Friday, September 28, 2018
9A- Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2
Interview #1: Female, 20 years old
She thinks one business that might not use the product is mom-and-pop restaurants. She thinks they are just so small and won’t have the expenses to seek out an alternative product for the plastic straws they already use, especially if they are more expensive. She thinks the need for a different type of straw is unique, but similar to the need for us to stop using so much plastic in general. She thinks these small restaurants still have the need, but just probably won’t act on using the solution I came up with because it will probably be too expensive.
Interview #2: Female, 22 years old
She thinks a lot of dive bars will fall out of the boundary because they are so small and may not be worrying about this social movement to find an alternative to the straws they already use. She says how she goes to a lot of bars like this and they haven’t tried to minimize their use of straws since the movement started and doesn’t think they’ll do much about it in the future. She also mentioned how there needs to be better alternatives to the plastic cups bars use, or they need to start recycling. The dive bars have the need, but she just thinks they won’t do anything about it.
Interview #3: Male, 21 years old
He thinks people have been over-worrying about this movement and that there are much bigger things to worry about and effort to put into that will have a higher impact than changing materials for straws. He thinks many people who buy straws in the store to have at home won’t purchase an alternative option at the grocery store if they are more expensive, which he is expecting my idea to be. He thinks this need is very similar to others that also effect our oceans negatively. He thinks people need to recycle more and protect our beaches in other ways too. He thinks the people he mentioned have the need technically for the alternative straw, he just won’t think they will buy them if they are significantly more expensive.
Interview #4: Male, 22 years old
He wasn’t really sure who wouldn’t want to use an alternative to plastic straws because it helps the environment, but just said he guesses anyone who doesn’t care enough to look into an alternative. He thinks this is very similar to the need for people who use Styrofoam to find an alternative because it is also very back for our environment if its not disposed of properly. He doesn’t think anyone is without this need, it’s just about whether they are willing to look for an alternative or not.
Interview #5: Female, 21 years old
She thinks everyone needs an alternative to plastic straws but the people who won’t use the alternative I came up with are those who are just ignorant to how much of an effect it has on our environment and therefore won’t look for or use an alternative. She thinks this could be restaurant owners, bar owners, or just individuals. This need is relative, but different to people needing to stop using plastic cups/silverware, etc. but its different because those items can be recycled while a lot of straws cannot. She wishes everyone would use an alternative to plastic straws but doesn’t think it’s feasible.
Summary:
Overall, I still think I have a great idea that could work and help our environment greatly even if every restaurant and individual doesn’t use my alternative straws. It will still cut down on so much plastic found in our oceans that never biodegrades and can’t be recycled. Learning from my interviews, it sounds like everyone could use my alternative straws its just a matter of who will actually put in the money and effort into making the switch from plastic straws to my alternative.
She thinks one business that might not use the product is mom-and-pop restaurants. She thinks they are just so small and won’t have the expenses to seek out an alternative product for the plastic straws they already use, especially if they are more expensive. She thinks the need for a different type of straw is unique, but similar to the need for us to stop using so much plastic in general. She thinks these small restaurants still have the need, but just probably won’t act on using the solution I came up with because it will probably be too expensive.
Interview #2: Female, 22 years old
She thinks a lot of dive bars will fall out of the boundary because they are so small and may not be worrying about this social movement to find an alternative to the straws they already use. She says how she goes to a lot of bars like this and they haven’t tried to minimize their use of straws since the movement started and doesn’t think they’ll do much about it in the future. She also mentioned how there needs to be better alternatives to the plastic cups bars use, or they need to start recycling. The dive bars have the need, but she just thinks they won’t do anything about it.
Interview #3: Male, 21 years old
He thinks people have been over-worrying about this movement and that there are much bigger things to worry about and effort to put into that will have a higher impact than changing materials for straws. He thinks many people who buy straws in the store to have at home won’t purchase an alternative option at the grocery store if they are more expensive, which he is expecting my idea to be. He thinks this need is very similar to others that also effect our oceans negatively. He thinks people need to recycle more and protect our beaches in other ways too. He thinks the people he mentioned have the need technically for the alternative straw, he just won’t think they will buy them if they are significantly more expensive.
Interview #4: Male, 22 years old
He wasn’t really sure who wouldn’t want to use an alternative to plastic straws because it helps the environment, but just said he guesses anyone who doesn’t care enough to look into an alternative. He thinks this is very similar to the need for people who use Styrofoam to find an alternative because it is also very back for our environment if its not disposed of properly. He doesn’t think anyone is without this need, it’s just about whether they are willing to look for an alternative or not.
Interview #5: Female, 21 years old
She thinks everyone needs an alternative to plastic straws but the people who won’t use the alternative I came up with are those who are just ignorant to how much of an effect it has on our environment and therefore won’t look for or use an alternative. She thinks this could be restaurant owners, bar owners, or just individuals. This need is relative, but different to people needing to stop using plastic cups/silverware, etc. but its different because those items can be recycled while a lot of straws cannot. She wishes everyone would use an alternative to plastic straws but doesn’t think it’s feasible.
