30A

The most formative experience would be identifying local opportunities. By identifying these opportunities, it made me understand and realize the problems within my local community, and made me think of ways I could better these issues. The experience I will remember for years to come will be creating my idea. Creating my idea took a lot of thinking and hardwork, as coming up with a business venture is not an easy task. The experience I am most proud of myself is developing the underlying ocncepts and goals for my business venture within this class. By giving purpose and meaning to my idea, it was able to come to life when details were added.

I currently do not see myself as an entreprenuer, however I do see myself as an entreprenuer in the making. I do also  think I have moved closer to develping an entreprenuerial mindset.I believe I have a lot more to learn, and this class has assisted me by introducing me to the tasks and things that go into creating a business. It is far greater than developing a name and getting a business license, but it must be planned out, strategized, fully developed, and more.

The one recommednation I would make to the students who are going to journey down this path in the future, is to take this class seriously, regardless if you see yourself owning your own business or not. This class will prepare you for the business world, business interactions, and will help you understand and respect the goals, time, and dedication of other business owners for this process is not an easy one. To perform best in this course, I suggest that they complete all of the assignments, and not allow themselves the given amount of time (a week) to efficiently and effectively complete these assignments. Take advantage of the extra credit opportunity, and fully read the expectations of this class in the syllabus. To foster this mindset, just simply understand that every college course is meant to assist and enhance your knowledge of the real world.

29A- Venture Concept No. 2

Opportunity: There has been an increase in the educational gaps in the world, however, locally in the Alachua County area. Minority children, especially Blacks, face the challenges of their environment affecting their education and increasing the probability of their chances of being imprisoned, suspended, or lack of success in the future. This issue has persisted for decades and the problem has yet to decrease in statistics. By providing students and their families with the materials, resources, and more that they need, the likelihood of success will increase. 

Innovation/Venture Concept: After understanding and researching my opportunity and target audience, I came up with the idea of Students Succeed. Although Students Succeed is similar to many organizations that give back to the community, it adds a more inclusive approach from many people within the community. Families, students, and teachers are unable to receive the resources and supplies they need to create a more efficient learning environment. By presenting a foundation that not only gives back to the community, but places each student, family, school, and teacher in an environment to want to succeed and exceed statistics and personal doubts.

Three Minor Elements: My ability to work hard, social capital, and the ability to relate to the customers through similar experiences will be the advantage that sets me apart from other customers. To bring this venture to the next step, I will need to do some more demographic research, interview and speak with other non-profit organizations and get their take on providing this service, talk about the pros and cons, and possible successes and failures. For me, I am going to take what I have learned from this experience and set forth to begin my own business or non-profit in the near future.

I did not receive much feedback, however the feedback that I did receive suggested that I find ways in which to expand and reach different areas of the community. 

28A- Your Exit Strategy

With this type of business venture, I plan on keeping the business as a family business. There will be always be great advances and technological changes made to make a more efficient and effective ways to improve the community. However, the need will always be there.  As long as I am able to continue to advance with the market and not lag behind, if pursued, I would one day like to pass it down.

I have  selected this particular exit strategy, because there is power in ownership and it is also a form of residual income and community advancement.

My decision didinfluence my opportunity. I did think  far in advance to the future, I was thinking both in the now and in the future. I chose a more long standing opportunity, that had great opportunities to grow in a field I was more passionate about. Because I have made my decision to make this business longstanding, my goal would be to grow and hire experts in this field to help me along this journey.

27A- Reading Reflection No. 3

The book I read for my final reflection was The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. I read this book because although I'm not fascinated with planes, the names seemed very familiar. The Wright's Brothers were very inexperienced with planes, however they were dedicated to the process. This surprised me, because most often we associate great inventions with people who are masterminds of their craft, but these two brothers had a great idea and they went after it. I most admire about them, there will power to try even when people doubted their ability. This still applies today, but many people do not take that negativity and persevere through. These two gentlemen, learned, failed forward, and conquered.

I accredit the Wright Brothers with the ability to fail foward. This trait is very admirable, because from their failures came great success.

I was surprised to find out the United States ignored this great invention. The U.S., seems so tech savvy, that I would've expected a push for more research, improvements, and the desire to even have the blueprint for this invention. However, the French were the first to notice.

I would ask, what made them go from owning a bicycle shop to one day inventing a plane? I would also ask, what gave them the strength to persevere through all of the negative critiques of their work and how did it shape their mindset moving forward?

