NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsAugust 20, 2026Hillsborough
USF graduate launches '9Yaps' mobile app to connect students with local business discounts
The 9Yaps mobile application provides a digital directory of discounts and promotions for students near the University of South Florida campus. The platform allows users to redeem coupons and deals at approximately 100 participating local businesses.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsWhy It Matters
The app creates a new digital marketplace for students to access local discounts and for small businesses to increase foot traffic near the USF campus.
Key Facts
- The 9Yaps app serves as a digital directory for local discounts across nine categories.
- More than 8,000 customers have downloaded the application.
- Approximately 100 businesses currently pay a monthly fee to offer deals on the platform.
- Roughly 80% of participating businesses are local, independent operations.
- The platform originated as a newsletter in late 2024 before transitioning to a mobile app two months later.
- Users redeem deals by showing the app to employees at participating locations.
- Many deals offered on the platform are available for daily use.
Who's Mentioned
personNicholas Eisengrein“Founder of the 9Yaps app and USF graduate.”personCole Loren“Creative Director at Barberitos.”organizationBarberitos“A local restaurant participating in the app's discount program.”locationUniversity of South Florida“Campus area where the app operates.”other8,000“Number of customers who have downloaded the app.”organization9Yaps“Mobile application platform for local business deals.”