55912MY BLOCKClosedResponsive Strategy and PlanningInnovate UKMy Block is a project showcasing Northern Ireland's small businesses and directing customers to them. It will be a a curated online marketplace championing independent business and culture. We propose to create a directory of local independent businesses promoted to a local audience that can access and purchase directly from the businesses. Our narrative-driven marketplace will place an emphasis on the "human" element of the companies featured through written and audio-visual content which will complement a well designed, clear and useful set of information for each company, such as the items that they sell, their prices and delivery details. Tags, clusters and categories will help separate the types of businesses and allow greater searchability as well as highlight the specialism that each business provides. Our aim is to help local businesses reach new audiences online during the period of self-isolation following Covid-19 with the potential to build upon this afterwards in an affordable and effective manner. We want to make it easier for citizens to support their local independent businesses and communities as well as access the goods and services they require.