As stated above, their hardwork is admirable. I associated the name with the invention, but I never truly knew the success story.

26A- Celebraing Failure

There have been many times I have failed this semester, especially outside of this class. In my Geology class, I procrastinated on studying, rarely particpated in discussion assignments, and when I realized that I needed to make a change I was already a little over a month in. I began studying, paying attention to lectures, however, I failed my first exam. I took a different apporach, looked up tips on how to study, tried not to procrastinate, even though I found myself falling back into those old habits. I had to drop the class, because I didn't want to ruin my GPA.

From this moment, I realized that I failed forward. I realized that it took me failing to realize that there was a problem within me I needed to fix, and that when I tried to change, although I didn't get the end result I wanted, I saw the progress that can and will be made from change.

I think failure, if done right, can be very beneficial. It is so easy to get caught up in stressing and thinking you are a failure, however, if you fail forward in anything you do, it can eventually lead to success. I was stressing, because I didn't want to fail. I wanted to be the best of the best even when I wasn't doing what was necessary to accomplish it. But I realized that every failure you have control over in the end. You have the control to change, to realize your mistakes, and you have the power to look at it as a stepping stone and not a hinderance in your future endeavors. Along with life, this class has taught me that there are so many different aspects that will challenge you, and that you won't always succeed at. The business world is a key example of failing forward. One failure can lead to the creation of a masterful innovation. Because of this class, I am more willing to risk it all, for a better end result regardless of the failures that may follow, as long as I learn from them.

25A- What's Next

Existing Market:

I spoke with a three random people who were very familiar with and actively participated with non-profit organizations. I pitched them my idea, and they were impressed and was looking forward to this idea being implemented on the market. When I asked them how do they see this business moving forward within the community, they said they believe my target audience would be great. Their biggest concern was making sure I was focused on the main needs of the students and families, and not trying to stretch myself thin by attempting to solve every problem at once.

I took this into consideration and realized that I needed to have a more focused plan, that eventually expands in the future. I will need to talk to more people who are more familiar with this field.

New Market:

I contacted a few people I knew who lived in the Alachua County school districts that were experiencing these educational gaps. I pitched them my idea and asked them similar questions to that of the previous interviewees. They liked the idea, but their main concern was longevity and continuous public awareness. They expressed a lot of times people are concerned because the awareness is new, but eventually the “hype” dies down.

After listening to their concerns, in order for me to maintain active awareness and activity, I have to continue to find ways to make people passionate and willing to give back to schools and the community consistently to make a difference.

24A- Venture Concept No. 1

Opportunity: There has been an increase in the educational gaps in the world, however, locally in the Alachua County area. Minority children, especially Blacks, face the challenges of their environment affecting their education and increasing the probability of their chances of being imprisoned, suspended, or lack of success in the future. This issue has persisted for decades and the problem has yet to decrease in statistics. By providing students and their families with the materials, resources, and more that they need, the likelihood of success will increase. 

Innovation/Venture Concept: After understanding and researching my opportunity and target audience, I came up with the idea of Students Succeed. Although Students Succeed is similar to many organizations that give back to the community, it adds a more inclusive approach from many people within the community. Families, students, and teachers are unable to receive the resources and supplies they need to create a more efficient learning environment. By presenting a foundation that not only gives back to the community, but places each student, family, school, and teacher in an environment to want to succeed and exceed statistics and personal doubts.

Three Minor Elements: My ability to work hard, social capital, and the ability to relate to the customers through similar experiences will be the advantage that sets me apart from other customers. To bring this venture to the next step, I will need to do some more demographic research, interview and speak with other non-profit organizations and get their take on providing this service, talk about the pros and cons, and possible successes and failures. For me, I am going to take what I have learned from this experience and set forth to begin my own business or non-profit in the near future. The tools learned from this class is an asset for future endeavors.

23A- Your Venture's Unfair Advantages

Advanced Technology:

With the use of advanced technology, I can expand my brand/product as technology persists to change. Due to me being in a tech savvy generation, I will be able to keep up with these advances and apply them. Not everyone is able to use or understand the complexities of technology, however, everyone can attempt to learn. There is no substitute for this, because technology is always changing in order to stay relevant and enhance my organization, this skill is a must.

Adaptability:

Having the ability to adapt to new changes that occur locally can benefit my service in the community and in the business world. Being able to adjust and make changes that will benefit the community and suppliers will advance my organization forward. Anyone can learn to adapt; however, some companies do not know ow to properly balance adapting. 

