NO ADS. NO CHAINS. JUST LOCAL.
NAVU
A discovery app built exclusively for independently owned local businesses.
Launching in Montana on September 15, 2026.
Built in Montana, by a mother and daughter.
NAVU started on a trip, somewhere we’d never been. We wanted to find the local spots – coffee, shops, boutiques, the places that make a town itself. But every search gave us the same chains we could find anywhere. The places we actually wanted weren’t on the map – we found them scanning streets on a screen, building by building.
We spent the whole trip on our phones, searching a virtual world with hopes of experiencing the real one. So, we said to each other, “Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an app that was entirely local businesses?” Local businesses embody the culture of a place. They are what we travel to find.
It began as a travel app – until we realized home is where we spend nearly all our time. This shouldn’t exist only for the places we visit. It should be built for the place we live.
So we built it. NAVU – “navigate you”. Made by a mother and daughter who believe the best of a place is owned by the people who live there.
OUR STORY
WHAT NAVU IS
Discovery, built for local.
NAVU is a discovery app built exclusively for independently owned local businesses. No chains. No franchises. No sponsored listings. NAVU exists for one reason: to connect people who want to shop, eat, explore, and spend locally with the independent businesses that deserve their attention.
Every user on NAVU builds a profile that is personalized to their preferences and to what they care about. Every business on NAVU builds a profile that reflects what makes them unique and what they can offer. NAVU matches them – so the right people find you, not just any people.
NAVU VISIBILITY STRUCTURE
The right customer finds you first.
Most discovery tools show the same recommendations to everyone. NAVU doesn’t. Every user’s discovery page is uniquely ranked based on how closely a business matches their personal preferences.
All businesses are listed. Shared attributes determine where you rank.
User builds their profile
They tell NAVU what they love – their preferences, shopping habits, and what matters to them in a business.
Business builds their profile
You describe your business – your offerings, attributes, and what makes you different from everyone else.
NAVU matches them
Businesses with the most shared attributes rank highest on that user’s discovery page. Every page is unique to a user, meaning no two users will have the same discovery page.
WHAT NAVU DOES FOR YOU
Built for businesses like yours.
Every feature was designed with one type of business in mind: the independently owned, community-rooted, worth-finding kind. No algorithms working against you. No franchise budgets drowning you out. Your listing, your customers, your community. Finally, a platform that’s actually on your side.
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Build a profile that shows who you really are — your story, your photos, your hours, and what makes you different. Customers can follow your business and get notified the moment you post something new.
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When you post an event on NAVU, two things happen at once. Every customer who follows your business gets a notification — bringing your regulars back through the door. And your event will appear on NAVU's dedicated Events tab, where people who have never heard of you are browsing what's happening nearby. One post, two audiences.
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List a product on your profile and it will appear on NAVU's Products tab — a dedicated space where customers browse with intention. When they find something they want, they can purchase it directly through the app for pickup, or you can link them straight to your own website to complete the sale. You decide what works for how you do business.
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Customers can leave feedback — but it stays between them, you, and NAVU. Honest input without public pressure.
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Tag and link the local businesses you source from — the ranch your beef comes from, the bakery that makes your bread, the farm that grows your produce. Transparency builds trust with your customers, and your profile will appear on theirs, and theirs on yours — another way to be found.
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Every person who opens NAVU downloaded an app specifically to find independently owned businesses. They chose to shop local before they ever saw your name. That is the audience NAVU puts your business in front of.
PLANS & PRICING
Two plans. One growing local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is NAVU? NAVU is a location-based app built exclusively for independently owned local businesses. It gives you a verified profile, a direct line to local shoppers who are actively looking to support businesses like yours, and dedicated tabs for events and products — so you can be found in multiple ways, not just through a social media algorithm. No chains. No noise.
How is NAVU different from Instagram or Facebook? Instagram and Facebook are social media platforms built for content — your posts compete with everything else in a feed. NAVU is different:
You apply and are verified — only approved independent businesses are on the platform.
