When Ivan Outerbridge first launched event listing app Bermuda’s Very Own in 2014 it did well, with over 3,000 downloads over a four-year period.

But in more recent months downloads started to fall off.

“It became a little more difficult to get the downloads I wanted,” Mr Outerbridge said. “I think the 3,000 I got was quite an achievement, and I wanted to regain that and go from there.”

So last month the entrepreneur relaunched the BVOapp.

“It’s now up and running now,” he said. “I have done some rebranding and given it a new platform. I am now looking at the marketing aspect to get more awareness of it.”

Now, users don’t download an app, but link to a web app.

“This app leaves no footprint on users’ phones,” he said.

Previously he had to laboriously input every event into the system. This time around, he has given event promoters access to BVOapp so they can upload their information themselves, whenever they like.

“I make money through advertising,” Mr Outerbridge explained.

He thought of charging promoters to use the app, but that didn’t go over so well.

Already there are listings on the BVOapp for parties, concerts, soca fetes and Bermuda Heroes Weekend events in June.

Mr Outerbridge developed the app to help event organisers.

“Creating this app was a way for us to have quick, easy access to where to go and what to do in Bermuda,” he said.

He feels information about Bermuda events is too spread out across different websites, blogs and social media sites.

“Instead of having to go to Facebook and Instagram, we have all of that information in one place,” he said.

He thought it would be particularly useful for hotel concierges who need to find something for guests to do in a hurry.

“It’s a bit like BermyNet back in the day, but instead of being after the event is all about before,” he said.

In an effort to grow awareness, Mr Outerbridge has partnered with the Bahamas Nightlife app.

“There is a guy down there, Sherwin Johnson, doing exactly the same thing,” Mr Outerbridge said. “He has an app for the Bahamas and a website promoting local businesses and entertainment. We decided to connect to cross promote our islands. A lot of people island-hop for carnivals. We won’t advertise the Bahamas events, but may have a link to the Bahamas event site and they will do the same for us.”

Mr Johnson was “shocked and honoured” when Mr Outerbridge reached out to him.

“After trying to ensure I build a platform that can be beneficial to the country I started to become discouraged that all the work was in vain, but when BVOapp contacted me it renewed an energy in me,” Mr Johnson said.

Mr Outerbridge said it was amazing to meet people with similar goals.

“Both of our countries are beautiful destinations and we both had the idea to help ensure that locals and visitors get to experience exactly what they want, when they want it,” he said.

Mr Outerbridge has a background in entertainment. Back in the 1990s he danced with the duo Shirt & Tie Combination. Later he ran a ticket printing and scanning business.

“That was before things went online,” he said.

Mr Outerbridge encouraged local businesses to sign up so they can become part of the planning for a local’s night out or a visitor’s trip.

• For more information see: m.bvoapp.com or www.thebahamasnightlife.com