High Demanding Market:

There is a high demanding market to give back to the community. By understanding this market and appealing to it, this organization venture can flourish. There are a variety of large markets for different problems within the community. It is not hard to notice this market; however, it is difficult finding a new and advanced way that works that provides solutions. 

Connections: 

Having a startup company with connections in the very beginning is a plus. Not many companies have connections, and this can hinder their growth. By having connections, you have open access to valuable information, suggestions, and access to other business connections. This is not rare, but many companies get their connections later on in their business career.

Experience:

Experience is a key factor. By having experience, you already know some of the basic ins and outs of a business. Because my mom owns her business, I have been exposed to the basics of the business world. Having experience can also create an array of connections that can be beneficial in the later future. Many people do not have experience and jump headfirst into starting a business. This can be dangerous as you may not know certain steps to take, but it also leaves you open to learn various information about the market and business you are trying to enter. It is not hard or rare to find experience depending on the field you are entering. Many companies are looking for interns who are willing to learn about their business, be an asset, and be a reliable connection for you.

Customer Service Experience:

It is not hard to find a job field that is customer service. Many jobs interact with people and clients every day. Having customer service experience, in my opinion, builds character. Understanding both sides of the spectrum can also make you empathize and relate to the customer on a more personal level. You are more driven to take care of their needs in a timely, effective, and efficient manner, because you want it to be reciprocated if you were the customer. Some people do not have this experience; however, they are able to provide great service.

Patience:

I believe patience is key when starting a business. It is not something that can be learned but an attribute/characteristic you have obtained throughout your journey in life. A business without patience can self-destruct. There are many businesses who do not experience true broadcasted success (being well known by many) until they are 8+ years into their business. Having patience will allow yourself and your business to grow within its right timing.

Social Media:

Having a social media presence is not hard to obtain and many people have access to it, but many people do not maximize their full use of social media. Being able to access social media, using the tips and tools from the book I read, and more, social media can help me expand and reach my target audience better and more efficiently. This can be used to spread information, promote/advertise, and keep my audience up to date on new activities and events associated with my business/product. Social media is key in a day in age where technology is advancing, and everyone has a phone in their hand.

Location:

Location is very vital, as you have to market yourself in an area that is profitable. Expanding my business into an area that is highly populated by college students, and middle-class families, geographically is the best, as they are most often willing to give back to neighboring communities. It is not rare for companies to analyze the location of their business, as well as view the competing businesses within your ideal location. You also have to make sure the location/area is safe for customers and employees. It is not hard to copy as there are many companies with the same type of business in the same location; however, no one business is the same and every business provides something different. There are no other resources.

Strong Work Ethic:

Work ethic is very important, because the work and time you place into your business will show through your results, if not now then in the near future. Having a strong work ethic is rare in certain aspects. Many people start something and do no finish it. Strong work ethic can also be overshadowed by laziness and procrastination. Anyone can work hard, but the length of time that lasts is inimitable. There is no exception to strong work ethic. If you are not the specific person with a strong work ethic in your business, there is someone else behind the scenes putting in the extra work to make your business successful.

I believe strong work ethic is very important. People are not always going to be able to see your vision and understand the love and reasons on why you were birthed with this vision. Because others are most times not able to see this, they will not give 100%. However, having strong work ethic within yourself can help expand, advance, and push your business towards success. Strong work ethic/hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard.

22A- Elevator Pitch No 3

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXrGdW2pl&feature=youtu.be

21A- Reading Reflection No. 2

For this reflection assignment, the book I read was "The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users" by Guy Kawasaki. The theme of the book is helpful strategies to maximize one's use of social media. In the book, the author gives tips on how to attract and increase the number of followers, integrate social media and blogging, build your foundation, and more. These tips continue on and on as the book helps the reader conquer the social media world. 

In my opinion, this book connects and enhances what I am learning in this class. In order to market my idea, social media will be a key factor. As I learned from reading this book, social media goes beyond a simple post and a few likes. Social media is a gateway to expand your brand, and by adding this asset of knowledge learned from this class, it aids in better understanding of the business world. 

The exercise I would design from this book would involve taking an older company who is experiencing a decrease in their sales and needs marketing help, and have the participants trasnform and enhance their social media using the methods and strategies performed in the book. 

