Empowering Rural Communities – Connecting People & Places Because Local Discovery Matters

Skip the endless searching. Just enter a location and instantly see what’s nearby—real local businesses, events, and more. No ads, no hassle. Just what’s nearby, wherever you look.

1Finally, a Better Way to Find Local:

Tired of searching everywhere to find local businesses, events, or activities? Nearby Nearby puts rural communities front and center, making it easy. One simple search shows what’s nearby—businesses, events, parks, trails, jobs, volunteer opportunities, and more. No more guesswork.

2No Ads, No Clutter—Just What’s Close:

Other platforms bury what you’re looking for under ads, making you scroll forever. We don’t. Current platforms show what makes them money. Nearby Nearby shows what’s actually nearby. No ads, no paid rankings—just local results that make sense.

3Helping Small Businesses, Events & More Get Seen:

When local businesses, events, and activities are easy to find, people support them more. Most rural businesses don’t have big marketing budgets. With Nearby Nearby, they don’t need one. If they’re nearby, they show up—plain and simple. That means more customers, more support, and a stronger local economy.

4Built for Rural America—Because We Live Here Too:

Other platforms are built for big cities. This one was made for small towns. Nearby Nearby was designed specifically for rural communities—the places other platforms ignore—so you finally have a platform that works for you.

5A Critical Tool for Disaster Relief & Recovery:

When disasters cut off rural communities, getting supplies to the right places is critical. Nearby Nearby helps by identifying fire stations, grocery stores, gas stations, and other key locations—ensuring aid reaches essential areas before roads reopen. After the crisis, it helps residents find critical resources and businesses that are open, supporting both recovery and the local economy.

Example map of Nearby searching query results

No more digging through outdated listings, endless ads, or scattered websites. Nearby Nearby makes local discovery simple. Just enter a location and instantly see businesses, events, parks, trails, jobs, and more—all in one place. Finding what’s nearby has never been this easy.

Community Hands

Together, We Thrive

At Nearby Nearby, we believe strong, connected communities are the foundation of a better world.

By helping people discover and engage with their local areas, we strengthen support systems, boost local economies, and improve well-being. Every interaction on Nearby Nearby helps build deeper connections—starting at home and rippling outward. Together, we can build a more connected and peaceful world, starting right here in rural America.

Rural America Was Never Broken—It’s Just Been Overlooked

Rural America isn’t struggling because it’s incapable—it’s struggling because it’s been made invisible. The businesses, services, and events that fuel small towns aren’t failing due to a lack of quality or effort; they’re facing an uphill battle because the systems in place weren’t designed for them.

Looking Ahead through 2025: Strengthening Rural Connections and Opportunities

In 2025, Nearby Nearby is set to amplify its impact and capabilities, focusing on how we can better serve rural communities—not just as a local discovery platform connecting residents, visitors, and businesses through our patent-pending One Search feature, but as the first platform purpose-built for rural America.

A Day of Service: Chatham County Volunteer Fair

On September 11th, the Chatham County Community Engagement Task Force hosted a Day of Service, connecting 22 local organizations with over 60 attendees eager to volunteer. The event showcased various ways to serve the community. Learn more about the participating organizations and their volunteer needs to see how you can get involved!

Meet Rhonda Jean: A Journey Rooted in Rural America

I’m Rhonda Jean, the founder and CEO of Nearby Nearby.

My journey began in the heart of Pacific, Missouri, where my family owned a local gas station and a beloved restaurant. Growing up on a farm with cows, pigs, and chickens, I learned the value of hard work and community. After my father’s passing, we moved to Oakville, MO, and eventually to Pittsboro, NC, where the inspiration for Nearby Nearby took root.

Now, as I build this platform in North Carolina, I’m passionate about connecting rural communities and supporting the local businesses that make them thrive. My dream is to one day start a self-sufficient homestead with my family in rural North Carolina.

To learn more about Rhonda’s journey and the story behind Nearby Nearby, read about The Evolution of Nearby Nearby and Our Vision for the Future.

Headshot of Rhonda Kowald

Rhonda Jean

Founder & CEO of Nearby Nearby