USF grad's '9Yaps' app connects students to local business deals

August 21, 2026 - 07:43

A University of South Florida graduate who spent years delivering food has launched a mobile app designed to bridge the gap between college students and nearby small businesses. The app, called 9Yaps, lets users browse real-time discounts, happy hour specials, and exclusive student offers from shops and restaurants within walking distance of campus.

The founder, who drove for delivery services during his time at USF, noticed a pattern. Students often missed out on local deals simply because they did not know what was available. Meanwhile, small business owners struggled to reach a younger crowd without paying for expensive advertising. The app aims to solve both problems with a simple interface that shows verified offers sorted by proximity and time of day.

Since launching, 9Yaps has already partnered with dozens of businesses near the Tampa campus, ranging from coffee shops to late-night eateries. The app does not charge students a fee, and businesses only pay a small monthly subscription to list their deals. The founder says the goal is to keep things affordable for mom-and-pop shops while giving students a reason to explore their neighborhood instead of ordering from big chains.

The name 9Yaps comes from the idea of nine quick taps to find a deal, though the actual process takes even fewer. The developer is now working on adding features like group deals for study sessions and event-based promotions. He hopes to expand to other Florida universities within the next year, starting with schools that have a strong local business scene. For now, he is focused on building trust with both sides, making sure every deal is real and every visit is worth the walk.