Two entrepreneurs have launched an app meant to help Richland County shoppers find local small businesses, then take advantage of current coupons and deals.LocalLynx searches out participating businesses in the greater Mansfield area — but Shane Hostetler and Kevin Haring and an unnamed investor hope to replicate the idea at many locations around the country.Consumers can download the app, for iPhone and Android, for free. Participating businesses pay a flat monthly fee to LocalLynx in an amount that depends on the complexity of the information provided to shoppers.The LocalLynx app opens to an index of retail categories, from autos to restaurants. When the mobile phone user selects a category, logos for participating businesses appear. Clicking on a choice — for example, a restaurant — can lead to a locator map, menu, coupons or announcements on specials, information about the people running the business and a direct call to place an order.Single-use coupons can be redeemed at the business by having the customer show the phone, then clicking on a confirmation message.The app’s developers worked closely with Braintree Business Development Center as they came closer to the Sept. 1 local launch.