Summary:
Overall, I still think I have a great idea that could work and help our environment greatly even if every restaurant and individual doesn’t use my alternative straws. It will still cut down on so much plastic found in our oceans that never biodegrades and can’t be recycled. Learning from my interviews, it sounds like everyone could use my alternative straws its just a matter of who will actually put in the money and effort into making the switch from plastic straws to my alternative.
Friday, September 21, 2018
8A- Solving the Problem
1.) Selected Opportunity: Plastic straws can’t be recycled like a lot of other plastics and millions of them are thrown away daily which negatively effects our environment—especially our oceans and coasts. Plastic straws are used in restaurants, fast food establishments, coffee shops, and many others. They are also used by people at home and in juice drinks that can be purchased in the grocery store. There is a need for an alternative that can be recycled, reused, or biodegradable in order to stop the negative affects plastic straws have on our environment.
2.) My Solution: The product I believe will help solve this problem is to create a straw out of hemp and corn because it is biodegradable and therefore won't have negative environmental effects on our oceans and coasts. The plastic-like material is made from natural ingredients that can biodegrade, leaving no negative trace on our environment, and can also be recycled (unlike normal plastic straws) for a quicker positive effect. I think this is the best solution to this problem because it will be an easy way for establishments that sell beverages to switch from normal plastic straws to these all natural straws. That way, we won't have to rely on individuals to find an alternative because it will already be done for them wherever they purchase from. I think over time it should be a law to only use hemp materials instead of regular plastic for many products in the food and beverage industry. This will cut back on fossil-fuel emissions created from producing plastic products, and on normal plastic waste in our environment.
2.) My Solution: The product I believe will help solve this problem is to create a straw out of hemp and corn because it is biodegradable and therefore won't have negative environmental effects on our oceans and coasts. The plastic-like material is made from natural ingredients that can biodegrade, leaving no negative trace on our environment, and can also be recycled (unlike normal plastic straws) for a quicker positive effect. I think this is the best solution to this problem because it will be an easy way for establishments that sell beverages to switch from normal plastic straws to these all natural straws. That way, we won't have to rely on individuals to find an alternative because it will already be done for them wherever they purchase from. I think over time it should be a law to only use hemp materials instead of regular plastic for many products in the food and beverage industry. This will cut back on fossil-fuel emissions created from producing plastic products, and on normal plastic waste in our environment.
7A- Testing the Hypothesis Part 1
Opportunity: Plastic straws can’t be recycled like a lot of other plastics and millions of them are thrown away daily which negatively effects our environment—especially our oceans and coasts.
The who: Plastic straw users, and restaurants/bars.
The what: There needs to be another type of straw to cut back on plastic straw usage.
The why: Plastic straws have been the regular choice in many restaurants and bars, so it is hard to make this change to a more environmentally-friendly straw.
Testing the who: Others who may be affected by this problem are hospitals, food trucks, food courts, and anywhere else that serves drinks with straws.
Testing the what: Other straw options, such as paper, may not hold up as well for an alternative. Other plastic items used in these places are bad for our environment too and other options for them may also need to be considered.
Testing the why: Many restaurants/bars and straw users may not want to give up their use of plastic straws. Many people may not look at this problem as that big of a negative effect on our environment.
Interview #1: 22-year-old male
He believes plastic straws are bad for our environment and is open to just stop using them altogether. He wouldn’t look for an alternative to plastic straws, rather he would just not use straws at all. He thinks companies that use straws a lot like fast food and coffee shops are most affected by the need for an alternative to plastic straws. He thinks people should just stop asking for straws at restaurants and that coffee shops and fast food places should start using those recyclable sippy-cup lids instead. He also thinks that plastic cups are just as bad for the environment when not recycled.
Interview #2: Male in his 50s
He thinks that they are bad for our oceans and he doesn’t really use straws often, so he’ll just stop using plastic straws. Other people/companies effected by the need for an alternative is children’s juice boxes/pouches that come with straws and fast food companies as well. He thinks an alternative should be made of hemp. He’s heard of places making alternatives to plastic bags out of hemp, which is biodegradable, and thinks this could work for straws too. Other products that have the same negative effect to our oceans are any other small plastic items people don’t think to/can’t recycle.
Interview #3: 21-year-old female
She also thinks straws have a negative affect and wants to buy one of the reusable, collapsible straws that have been invented. She thinks all restaurants and bars, and fast food places that automatically give out plastic straws are most affected by the need for an alternative. Alternatives she has considered as a solution are the reusable, collapsible straws, to just stop using plastic straws, to use paper straws, or use the recyclable sippy-cup lids. Also, she thinks people should be charged extra if they want to use a plastic straw like some places do for plastic bags. Another relatable product that has a similar negative affect that should be considered too is the plastic six-pack things that hold cans together, and plastic grocery bags.
