Religious community site CircleBuilder to expand focus to alumni, political groups

CircleBuilder spent much of 2009 developing its religious-centric software and raising seed capital. Last year it concentrated on sales with an eye for even more growth this year.

CircleBuilder offers churches and faith-based organizations Internet services that let them establish a comprehensive online presence, such as email groups, social media and blogs. The 4-year-old start-up gained traction initially by offering a free version of its services.

Now it has closed that part and is offering a free 30-day trial and a subscription-based service afterwards. That has allowed the Franklin-based company to double the number of its customers and generate its first revenues. The company has also added a divinity student option for content and technical assistance, nicknamed a Kingdom Builder, that will help clients create the best online community for their needs and master the technology.

"That has been the missing piece," says Howard Brown, CEO of CircleBuilder. "Most churches are just doing their thing and don't have time to do the outreach. We're providing a divinity student to help them."

CircleBuilder's team of three has also signed agreements with Text4Faith, WorshipVision and North American Christian Convention to help expand its customer base. Brown would like to hit 10,000 subscriptions by the end of the year, but would be happy with half of that number. He is also looking at expanding services to alumni, sports, political and other affinity groups.

Source: Howard Brown, CEO of CircleBuilder
Writer: Jon Zemke

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Religious community site CircleBuilder to expand focus to alumni, political groups

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