9Yaps - Tampa Bay's #1 Student-Run Discount App

9Yaps - One Year Of Impact

How 9Yaps Transformed Student Life And Local Business In Just 12 Months

THE 9YAPS APP

Jaci Vaillancourt

7/12/2025

Transformed Student Life And Local Businesses In Just 12 Months:

One year ago, a group of passionate students at the University of South Florida undertook a challenge that would revolutionize the experience for both students and local businesses. That's when 9Yaps was founded: a mobile app built by students, for students that would go on to save students hundreds of dollars and bring massive growth to the community.

Since its launch, 9Yaps has grown from a small idea into an essential tool that now supports over 5,000 students across USF. Whether it's grabbing a discounted smoothie after class, finding BOGOs to share with friends, or saving on a Friday night outing, everyone is turning to 9Yaps for exclusive deals tailored just for them.

The 9Yaps Experience

At its core, the 9Yaps app is designed to be simple yet efficient. Students gain access to a variety of exclusive deals across multiple categories, including food, drinks, health, beauty, and entertainment. The app updates frequently, features location-based targeting, and often includes limited-time promos that keep things fresh.

Students have reported saving more than $100 per month using 9Yaps for everyday expenses. That adds up, especially on a college budget. With every deal verified and created with trusted local businesses, students can feel confident about where they are spending their money.

A Proven Track Record

At In just one year, 9Yaps has achieved what many startups can only dream of:

  • 4,000+ Downloads

  • 40+ Local Business Partners

  • Over 10 Million Social Media Views

  • Email Campaigns With 85%+ Open Rates

It's clear to see that these numbers tell a story of consistent growth. Whether it's a food truck, beauty spa, or late-night cafe, 9Yaps has been persistently helping businesses reach the right audience with the right message.

Built By Students, For Students

What truly sets 9Yaps apart isn't just the deals, it's the team behind the scenes. With over 20 student interns and leaders managing marketing, design, analytics, and business outreach, 9Yaps is more than an app, it's a hands-on learning experience.

Led by USF student Nicholas Eisengrein, interns work with actual clients, pitch to business owners, manage campaigns, and create content seen by thousands. The company has quickly become a launchpad for student talent, blending eduction, innovation, and entrepreneurship in a way that's uncommon for a college-run initiative.

Local Business Meets Student Power

Partnering with 9Yaps has become a strategic move for Tampa Bay businesses. The platform offers far more than ad space; it provides full creative support, student influencers, and direct access to a high-engagement demographic. Many partners have reported growth in their customer base, an increase in online following, and brand loyalty deepened through these collaboration.

This win-win relationship between students and business owners is what makes 9Yaps so effective. It's not just advertising, it's a community-powered marketplace fueled by real relationships.

What's Next For 9Yaps?

The team has no plans of slowing down. 9Yaps is already exploring expansion to other college campuses across Florida, and eventually nationwide. Their goal is to take this win-win model to as many students and small businesses as possible.

As they grow, the focus remains clear; keep delivering real value, empower students, and strengthen ties between campuses and their surrounding communities.

One Year Down, Many More To Go

From saving students money to helping local businesses thrive, 9Yaps has made a groundbreaking impact in just one year. This anniversary isn't just a celebration of milestones; it's a reminder that big change can start small, especially when fueled by passion, community, and student-driven innovation.

So here's to one year of wins, one year of savings, and one year, of building something extraordinary from the ground up. Happy anniversary, 9Yaps! The future is bright, and this is just the beginning.