Interview #4: 21-year-old female
She does think that there is a negative effect on the environment from plastic straws, but thinks people are over-reacting on how big of an affect it has on our oceans. She thinks efforts need to be focused on bigger problems, such as overfishing, etc. She would be open to an alternative method but only if the place of business provides it. She simply just won’t use plastic straws often otherwise. She thinks people who are affected by this problem is those with physical disabilities who need straws to drink from. That’s why she doesn’t want places of business to ban plastic straws altogether unless they have an alternative. Some alternatives she considers suitable are reusable straws and for places of business—paper straws. Other problems related to this one to be considered are plastic bags at grocery stores. She likes how some places charge for them and thinks that’s a good idea for plastic straws too.
Interview #5: 21-year old male
He thinks they have a negative affect on the environment and coming from a coastal hometown, the problem hits home. He says he never uses plastic straws at restaurants and hopes other businesses come up with an alternative to plastic straws. Some alternatives he’s thought of are paper straws, or people not asking for plastic straws and instead using a reusable straw they bring with them instead, or no straw at all. He thinks fast food places, restaurants, and people who enjoy drinking from straws are affected by the need for an alternative. Other problems he thinks are related to the issue plastic straws bring up are the use of Styrofoam in cups/plates, which is also very bad for the environment.
Summary: After all my interviews I see that there are a lot more people/companies that are affected by the problem I found a potential opportunity from. I did not consider coffee shops, fast food places, or people who need straws to drink because of physical disabilities. I heard a lot of great alternatives to plastic straws that I may not have considered either.
The who: Plastic straw users, and restaurants/bars.
The what: There needs to be another type of straw to cut back on plastic straw usage.
The why: Plastic straws have been the regular choice in many restaurants and bars, so it is hard to make this change to a more environmentally-friendly straw.
Testing the who: Others who may be affected by this problem are hospitals, food trucks, food courts, and anywhere else that serves drinks with straws.
Testing the what: Other straw options, such as paper, may not hold up as well for an alternative. Other plastic items used in these places are bad for our environment too and other options for them may also need to be considered.
Testing the why: Many restaurants/bars and straw users may not want to give up their use of plastic straws. Many people may not look at this problem as that big of a negative effect on our environment.
Interview #1: 22-year-old male
He believes plastic straws are bad for our environment and is open to just stop using them altogether. He wouldn’t look for an alternative to plastic straws, rather he would just not use straws at all. He thinks companies that use straws a lot like fast food and coffee shops are most affected by the need for an alternative to plastic straws. He thinks people should just stop asking for straws at restaurants and that coffee shops and fast food places should start using those recyclable sippy-cup lids instead. He also thinks that plastic cups are just as bad for the environment when not recycled.
Interview #2: Male in his 50s
He thinks that they are bad for our oceans and he doesn’t really use straws often, so he’ll just stop using plastic straws. Other people/companies effected by the need for an alternative is children’s juice boxes/pouches that come with straws and fast food companies as well. He thinks an alternative should be made of hemp. He’s heard of places making alternatives to plastic bags out of hemp, which is biodegradable, and thinks this could work for straws too. Other products that have the same negative effect to our oceans are any other small plastic items people don’t think to/can’t recycle.
Interview #3: 21-year-old female
She also thinks straws have a negative affect and wants to buy one of the reusable, collapsible straws that have been invented. She thinks all restaurants and bars, and fast food places that automatically give out plastic straws are most affected by the need for an alternative. Alternatives she has considered as a solution are the reusable, collapsible straws, to just stop using plastic straws, to use paper straws, or use the recyclable sippy-cup lids. Also, she thinks people should be charged extra if they want to use a plastic straw like some places do for plastic bags. Another relatable product that has a similar negative affect that should be considered too is the plastic six-pack things that hold cans together, and plastic grocery bags.
Interview #4: 21-year-old female
She does think that there is a negative effect on the environment from plastic straws, but thinks people are over-reacting on how big of an affect it has on our oceans. She thinks efforts need to be focused on bigger problems, such as overfishing, etc. She would be open to an alternative method but only if the place of business provides it. She simply just won’t use plastic straws often otherwise. She thinks people who are affected by this problem is those with physical disabilities who need straws to drink from. That’s why she doesn’t want places of business to ban plastic straws altogether unless they have an alternative. Some alternatives she considers suitable are reusable straws and for places of business—paper straws. Other problems related to this one to be considered are plastic bags at grocery stores. She likes how some places charge for them and thinks that’s a good idea for plastic straws too.
Interview #5: 21-year old male
He thinks they have a negative affect on the environment and coming from a coastal hometown, the problem hits home. He says he never uses plastic straws at restaurants and hopes other businesses come up with an alternative to plastic straws. Some alternatives he’s thought of are paper straws, or people not asking for plastic straws and instead using a reusable straw they bring with them instead, or no straw at all. He thinks fast food places, restaurants, and people who enjoy drinking from straws are affected by the need for an alternative. Other problems he thinks are related to the issue plastic straws bring up are the use of Styrofoam in cups/plates, which is also very bad for the environment.