One of the 'aha' moments in the book for me, was utilizing the wants and needs of your target audience to grab their attention. I did know that centering the content around your audience was key, however, I also thought by using what you felt fit your brand would be the key to making your social media a success. 

20A- Growing Your Social Capital

Vincent McCoy (Domain Expert in Industry):

Mr. McCoy is a marketing director of his own startup company. We used to go to the same church in my hometown. I reached out to him regarding some information about marketing. He once assisted my mom with some marketing strategies for her own business. Although he is not directly associated or connected with this particular industry, he is well aware of the strategies needed to influece, directly/indirectly target the audience I was seeking in relation to my service. In asking him this, he said social media, a websire, and community wor of mouth is the best way to advance my foundation.

"Teens, college students, and many middle-aged adults are heavily on social media. They tend to use Google, use Twitter, Facebook, etc., and nothing seems to get by them. If they hear/see about something new and innovative they are more prone to check it out over the older generation Word of mouth is also your easiest and cheapest way of targeting your audience; however, it can also be what can destroy your brand. Once your business is up and running, and you get one good review, that person will spread the word, and your clientelle/ volunteer involvement is bound to increase."


Sonya Scott (Expert on Market)

Ms. Scott is a caterer and the owner of her own catering business, who I knew through association with my mom. Although she is not in the market for organizations, she does know about the care and handle of providing quality food and services at weddings, galas, charity events, etc. With her assistance, I was able to understand the need to keep food at proper temperatures, opening up a staffed kitchen, and more.

“I believe the key to providing key quality service is open and clear communication. You must be open to lay out standards and expectations of your staff to ensure they follow clear guidelines and execute great customer service. However, customer service and food quality are two different things, but go hand in hand. In your case, not only must you make sure the food is kept at sufficient temperatures, you have to make sure you provide great quality by having the best equipment possible to keep food properly insulated, and more. You have to consider the tangible and intangible.”


Mario Hall (Supplier in Industry)

Mr. Hall is the founder of his own charity foundation, who I met through association with my mom. He is very knowledgeable about the giving back process, the financials, and receiving and giving the supplies to families and children.

“There is a lot that goes into charity foundations that many people don’t understand. There are documents, financial forms and more that must be filed each year when you receive, spend, etc. with the money. That is the biggest thing in your case. People will be passionate about giving back, however, you must ensure you are able to keep up with your finances and inventory to ensure your foundation continues to run.”

This experience made me realize that connections, understanding your product and market, and educating yourself on the market you are going into is essential. In the future, I will need to know specifically what I want to accomplish, with an open-mind to possible adjustments in regards to the way I can reach my target audience and how to effectively provide quality service to them. This experience was similar to some of the other networing experiences I had in the past, except these were via email and not face to face. I was open to the knowledge they gave, and the criticism/ support they gave. However, with each experience I learn something new about the market and platform.

19A- Idea Napkin No. 2

I am a college student who is very passionate about the educational system in America. I grew up in a middle-class family, and was privileged to have the opportunity to attend public schools with an abundant amount of resources that have aided in my success. However, there are many students who are not afforded these same opportunities due to the location of their schools, limited resources, and more. I wanted to provide students locally the opportunity to be able to expand their educational knowledge by providing students and teachers with some of the necessary resources they need.

Although Students Succeed is similar to many organizations that give back to the community, it adds a more inclusive apporach from many people within the community. Families, students, and teachers are unable to receive the resources and supplies they need to create a more efficient learning environment. By presenting a foundation that not only gives back to the community, but places each student, family, school, and teacher in an environment to want to succeed and exceed statitistics and personal doubts.

The demographic I am looking to target are people within the community, especially college students and high school students looking to volunteer time, families seeking to make a difference, and more. By targeting these people within the community and making them aware of the educational disaprities near them, they will want to take action to make some kind of difference. Every small contribution (time, supplies/resources, monetary donations, etc.) will lead to the improvement in education, happiness, health, and performance within schools and the community.

I believe the elements I have provided can bring a new wave of awareness and activism. Many people are more concerned with their local communtiy as it has more of an affect on them personally. Although there can be many challenges associated with this foundation down the road, by having a clear plan into place, many people can help make a difference in students, teachers, and families lives.

17A- Elevator Pitch No. 2

https://youtu.be/QlInvtZ6oVc

Unfortunately, I did not do the first pitch, so I did not reeive any feedback. However, my goal for this pitch was to deliver essential details clearly and authentically. 

