Syracuse–based social network for small businesses readies launch

SYRACUSE — A new Syracuse–based business announced it is launching a community-focused social network for small and home-based businesses.

The company, called Brazzlebox, says it will roll out Brazzlebox.com this April to connect small- and home-based businesses across upstate New York at first.

Brazzlebox will initially target Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Utica, Albany and the surrounding suburbs.

The fledgling business said in a news release that it expects to hire 30 employees in Syracuse by the end of 2013.

“Our goal is to empower small businesses to help them succeed and grow,” Glen Zinszer, CEO of Brazzlebox, said in the release. “This is going to do great things for so many people who have sacrificed so much to make their small business successful and we are here to help.”

Brazzlebox says it has partnered with large businesses to offer deals and discounts on products and services that small businesses use everyday. The company adds that it is seeking to team up with local chambers of commerce and business-development groups to provide small businesses with important information.

Based on users’ geographic location and business type, Brazzlebox provides individualized information, such as service discounts from large companies or partnership opportunities in the community. Consumers can also join the website to receive local deals and discounts.

Users will be able gain access to all the featured services for free, according to Brazzlebox’s Facebook page. Before the official launch, people can also sign up to be a tester of the website prototype and provide feedback on the system by signing up at http://www.brazzlebox.com.

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