Summary: After all my interviews I see that there are a lot more people/companies that are affected by the problem I found a potential opportunity from. I did not consider coffee shops, fast food places, or people who need straws to drink because of physical disabilities. I heard a lot of great alternatives to plastic straws that I may not have considered either.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
6A- Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends
1. (Regulatory Changes) Predicting the next states to legalize marijuana
a. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/11/14/pot-initiatives-predicting-next-15-states-legalize-marijuana/860502001/
b. Though these states have not legalized recreational marijuana yet, it will most likely happen in the next few years. There is a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs in these states who want to get into the marijuana industry at its very start in these states after legalization passes.
c. The prototypical customer for this opportunity would be most likely anyone over the age of 21 who enjoys smoking marijuana recreationally.
d. I believe once recreational marijuana becomes legal, it will be relatively easy to start a business growing and selling in that state’s marijuana industry. I think so because there are already nine states plus Washington D.C. who have legalized recreational marijuana, so entrepreneurs learn from how others have done it in those states. Also, if a business enters the industry right after the law change, there will be huge room for growth because it will be such a new industry.
e. Why I saw this opportunity: I saw that this as an opportunity because I foresaw other states legalizing recreational marijuana when maybe others might not see that happening for a long time. The only thing from my experience that helped lead me to this decision is my desire for recreational marijuana to be legal statewide. I think it is wrong to imprison people for years for something that is legal in other places in our country, I think it could boost our economy, and I think it is a non-addictive, not dangerous drug that people should have the choice to use or not.
2. (Regulatory Changes) Climate change leading to more natural disasters
a. https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666 (this article for the research on how climate change leads to natural disasters) and https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/01/climate/trump-paris-climate-agreement.html (explaining how Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accord in June, 2017)
b. I believe there is an opportunity for entrepreneurs looking into preventing damage from natural disasters. Since Trump has withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accord, this act will only worsen climate change leading to more natural disasters that destroy homes, businesses and cities. Natural disasters including forest fires, flooding from rising sea levels, and hurricanes. Because of this, people will need to look more into flood-proofing and hurricane-proofing their homes along the coasts. Also, entrepreneurs can investigate ways to help prevent forest fires better as well. This is beneficial for entrepreneurs, but bad for our environment, cities, and properties.
c. The prototypical customer would be home owners along the coast who want to keep their home safe from natural disasters by preparing and disaster-proofing it. Another prototypical customer would be those who live near forests where fires are prevalent and want to find ways and products to help prevent wildfires.
d. I think the hurricane and flood proofing the homes for natural disasters along the coast is a fairly simple opportunity to exploit because those products already exist. I think finding ways to help prevent wildfires is a harder case to crack, but I think the opportunity is there.
e. I saw an opportunity because even though many people can see how Trump is against striving to protect our environment and prevent climate change, I think many people may not think to find opportunities from it. People will need entrepreneurs who are finding new ways to protect themselves and their properties from natural disaster. I am emotional about this subject because I want our earth to be protected and us not have to go to these measures to protect our forests and coasts, but because we are in this place I think it is necessary for entrepreneurs to find ways to protect people’s stuff.
3. (Economic Trend) Millennials have entrepreneurial opportunities because many Baby Boomers are staying longer in the workforce
a. https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666
b. I believe there is an opportunity here because this article explains how Baby Boomers are staying in the workforce longer instead of retiring because of the recession. This makes it harder for Millennials to move up in their careers when a lot of the positions are still being filled by the Baby Boomers. This leaves a great opportunity for Millennials to start their own businesses and become their own bosses instead of hunting for jobs in an overflowing workforce.
c. The prototypical customer will be whatever customer Millennials look to target with their entrepreneurial journey. I think a lot of Millennials will look to target other Millennials though because they know them best.
d. I think this opportunity is relatively easy depending on how Millennials choose to approach it.
e. I saw an opportunity from this because I know how a Millennial thinks, because I am one. I think a lot of Millennials won’t want to be told how to do their job by Baby Boomers who have been in the workforce longer than they maybe should be. Millennials are full of new ideas and will want to be able to express those without someone telling them how to do so.
4. (Economic Trend) Interest rates are rising so Millennials will most likely be renting more for longer
a. https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666
b. According to the article above, the Federal Reserve is getting close to its goal of raising the fed funds rate to two percent. If the economy isn’t entering a recession, they will continue to rise the interest rates. This means it will be more expensive to buy rather than rent, especially when it comes to mortgages. Millennials are still trying to get their foot in the door in their careers, meaning it will be very hard for them to afford an expensive mortgage with a high interest rate. I see an opportunity here for entrepreneurs to build lower rent apartments for Millennials. I think this is a great opportunity because there will be so many young adults looking to rent instead of buy at least until the interest rate lowers again.
c. The prototypical customer for this opportunity would be Millennials with an annual income of about $80,000 and below.
d. I think this is a relatively easy opportunity to exploit once buildings and locations are found for the apartments, because I believe the customer base is there and finding residents for the apartments wouldn’t be too difficult.
e. I think I saw an opportunity here that others might not have because I took something negative and looked at it in a more positive way. A lot of people would look at a high interest rate as a negative thing, but I found an opportunity from it. I have always tried to turn something negative into something beneficial instead of dreading the negative the whole time. I think this is what helped me come to this opportunity.
