Free, do-it-yourself app builder offering $1,000 cash prizes

Contest encourages Tennessee’s small businesses and groups to experience how easy it can be to build an app for free.

If you ever have thought about getting a mobile app for your small business or community group but didn’t want to incur the expense, building one yourself for free is now an option. In order to show people just how easy building a free mobile app can be using Appsbar, the South Florida-based tech company has announced an app-building contest, “Build Your App in a Snap,” for small businesses, community groups or anyone who may need a personal app in Tennessee.

“Whether it’s a neighborhood restaurant, a retail store or just about any other type of small business, mobile marketing is a great tool for connecting with customers,” said Scott Hirsch, President of Appsbar.

“An app also can be handy for book clubs, Little League teams and other types of community groups that need to stay in touch. With Appsbar, we’ve removed all barriers and made it so easy to create an app that all you need are basic computer skills. We hope this contest motivates local small business owners and others to see for themselves how easy it is.”

The “Build Your App in a Snap” contest runs through November 8, 2016. Submissions are free and there is no limit to the number of apps submitted per person. Contest rules can be found on the website at appbusinesschallenge.com

Submissions will be judged on purpose, content and creativity. Your app will then be eligible for the AppCatch marketplace for download.

Civil rights groups sue over threat of federal agents at polls

The NAACP, National Urban League and allied groups sue to block ICE and other federal agents near polling places, citing voter-intimidation concerns.

Federal appeals court strikes down Tennessee abortion ‘recruitment’ provision

The Sixth Circuit struck down Tennessee’s abortion “recruitment” provision, finding it violated First Amendment rights by restricting speech about legal out-of-state abortions.

Pressley calls for federal jobs guarantee as Black unemployment draws concern

Rep. Ayanna Pressley renews her call for a federal job guarantee as Black unemployment remains higher than White unemployment and Black women face acute financial

Building Black wealth requires more than just where consumers shop, panelists say

Building Black wealth takes more than buying Black. Panelists call for access to capital, investment, corporate contracts and strong business practices.

African American Civil War Museum reopens with exhibit tracing Michelle Obama’s family history

The African American Civil War Museum reopens in Washington, D.C., with an exhibit tracing Michelle Obama’s family history to two Black Civil War soldiers.