I am always on the lookout to innovative solutions to common problems that businesses face.  I love seeing entrepreneurs come up with ideas that solve a business challenge, and then implement.  I came across this innovative solution to a supply chain challenge that many small businesses face – and I think it’s worth sharing.  The problem?  Distribution for small baked goods companies.  The solution?  Read on!

I am a member of the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, and we have a “marketplace” where members can provide services and products to each other in exchange for credits we can put towards products and services.  I find it to be like a mashup of ebay and local currency.

I came across a “member offer” for “crowdsourcing delivery.”  I was intrigued.  I had no idea what this meant.  I clicked on it, and was pleasantly surprised with what I found!

From the Ground Up Bakery, a gluten-free bakery in Burlington, is looking to “crowd source” delivery to Montpelier, Middlebury, and Shelburne.  What does that mean you ask?  They are looking for people that already are driving from Burlington to these places (which, if you don’t live in Vermont, is a commute that many make), and are offering marketplace credits for these commuters if they drop off goods at retail locations.  [pullquote]I would define “Crowdsourcing” delivery as tapping into existing travel routes to help with distribution – and saving money by paying the drivers a small fee to cover them going out of their way.[/pullquote]  I would define “Crowdsourcing” delivery as tapping into existing travel routes to help with distribution – and saving money by paying the drivers a small fee to cover them going out of their way.  What a cool idea.

I love this!

Crowdsourcing.  Efficient use of resources.  Local Currency.  Community sharing.

This is like win-win-win-win.

Also, on a side note, I met Matt & Abby (the owners of From the Ground Up) at a birthday celebration this weekend, and didn’t realize it until I did some research on them after seeing the offer in the marketplace!  Vermont is a small world (but not without it’s supply chain distribution challenges – and innovative solutions).