Monday, September 10, 2018
5A- Identifying Local Opportunities
1.) Wellington Seeks to Pass Smell Test on Manure Issue
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0910%21September%2B10&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E5926507B1B230
Description: Wellington, Florida is a huge spot for the equestrian industry and this poses an issue (especially during peak equestrian season when the number of horses doubles in Palm Beach County) for the city in regard to dumping of manure.
Problem: Palm Beach County has to deal with about 193,000 tons of waste per year, this is a huge problem that the city has to deal with and ensure that all farmers are horse owners are bringing their manure to legal dump sites. They have been looking into solutions, but nothing has fixed it yet. There needs to be more facilities to process the manure but finding space is hard for that when citizens don’t want it near them because of the smell it will create. There also isn’t a lot of places to bring manure that people know about. I think there needs to be a manure pickup system, like our garbage system, that goes to farms to take the waste to proper dump sites.
Who has the Problem: The county of Palm Beach Florida’s citizens who don’t want to smell the manure near their homes, and horse owners who need an easier place to dump their horse manure legally and easily.
2.) Students deal with heat after A/C fails
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0908%21September%2B08&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E4E9F4D182B250
Description: Students and teachers at Westward Elementary endured extreme heat in classrooms several times over a span of two weeks because of A/C malfunctions and shut offs. Parents were never notified of the A/C shut down and one student was treated for heat rash.
Problem: The A/C system in this elementary school is clearly not up to date or efficient to handle the heat and size of this school in order to keep hundreds of students and teachers cool. Having to teach and learn in an environment where students and teachers are overheating must make it nearly impossible to focus. Students should not have to stay in school during an A/C shut down because it could be bad for their health and isn’t helping them learn.
Who has the problem: Students, teachers and other staff at Westward Elementary in West Palm Beach, FL.
3.) Fire Destroys Lake Park Pantry that Fed 400 Families
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0908%21September%2B08&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E4E9F4CF617448
Description: The Community Food and Clothing Pantry at the Bethlehem Baptist Church was completely gutted from a fire that was caused by an electrical short. It may take between three to six months to build another location on the church’s site for the service organization. They have $3,000 worth of Publix gift cards that were donated to help the families for the next few weeks in the meantime.
Problem: The location was destroyed along with all the service organization’s equipment, clothing and food. 400 families will be without their weekly food supply from the organization.
Who has the problem: The people who run the service organization, the Bethlehem Baptist Church, and the 400 families who go there weekly for food.
4.) Monitoring the lizard situation in Florida is a big job
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0902%21September%2B02&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E2EE426FAF5DF0
Description: A man finds a 6-foot-long Nile monitor lizard in his backyard, it is one of many invasive species in south Florida. The large lizards are becoming more prevalent and eat small animals, meaning small cats and dogs can be at risk. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is trying to help with the epidemic and wants people to report when they see an invasive species.
Problem: The giant lizards begin breeding after age two and lay around 60 eggs at a time, meaning their numbers are rising quickly since they were first spotted in the 1990’s.
Who has the problem: Citizens living in south Florida having giant lizards pop up around them and their homes, and owners of small cats and dogs who can potentially be eaten by the Nile monitor lizards.
5.) Last straw? Not yet as town declines ban
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0813%21August%2B13&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16DC56751E3F8BA8
Description: The town on Jupiter has landed on a town wide education campaign to encourage businesses, residents and visitors to stop using plastic straws to help stop their negative effects on our waters and beaches. Some are upset that the town came to an education campaign instead of an outright ban.
Problem: Single-use plastic straws are very bad for the environment and businesses and citizens need an alternative for when they order drinks out.
Who has the problem: Businesses and customers who have drinks in and outside of their homes who like to use straws.
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0910%21September%2B10&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E5926507B1B230
Description: Wellington, Florida is a huge spot for the equestrian industry and this poses an issue (especially during peak equestrian season when the number of horses doubles in Palm Beach County) for the city in regard to dumping of manure.
Problem: Palm Beach County has to deal with about 193,000 tons of waste per year, this is a huge problem that the city has to deal with and ensure that all farmers are horse owners are bringing their manure to legal dump sites. They have been looking into solutions, but nothing has fixed it yet. There needs to be more facilities to process the manure but finding space is hard for that when citizens don’t want it near them because of the smell it will create. There also isn’t a lot of places to bring manure that people know about. I think there needs to be a manure pickup system, like our garbage system, that goes to farms to take the waste to proper dump sites.
Who has the Problem: The county of Palm Beach Florida’s citizens who don’t want to smell the manure near their homes, and horse owners who need an easier place to dump their horse manure legally and easily.