Users come specifically to discover and support local businesses — they are already looking for you.
Your profile is organized around your products, services, and events — not just posts.
There are no ads from competitors appearing on your profile.
NAVU is a curated directory and marketplace, not a social feed.
Who can apply or waitlist to be on NAVU? Any independently owned and operated business in the United States is welcome to apply or waitlist. To be eligible your business must:
Operate as an independent business — no chains or corporate-owned locations.
Have a verifiable online presence (website, Google listing, or active social media)
Fall within one of NAVU’s eight supported categories: Food & Drink, Agriculture, Entertainment & Nightlife, Shopping, Arts & Culture, Outdoors & Adventure, Kids & Family, or Health & Wellness.
Meeting these criteria makes you eligible to apply but does not guarantee approval. NAVU reserves the right to reject any application at its sole discretion, including businesses that conflict with NAVU’s community standards or values.
What kinds of businesses can list on NAVU? NAVU supports independently owned local businesses across eight categories: Food & Drink, Agriculture, Entertainment & Nightlife, Shopping, Arts & Culture, Outdoors & Adventure, Kids & Family, or Health & Wellness. If your business falls within one of these categories, is independently owned, and is based in the United States, you are welcome to apply or waitlist. NAVU reserves the right to decline any application it determines to be inappropriate for the platform, at its sole discretion.
Is NAVU available outside of Montana? We are launching in Montana first. Businesses in other states can join our waitlist at navulocal.com. Once a state reaches 1,500 waitlist applications it will be unlocked and those businesses will be invited to apply officially.
Is there a cost to apply? No. Applying to NAVU is completely free. There is no cost until your application is approved and you choose to purchase a subscription.
How do I know if my business qualifies? If you are independently owned, fall within one of NAVU’s eight categories, and operate a business that aligns with NAVU’s community standards, you may be a good fit. We review every application individually and will reach out if we need more information. Please know that meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval — NAVU reserves the right to decline any application at its sole discretion. When in doubt, apply — the process is free and takes just a few minutes.
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How do I apply? Visit navulocal.com and click "Apply now." Fill out the short application form with your business details and contact information. You'll receive a confirmation email immediately letting you know we've received your application.
How long does the approval process take? Applications are reviewed within 3–5 business days. All businesses receive an approval or rejection email once a decision is made. If we need additional information to verify your business, we'll reach out before making a final decision.
What happens after I apply? Here's what to expect:
You submit your application and receive a confirmation email.
Our team reviews your application in 3-5 business days.
Once reviewed, you receive an approval or rejection email depending on NAVU’s decision.
If approved, your email will contain a unique link to set up your admin account.
You log in, choose a subscription plan, complete your purchase, and start building your profile.
What if my application is rejected? If your application is not approved, you'll receive an email with the general reason. Common reasons include: operating outside of NAVU's current launch area, being a chain or franchise location, an incomplete application, or a business type that does not meet NAVU's standards.
Can I reapply if I was rejected? Yes. If the reason for rejection changes, you are welcome to reapply. Contact hello@navulocal.com if you have questions about your specific situation.
Is there a deadline to apply? There is no deadline to apply to NAVU. However, to qualify for the 4-month free trial, you must apply before September 15th which is when NAVU is live in the app store.
When will I receive my admin link? Your admin link is sent as soon as your application is approved. You can log in, choose your subscription plan, and begin building your profile right away. The app launches to consumers on September 15, 2026 — that's when your profile goes live.
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What are the subscription plans? NAVU offers two plans: Discovery and NAVU Community. Discovery gets your business listed and found by local shoppers. NAVU Community includes everything in Discovery, plus the ability to post events, list products, and collaborate with other local businesses. Both plans are available monthly or annually — annual subscriptions are offered at a discounted rate. Full pricing details are available at navulocal.com.
