“The WEL Institute is such an incredible platform to support women founders wanting to go into entrepreneurship and start something of their own. From my own experience founding Big & Mini, it’s been incredibly apparent how important guidance and support is to create a successful venture. By providing women on campus critical resources to get from an idea to a business, the WEL Institute is truly game changing in providing the community and support needed to help women founders thrive within the startup community.”
Aditi Merchant ‘23
Aditi Merchant
Introducing Big & Mini, a platform that virtually creates meaningful, mutually beneficial intergenerational connections that allow users to share stories and combat loneliness.
About Big & Mini
In early April, the world changed. The COVID-19 crisis completely transformed society and altered the way we build connections and spend time with those we love. We felt helpless sitting at home, unable to physically volunteer, donate, or do anything to help remedy the situation. Meanwhile, we saw students everywhere struggling to keep up old habits and countless stories about the isolation and lack of purpose many older adults were feeling. Amidst all the hardship, we remained optimistic that we could find something to help remedy the situation.
Having volunteered at senior living communities throughout high school, we developed a deeply-rooted fondness for the stories and bits of wisdom seniors were ever-willing to share. Whether it was hearing about life in West Germany from Mr. Becker or listening to our grandparents’ stories about how they founded companies of their own, the friendships we made were a constant source of inspiration. We always believed that the kindness and advice we had been given from older generations was something that everyone should experience, providing the spark that led to the launch of Big & Mini.
Big & Mini is a platform that virtually creates meaningful, mutually beneficial intergenerational connections that allow users to share stories and combat loneliness. Through an innovative matching system that pairs people up based on mutual interests, we bring seniors and young adults together to learn and develop friendships that last a lifetime. Just a few months ago, Big & Mini was a simple Google form with no users. But through ingenuity and perseverance, it has become a fully accessible platform with thousands of users from all 50 states and 22 countries. Not only did Big & Mini help us find a way to make a difference, but it gave others a way to support others, remain connected, and expand their perspectives from their home.
As we grow, we’re constantly working to develop innovative ways to bring Big & Mini to those who need it most. Whether that be by partnering with organizations like the AARP, providing technology to those without it, and increasing platform accessibility, we’re doing our part to benefit as many lives as possible.
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of seniors and students worldwide, we invite you to sign up or donate and join Big & Mini on our mission to eradicate loneliness.
Big & Mini
Website:
Industry:
Fitness
Mission:
A community working together to spread wisdom, end social isolation, and make the world a little better— one generation-bridging connection at a time.
Year Founded:
2020