2.) Students deal with heat after A/C fails
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0908%21September%2B08&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E4E9F4D182B250
Description: Students and teachers at Westward Elementary endured extreme heat in classrooms several times over a span of two weeks because of A/C malfunctions and shut offs. Parents were never notified of the A/C shut down and one student was treated for heat rash.
Problem: The A/C system in this elementary school is clearly not up to date or efficient to handle the heat and size of this school in order to keep hundreds of students and teachers cool. Having to teach and learn in an environment where students and teachers are overheating must make it nearly impossible to focus. Students should not have to stay in school during an A/C shut down because it could be bad for their health and isn’t helping them learn.
Who has the problem: Students, teachers and other staff at Westward Elementary in West Palm Beach, FL.
3.) Fire Destroys Lake Park Pantry that Fed 400 Families
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0908%21September%2B08&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E4E9F4CF617448
Description: The Community Food and Clothing Pantry at the Bethlehem Baptist Church was completely gutted from a fire that was caused by an electrical short. It may take between three to six months to build another location on the church’s site for the service organization. They have $3,000 worth of Publix gift cards that were donated to help the families for the next few weeks in the meantime.
Problem: The location was destroyed along with all the service organization’s equipment, clothing and food. 400 families will be without their weekly food supply from the organization.
Who has the problem: The people who run the service organization, the Bethlehem Baptist Church, and the 400 families who go there weekly for food.
4.) Monitoring the lizard situation in Florida is a big job
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0902%21September%2B02&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E2EE426FAF5DF0
Description: A man finds a 6-foot-long Nile monitor lizard in his backyard, it is one of many invasive species in south Florida. The large lizards are becoming more prevalent and eat small animals, meaning small cats and dogs can be at risk. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is trying to help with the epidemic and wants people to report when they see an invasive species.
Problem: The giant lizards begin breeding after age two and lay around 60 eggs at a time, meaning their numbers are rising quickly since they were first spotted in the 1990’s.
Who has the problem: Citizens living in south Florida having giant lizards pop up around them and their homes, and owners of small cats and dogs who can potentially be eaten by the Nile monitor lizards.
5.) Last straw? Not yet as town declines ban
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0813%21August%2B13&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16DC56751E3F8BA8
Description: The town on Jupiter has landed on a town wide education campaign to encourage businesses, residents and visitors to stop using plastic straws to help stop their negative effects on our waters and beaches. Some are upset that the town came to an education campaign instead of an outright ban.
Problem: Single-use plastic straws are very bad for the environment and businesses and citizens need an alternative for when they order drinks out.
Who has the problem: Businesses and customers who have drinks in and outside of their homes who like to use straws.
Friday, September 7, 2018
4A- Forming an Opportunity Belief
1.) I believe that there is an opportunity that exists from the problem that there are never enough spots available for the number of students that want to study at the library.
2.) It can take a long time walking up and down stairs looking for a spot to sit at which wastes precious study time. There needs to be either more libraries on campus that are open for longer hours, or more tables in the unused areas in the current libraries, or more coffee shops with large study spaces need to open close to campus. College students have this need. The need has always existed that I know of from my experience. People may be choosing to study at home or go to far away coffee shops instead of wasting time trying to find a spot at the library. I am about 90% sure this opportunity exists.
3.) Three Prototypical Customers Interviewed
4.) Iterations
2.) It can take a long time walking up and down stairs looking for a spot to sit at which wastes precious study time. There needs to be either more libraries on campus that are open for longer hours, or more tables in the unused areas in the current libraries, or more coffee shops with large study spaces need to open close to campus. College students have this need. The need has always existed that I know of from my experience. People may be choosing to study at home or go to far away coffee shops instead of wasting time trying to find a spot at the library. I am about 90% sure this opportunity exists.
3.) Three Prototypical Customers Interviewed
4.) Iterations
a. Prototypical Customer 1-
Has experienced the need for more study space on/near campus. Been aware since freshman year and it is a problem most of the time he has tried to go to the library to study. 5 years (as long as he has been a college student). Addresses the need by studying at home instead. Not satisfied with this solution because he focuses better at the library but its not worth the hassle.
b. Prototypical Customer 2-
Has also experienced the need for more places to study on campus because it sometimes has taken her up to 20 minutes to find a place in the library to study. She became aware of the need since she went to the library for the first time her freshman year of college and says she feels the need for more study space most of the time, but it depends on what time of the day you go. It has been a need for four years, since her start of college. Her solution has been to study at home or in off-campus coffee shops instead, she is pretty satisfied with this because she doesn’t care to study on campus anymore.
c. Prototypical Customer 3-
She has also experienced the need for more study space in her college’s libraries. She became aware her freshman year as well when she started studying in the libraries on campus. She is a senior, so she has been dealing with this issue for 4 years, the need arises when she tries to find a spot in the library at peak hours—the worst being around 5-6 she thinks. She addresses the need by trying to go at different times and just pushes through until she finds a spot to study. She is decently satisfied with this solution but wishes there were more tables and places to study on campus.
