Lucky Ant is a crowdfunding solution for local retailers that allows them to fund projects with help from customers.

The service gives small business owners a way to raise money in the form of small donations to fund improvement projects (say a restaurant that wants to build an outside deck), while at the same time forging deeper connections with customers and encouraging loyalty. Community members, meanwhile, have a tangible way to support businesses they like while getting the opportunities to receive special rewards, VIP treatmeant and other perks. The service is currently only operating in New York, featuring one project per week, but has plans to expand soon.