Their directory contains 5500 businesses, covering more than 120 countries across the globe, and is growing rapidly.

Anyone can now host this directory on their own website via their new customizable BitScan widget - maximizing exposure of the growing bitcoin ecosphere for the benefit of both merchants and consumers.

Beyond the directory, BitScan also offers anyone the possibility of buying and selling products through its classified marketplace and is currently building a unique trust mechanism that will give consumers the confidence to transact in bitcoin across the Internet.

BitScan's in-house e-zine, BitBuzz, is also encouraging writers into the digital currency space through a disruptive remuneration model that leverages bitcoin's micro-payment friendly architecture to fully reward contributors for their work on an enduring basis.

"While bitcoin's utility as a store of value is clearly recognized, its adoption as a medium of trade is immature and for the wider public it remains something of an enigma," said Rob Wilson, CEO of BitScan. "People don't know how to get it, how to store it or where they can spend it. At the same time bitcoin merchants are finding it hard to get found or connect with their customers. BitScan aims to pull this all together. We hope and believe the applications we are building will help accelerate bitcoin across the chasm to mainstream acceptance."

Listing and promoting your bitcoin business in BitScan's directory or showcasing anything you want to sell for bitcoin in BitScan's classifieds marketplace is absolutely free. Further, BitScan tips anyone who refers businesses not already listed and then awards them a generous percentage of any subsequent advertising revenue it accrues.

The Sydney-based team have plans to launch across other formats, including Android and Chrome, in the near future. They are constantly evolving their application line-up as they strive to make a positive difference throughout and beyond the bitcoin community.