5.) Reflection: After speaking with my three college friends who I believe would be prototypical customers of the opportunity I found from the problem of there not being enough spots to study at in the libraries on college campuses, I really believe there is an opportunity here. The business opportunity would be for more coffee shops/restaurants to open near campus with large study spaces for students. Another opportunity is for colleges to open more libraries or utilize the space they have in their current libraries by putting more tables for students to study at. This would be a big positive for new students touring their campuses. The most surprising thing I found after speaking to the prototypical customer was seeing just how big of an opportunity this is because the need reached all of them and I think many more.
6.) Summary: I believe all of my original opportunity is still here even after speaking to all three prototypical customers. I think the opportunity is still just as accurate as when it started. I think entrepreneurs should adapt and take full advantage of this opportunity, but it may be a problem finding enough space to fully fulfill this opportunity. There will most likely be a trade off between entrepreneurs and students need for more study space on/near campus.
Has experienced the need for more study space on/near campus. Been aware since freshman year and it is a problem most of the time he has tried to go to the library to study. 5 years (as long as he has been a college student). Addresses the need by studying at home instead. Not satisfied with this solution because he focuses better at the library but its not worth the hassle.
b. Prototypical Customer 2-
Has also experienced the need for more places to study on campus because it sometimes has taken her up to 20 minutes to find a place in the library to study. She became aware of the need since she went to the library for the first time her freshman year of college and says she feels the need for more study space most of the time, but it depends on what time of the day you go. It has been a need for four years, since her start of college. Her solution has been to study at home or in off-campus coffee shops instead, she is pretty satisfied with this because she doesn’t care to study on campus anymore.
c. Prototypical Customer 3-
She has also experienced the need for more study space in her college’s libraries. She became aware her freshman year as well when she started studying in the libraries on campus. She is a senior, so she has been dealing with this issue for 4 years, the need arises when she tries to find a spot in the library at peak hours—the worst being around 5-6 she thinks. She addresses the need by trying to go at different times and just pushes through until she finds a spot to study. She is decently satisfied with this solution but wishes there were more tables and places to study on campus.
5.) Reflection: After speaking with my three college friends who I believe would be prototypical customers of the opportunity I found from the problem of there not being enough spots to study at in the libraries on college campuses, I really believe there is an opportunity here. The business opportunity would be for more coffee shops/restaurants to open near campus with large study spaces for students. Another opportunity is for colleges to open more libraries or utilize the space they have in their current libraries by putting more tables for students to study at. This would be a big positive for new students touring their campuses. The most surprising thing I found after speaking to the prototypical customer was seeing just how big of an opportunity this is because the need reached all of them and I think many more.
6.) Summary: I believe all of my original opportunity is still here even after speaking to all three prototypical customers. I think the opportunity is still just as accurate as when it started. I think entrepreneurs should adapt and take full advantage of this opportunity, but it may be a problem finding enough space to fully fulfill this opportunity. There will most likely be a trade off between entrepreneurs and students need for more study space on/near campus.
3A- Your Entrepreneurship Story
One encounter I’ve had with entrepreneurship is meeting my old boss Joe Del Cueto, who was an entrepreneur himself. He wrote a book about his life and I met him through the CJC and ended up working for him doing his social media for the book. This led to me interning at his company, DMG Solutions, last summer. DMG Solutions is his company he started in the early 2000’s after working for other people in the marketing industry for many years. He built the business into one making multi-millions of dollars through direct marketing in the US-Hispanic market. Joe had a hard upbringing filled with abuse, neglect, and death and he came out on the other side a successful entrepreneur with a booming business. Working with Joe taught me that anyone can be successful in owning their own business no matter what background they came from. He’s become my mentor and I have learned so much from him since our meeting. The picture above is of me and Joe on my last day of my internship this past summer.
I enrolled in ENT3003 to finish my business concentration for my advertising major. I chose this class because it sounded very interesting to learn what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur in case I decide to start my own business one day. I hope to learn tips and tricks for new business owners.
2A- Bug List
1.) I have to take my trash from my apartment to a big trash bin that's very far from my apartment each time to dump it.
- This problem exists because my apartment complex doesn't offer trash pick-up from the door, probably because it is too expensive to hire people to do that.
2.) I get too cold in my room but then my legs and feet get too hot when I go under the blanket.
- This is a problem because my blanket may be too heavy or the room may be muggy.
3.) Only car parking is lifted on campus after a certain time, not scooter parking so I could never ride my scooter to campus at any time while I wait for my decal to come in the mail.
- This may be because there are too many scooters in Gainesville and scooter parking would get too crowded later in the day.
4.) My boyfriend just started at NYU this year and tickets out of the Gainesville airport are a lot more expensive than other Florida airports so I have to drive far in order to fly out.
- This is probably true because Gainesville is a much smaller airport and so the prices have to be higher for it to make enough money to run.
5.) People in Gainesville don't know how to use roundabouts when driving.
- This bug exists because there are a lot of people from a lot of different places where roundabouts may not have been common so people don't know the proper way to use them.
6.) Ubers are very expensive on game days.
- This is a problem because there is such a high demand for ubers that the prices must be jacked up.