Can I upgrade my plan after signing up? Yes, at any time. Log in to your admin account and go to Subscription Settings. Select the plan you'd like to upgrade to and confirm. Your new plan takes effect immediately and you'll be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing period.
How do I downgrade my plan? Log in to your admin account and go to Subscription Settings. Select your new plan and confirm. Downgrades take effect at the start of your next billing cycle — you'll keep your current plan and its features until then. No refund is issued for the unused portion of the current period.
How do I cancel my subscription? You can cancel at any time from your account settings under Subscription Settings, or by emailing support@navulocal.com. Your subscription remains active through the end of your paid period and is then removed. No refund is issued for unused time. If you feel your situation warrants a review, reach out to support@navulocal.com and we'll take a look.
What happens if my payment fails? If we're unable to process your payment, you'll receive an email notification. You have a 5-day grace period to update your billing information in your account settings. If payment is not resolved within 5 days, your listing will be temporarily removed from public view until the balance is cleared. Your account and profile data are not deleted during this period.
When am I charged? We're currently offering a 4-month free trial of NAVU to businesses that apply on or before September 15th. Your free trial runs through January 15th — you won't pay a thing until then. When the trial ends on January 15th, the credit card on file will automatically be charged for the subscription plan you selected.
If you apply after September 15th, the free trial won't apply. Instead, you'll pay for your subscription plan up front, and you'll gain access to the app as soon as your payment is processed.
Can I manage multiple locations under one account? Yes. You can manage multiple approved locations under a single NAVU account. Each additional location requires its own active subscription, available at a reduced rate — $49.99 per month for Discovery and $79.99 per month for NAVU Community. Annual subscriptions for additional locations are billed as the monthly rate multiplied by 12.
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What happens on launch day? On September 15, 2026, all approved business profiles go live on the app simultaneously. Business owners will be notified via the email associated with their NAVU admin account when the app is live. Make sure everything you want consumers to see is on your profile and ready to go before launch day.
When can I start building my profile? As soon as your application is approved and you've purchased a subscription, you'll have immediate access to the profile builder in your admin portal. You can build and edit your profile at any time before and after launch.
What can I include on my profile? Your NAVU profile can include:
Business name, description, category
Photos of your business, products, or services
Hours of operation and physical address
Website and social media links
Product and event listings with photos, descriptions, and pricing
An optional link to your own website for purchases made outside of NAVU
Can I list products for sale on NAVU? Yes. Approved businesses on the NAVU Community plan can list products and services directly on their profile. Products available for local pickup can be purchased through the NAVU app via our secure checkout, powered by Stripe. Products requiring shipping must be processed through your own system — you can include a link to your website for those transactions.
NAVU collects a 13% commission plus a $0.50 platform fee on all purchases completed through in-app checkout. There are no fees on external transactions handled through your own website.What is the difference between selling through NAVU and linking to my website? When a customer purchases a pickup order through NAVU's in-app checkout, NAVU processes the payment, deducts a 13% commission and $0.50 platform fee, and disburses the remainder to your account. NAVU's buyer protections apply to all in-app transactions.
When a customer clicks your external website link and purchases there, the transaction is entirely between you and the customer. NAVU has no involvement in or visibility into that transaction, and no fee is collected.Are there rules about what I can post on my profile? Yes. All content must be accurate, original, and appropriate for a general audience. You may not post misleading information, copyrighted images without permission, adult content, or anything that violates NAVU's Content Policy. Violations may result in a warning, content removal, or account suspension depending on severity.
What photo requirements are there? All photos must be of your actual business, products, or events. Stock photos or images sourced from the internet without proper licensing are not permitted. Photos should be high quality and accurately represent what you're offering.
Can I edit my profile after it goes live? Yes. You can update your profile, product listings, event listings, photos, hours, and other information at any time from your admin portal. Updates go live immediately.