18A- Create a Customer Avatar

This is Mark. Mark is a 30 year old, middle-classed man who works at a corporate office. Between work, and spending time with his 3 kids and wife, he enjoys going to nearby adventurous fun spots of town with his family, as well as visiting historical landmarks. He enjoys volunteering his time at charity events, and his favorite color is blue, but he tells people he loves the "violet shade of blue" to get under people's skin. His favorite TV shows are ESPN and MTV Ridiculousness. His favorite books series is Harry Potter and Divergent. His favorite politician is Barack Obama and Cory Booker. He is still vibrant and his kids keep him young, so he does not necessarily feel the weight of  his age.

The only thing that I have in common with this character is his favorite politicians, and one of my favorite book seried being Harry Potter. This character and I have similarities in these fields, because I was filling in details of his life, that were not abstract, but straightforward questions.

14A- Halfway Reflection

The behaviors I have used/developed to keep up with this course is time management and consistency. This course requires your full attention to seek out the knowledge you will need to advacne in this course and in life. With proper time management and consistent work ethic, this course can be used to prepare you for future entreprenuership and also prepare you to think critically and apply methods used in everyday business ventures.

There have been multiple times in whih I felt like giving up when I felt like an assignment required more from me than I could give, or wanted to give due to my schedule. However, that's me merely being an obstacle in my own path. By managing my time properly, I was able to see beyond the overwhelming feeling and persevere through procrastination, a busy schedule, and more.

The three tips I would offer next semester's students would be to develop time manageent skills, gain patience, and to reach beyond critically thinking in this class setting. By applying critical thinking skills thoughout your daily life, it makes it easier to analye and process difficault material and approaches.

13A- Reading Reflection No. 1

The book I read was CoCo Chanel by Lisa Chaney. I am familiar with the brand name CoCo Chanel growing up. It was this talked about brand amongst older people, not really my peers. Due to my knowledge on the surface, I never looked deeper into the entrepreneur herself.

In this book, I learned that she was able to overcome her obstacles and changed the perception of fashion. Beginning her life struggles as a child raised in an orphanage, she was able to accomplish her goals and aspirations for her business of a fashion designer.

I found it most surprising that with all of her success, she had a relationship/ties to the Nazi military officer. She used this connection to take advantage of Aryan property laws to remove her Jewish business partners Pierre and Paul Wertheimer.

Due to the Economic Depression in the 1930s, her company suffered and this strain resulted in the firing of her employees and the closing of her shops. In the mid-1940s, CoCo Chanel reopened her shops, and continued her advancements in the fashion indusry. Facing scrutiny due to her affiliation to a Nazi official, she presumed to leave Paris and lived the remainder of her life out in Switzerland, until her death in 1971.

I would characterize Coco Chanel as very outspoken, brave, innovative, and human. Her clothes were a fashion and political statement to the world for women empowerment. She broke barriers, and social norms of the superiority of men over women. She made mistakes/decisions in her life that had an affect on her life. With good, there also comes the bad. Although this reading was very informative, at times it lacked details about relationships she had and more about her life.

Questions:

1) How would you characterize your success over your lifetime?
2) Looking back on your decision to remove yoour business partners, do you believe you would have tried to go to diffferent lengths to remove your business partners to avoide public scrutiny?

The answer to these questions would help to understand the failings and possible solutions to fix the wrong the public saw in her decisions. I believe it would give a different outlook on how she views her success, and the feelings that were had during the time in which she was criticized publicly. It would also show if she valued her own decisions and her self-values over the opinions of others.

I believe her opinion of hard work was to do what is uncomfortable to achieve success. I believe she is a woman who stepped out of her comfort zone to achieve the success she did. Even when she had to close her shops, she could have succumber to her failure; however, she was persistent in her efforts of continuing her success.

12A

The segment I focused on was location and age group of the individuals. During my interviews, all of the interviewees showed the awareness of the need for providing the resources needed for students, families, and teachers. To find a solution to the problem, they believed that targeting different age groups, as well as the location of the families in which I was asking for donations, etc., should be in areas that are financially able. They also mentioned that having a social media presence.

11A- Idea Napkin No. 1

I am a college student who is very passionate about education and the educational institutions that provide students with great opportunities, as well as deprive them of their rigth to learn.  There have been many educational disparities within the local community of Alachua County, and within the United States itself. Families, students, and teachers, are unable to receive the resources and supplies they need to create for a more comfortable, effective, learning environment. Education goes far beyond the environment of that in the classroom, but the student's daily contact and influence outside of school. These effects have resulted in poor performance, and educational gaps. That's why I want to present a foundation that not only gives back to the community, but places each student, family, school. and teacher in an environment to want to succeed and exceed statistics. The name of this organization will be Students Succeed. The demographic I am looking to target are people within the community, especially college students. families, and more.