7.) There is a lot of traffic and no parking on game days.
- Because there are so many people visiting for UF football games that it gets extremely crowded.
8.) There is never tables in the library to study at.
- So many students use the library that it gets over crowded making it very hard to find a spot.
9.) There is no student parking near UF main campus.
- This is because they don't build enough parking garages that can fit the demand for student parking so students have to use scooters or buses to get to campus.
10.) Buses to UF campus don't always time up well with classes meaning you end up being super early or super late for your class.
- There may not be enough buses for each route that students use often to align with the times they are needed.
11.) When I binge watch Netflix and it asks if I'm still watching.
- Netflix doesn't want people to fall asleep and miss too much of their shows.
12.) Traffic in Tampa during rush hour.
- There are so many people on the road and not everyone drives the same speed so it slows everything down.
13.) When I straighten my hair and go outside and it becomes wavy after 10 minutes.
- Florida is very humid.
14.) When professors take attendance and don't allow any miss days.
- They want to make you go there for each class so you don't miss anything.
15.) When nail polish chips off after one day.
- Not all nail polish brands are the same quality and don't stick on the nail as well.
16.) Being interrupted by people.
- People speak over me and others when they feel what they have to say is more important.
17.) When there is litter all over the streets.
- People don't take the time to find a trash can or recycling to get rid of their trash and instead just throw it on the ground which is bad for the environment.
18.) When people don't use their turn signals when driving.
- People don't care or think to use them as a courtesy to others and to obey the law.
19.) Airplanes don't have enough leg room in regular economy seating.
- Airlines have started to care less about providing basic amenities without an extra charge in recent years.
20.) Forgetting my password to all my accounts all the time.
- Passwords all require certain characters and over time if I don't use an account often enough I will forget it.
This assignment was a bit difficult because it forced me to remember to write down when something bugged me, but it wasn't that hard to find things that did. After looking around at all of the small (and big) problems that I run into on a daily basis, I see how many business opportunities there really are in the world.
- This problem exists because my apartment complex doesn't offer trash pick-up from the door, probably because it is too expensive to hire people to do that.
2.) I get too cold in my room but then my legs and feet get too hot when I go under the blanket.
- This is a problem because my blanket may be too heavy or the room may be muggy.
3.) Only car parking is lifted on campus after a certain time, not scooter parking so I could never ride my scooter to campus at any time while I wait for my decal to come in the mail.
- This may be because there are too many scooters in Gainesville and scooter parking would get too crowded later in the day.
4.) My boyfriend just started at NYU this year and tickets out of the Gainesville airport are a lot more expensive than other Florida airports so I have to drive far in order to fly out.
- This is probably true because Gainesville is a much smaller airport and so the prices have to be higher for it to make enough money to run.
5.) People in Gainesville don't know how to use roundabouts when driving.
- This bug exists because there are a lot of people from a lot of different places where roundabouts may not have been common so people don't know the proper way to use them.
6.) Ubers are very expensive on game days.
- This is a problem because there is such a high demand for ubers that the prices must be jacked up.
7.) There is a lot of traffic and no parking on game days.
- Because there are so many people visiting for UF football games that it gets extremely crowded.
8.) There is never tables in the library to study at.
- So many students use the library that it gets over crowded making it very hard to find a spot.
9.) There is no student parking near UF main campus.
- This is because they don't build enough parking garages that can fit the demand for student parking so students have to use scooters or buses to get to campus.
10.) Buses to UF campus don't always time up well with classes meaning you end up being super early or super late for your class.
- There may not be enough buses for each route that students use often to align with the times they are needed.
11.) When I binge watch Netflix and it asks if I'm still watching.
- Netflix doesn't want people to fall asleep and miss too much of their shows.
12.) Traffic in Tampa during rush hour.
- There are so many people on the road and not everyone drives the same speed so it slows everything down.
13.) When I straighten my hair and go outside and it becomes wavy after 10 minutes.
- Florida is very humid.
14.) When professors take attendance and don't allow any miss days.
- They want to make you go there for each class so you don't miss anything.
15.) When nail polish chips off after one day.
- Not all nail polish brands are the same quality and don't stick on the nail as well.
16.) Being interrupted by people.
- People speak over me and others when they feel what they have to say is more important.
17.) When there is litter all over the streets.
- People don't take the time to find a trash can or recycling to get rid of their trash and instead just throw it on the ground which is bad for the environment.
18.) When people don't use their turn signals when driving.
- People don't care or think to use them as a courtesy to others and to obey the law.
19.) Airplanes don't have enough leg room in regular economy seating.
- Airlines have started to care less about providing basic amenities without an extra charge in recent years.
20.) Forgetting my password to all my accounts all the time.
- Passwords all require certain characters and over time if I don't use an account often enough I will forget it.
This assignment was a bit difficult because it forced me to remember to write down when something bugged me, but it wasn't that hard to find things that did. After looking around at all of the small (and big) problems that I run into on a daily basis, I see how many business opportunities there really are in the world.
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