th June 2021
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- SureIn Secures €4M to Close the SMB Insurance Gap 15th Aug 2023 Innovative InsurTech startup SureIn announces a €4M Seed round to further its mission of making insurance easy, transparent and hassle-free for SMBs.
- SuperFi raises $1M pre-seed funding round 28th Jul 2023 SuperFi, the debt prevention platform, has announced a $1m pre-seed funding round to support people during the cost of living crisis.
- Startups rely on AI & sustainability for new partnerships 27th Jul 2023 41 startups from 13 countries, including the UK, have been selected for the 8th Kickstart Innovation program, one of Europe’s leading innovation platforms.
- Another Round closes £300k Seed round to revolutionise personal training 21st Jul 2023 Personal training platform Another Round has secured £300k in its latest fundraise, including investment from angels and its community.