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How do I know when a customer places an order? You'll receive both an email notification and a push notification through your admin portal when a customer places an order. Full order details will be available in your admin portal. Make sure your notification settings are enabled so you don't miss an order.
How do I fulfill an order? Once you receive an order, fulfill it according to the details and timeline stated in your listing. If no timeline is specified, orders should be fulfilled within 14 days. If you anticipate a delay, contact NAVU support at support@navulocal.com promptly so we can keep the customer informed.
What is NAVU’s refund policy? NAVU requires all businesses to honor a minimum 30-day refund standard. Customers are entitled to a full refund within 30 days of purchase if:
The product was not delivered and no valid tracking confirmation exists.
The product arrived significantly not as described.
The service was not performed as agreed.
The product arrived damaged.
What happens when a customer requests a refund? If a customer has an issue with an order, they will contact NAVU support. We'll reach out to you on the customer's behalf to coordinate a resolution. You have 48 hours to respond and the issue should be resolved within 7 days. If it isn't, NAVU will make a determination and may issue a refund on the customer's behalf. If a refund is issued due to your non-response, that amount may be recovered from future payouts.
Am I responsible for refunds on purchases made through my external website? Yes. If a customer purchases through your external website link, that transaction is entirely between you and the customer. NAVU's refund process does not apply and we have no ability to intervene. You are solely responsible for your own refund and return policy on external purchases.
What is a chargeback and how does it affect me? A chargeback is when a customer disputes a charge directly with their bank or credit card company. If this happens, Stripe will notify NAVU and we'll contact you for documentation — including order confirmation, fulfillment information, and any relevant communication. You'll typically have 7–10 days to provide this. If the chargeback is upheld, you are responsible for the disputed amount. NAVU absorbs any associated chargeback fees. Repeated chargebacks may result in suspension from the platform.
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How do I log in to my admin account? You access your admin account via the unique link sent in your approval email. After your first login, you'll set a password and can log in at any time at navulocal.com.
What happens to my profile if I cancel my subscription? Your listing stays active through the end of your paid billing period. After that, your profile will be removed from public view. Your profile data is retained for 90 days after expiration. If you reactivate within 90 days, your profile and content will be restored. After 90 days, your data may be permanently deleted.
Can I reactivate my account after canceling? Yes, as long as you reactivate within 90 days of your subscription expiring. Log back in to your admin account and restart your subscription — your profile and listings will be restored. If more than 90 days have passed, you will need to reapply through the standard application process.
Will NAVU notify me about policy changes? Yes. If we make material changes to our subscription policy, content policy, or any terms that affect your account, we will notify you by email at least 14 days before the changes take effect.
How do I update my business information? Log in to your admin portal and navigate to Profile Settings. You can update your business name, address, hours, contact details, and other information at any time. Updates go live immediately. Please keep your information accurate — outdated or inaccurate information may trigger a verification review.
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I’m not in Montana — can I still join NAVU? Not yet, but you can join our national waitlist at navulocal.com. Once your state reaches 1,500 waitlist applications it will be unlocked and you'll be among the first invited to apply officially.
How do I join the waitlist? Visit navulocal.com and fill out the short waitlist form. It takes about 2 minutes. You'll receive a confirmation email and we'll send you updates as your state gets closer to the 1,500 threshold.
Does joining the waitlist guarantee my application will be approved? No. Joining the waitlist means you'll be among the first invited to apply when your state goes live. All applications still go through our standard review and approval process.
Is there a cost to join the waitlist? No. Joining the waitlist is completely free and does not commit you to anything.
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How do I contact NAVU? We're here to help. Reach us at:
General questions: hello@navulocal.com
Account and order support: support@navulocal.com
Privacy questions: privacy@navulocal.com
Website: www.navulocal.com
We aim to respond to all emails within 1–2 business days.
Where can I find NAVU’s policies? All of our policies are available at navulocal.com and linked in the footer of every page. These include:
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Business Subscription Policy
Business Seller Agreement Addendum
User Purchase Terms