Last week, the test version of Blizbi was launched in the Stavanger and Ryfylkeregionen. This is a new platform that makes it easier to find events, activities and experiences in the surrounding area. With the goal of strengthening local community and visibility of small and large players, Blizbi now invites users to join and shape the solution further. Photo: Anne Siri Gregersen.
A little over two years ago Helene Birkeland had an idea: What if there was a platform that made it easy to discover everything that happens — right where you are? As a mother of young children and a happy entrepreneur, she missed overview and inspiration that was collected, user-friendly and locally relevant. Now the idea has become reality, and the test version of Blizbi is underway in Stavanger and Ryfylke. The platform gathers everything from concerts and lectures to tour proposals and village days — tailored to users' interests and geographical location.
The goal is to lower the threshold for participation, create more good experiences in the local community and at the same time highlight local organizers and initiatives that might otherwise be difficult to detect. It's not just about filling the calendar, it's about making it easier to take part in the community, discover new meeting places and contribute to local value creation.
Bent Hansen in TEAL has been involved as a sparring partner all the way from the first sketch to the finished prototype. Through the business gardening program, Helene has received both financial support and practical help to develop and concretize the direction. Helene herself has expressed her gratitude for the help she has received.
“It has meant more than I might have been able to say on the fly — but I mean it when I say: I couldn't have done this without your support!” — Helene Birkeland
The app was launched as a beta version last week, and development is now taking place in close collaboration with users. Testing, feedback and sharing are encouraged so that the platform can be improved and grow in line with actual needs. At the same time, it is building on a technological platform that will allow it to expand to more regions during 2025.
The ambition is to become the preferred solution for finding small and large experiences, whether you are a tourist, permanent resident or organizer. It's still early in development, but the direction is clear: Blizbi should make it easier to discover and be part of all the great things happening right outside the door. Read more and register to take part in the development: https://blizbi.no/