8A- Solving The Problem

1)      Opportunity: There has been an increase in the educational gaps in the world, however, locally in the Alachua County area. Minority children, especially Blacks, face the challenges of their environment affecting their education and increasing the probability of their chances of being imprisoned, suspended, or lack of success in the future. This issue has persisted for decades and the problem has yet to decrease in statistics. By providing students and their families with the materials, resources, and more that they need, the likelihood of success will increase. 

2)      By creating a more effective plan of action of providing school supplies, needed meals, tutoring opportunities, transportation, and small stipends to teachers so they won’t have to take money from their own pockets, will create for a more effective learning environment for both students and teachers, while destressing families. By providing a service that gives back to schools, students, and families.

7A- Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1)      Opportunity: There has been an increase in the educational gaps in the world, however, locally in the Alachua County area. Minority children, especially Blacks, face the challenges of their environment affecting their education and increasing the probability of their chances of being imprisoned, suspended, or lack of success in the future. This issue has persisted for decades and the problem has yet to decrease in statistics. By providing students and their families with the materials, resources, and more that they need, the likelihood of success will increase. 

2)      Children, families, and organizations who are looking to make a difference in the future generation.

a.       The Who: People (students, local organizations, families)

b.       The What: Looking for a more effective and efficient approach to increase the success of impoverished students and families who are negatively affected by their environment, resulting in their lack there of in the community and in school.

c.       The Why: Educational disparities persist across the world, and these disparities are a result of the resources and environment in which students are provided. Most often the student’s environment and community determines their level of success. By providing an opportunity to each student, school, and family by giving them the proper resources and tools for success, these educational gaps can begin to reduce.

3)      Hypothesis: I believe these families, schools, and students need effective and efficient resources and planning for success.

4)      After interviewing five people, I found that many people do believe this is an opportunity, however it is an opportunity that is not easy to accomplish. They believe that starting locally will be my best option but finding a way to market it will be difficult, as it will turn more into an organization that is not for profit, rather than a profitable business. When asked if or how often do they give back to communities, schools, and to families living in poverty, only 2/5 could remember the last time they donated time or resources. I found that people are aware, but depending on their circumstances, location, and daily encounters, determines the importance level on a consistent basis.

6A- Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends

1)      Opportunity: There has been an increase in delivery services, as they have become more convenient for people who don’t want the hassle of getting into traffic to get food, or simply don’t want to leave the comfort of their home. Businesses, such as restaurants and especially fast food restaurants, have branched into the market of partnering with delivery services. This not only expands their market, but also benefits your average consumer who doesn’t want to leave the comfort of their own home.

Link: https://www.gainesville.com/article/LK/20150624/News/604157692/GS/

2)      Opportunity: There has been an increase in the educational gaps in the world, however, locally in the Alachua County area. Minority children, especially Blacks, face the challenges of their environment affecting their education and increasing the probablity of their chances of being imprisoned, suspended, or lack of succcess in the future. This issue has persisted for decades and the problem has yet to decrease in statistics. By providing students and their families with the materials, resources, and more that they need, the liklihood of success will increase. 

Link: https://www.gainesville.com/news/20180113/disparity-study-alachua-county-blacks-face-bigger-hurdles

3)      Opportunity: Health has been key prior to the current trend; however, many people have begun to take working out and healthy eating seriously. Not only have people created workout and weight-loss products, but Apple and other products have enhanced their health monitor in products. This appeals to people who are fit, beginning their weight loss journey, older people, and more. The designs are more modern, and the software is beneficial for all age groups. This market is not only beneficial but has been very lucrative.

Link: https://www.gainesville.com/lifestyle/20181207/ticker-tech-latest-apple-watch-can-monitor-falls-track-heart-rhythms

4)      Opportunity: With crime constantly being a problem and the safety of people being threatened, providing safety is a must and a high priority. By enhancing home security and more, it gives a sense of protection to consumers. Families, businesses, and more benefit from enhanced security and enhanced software that provided protection.

Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/?ftag=ACQ-10-10aad5h&vndid=www.gainesville.com&utm_campaign=318972201282&utm_source=%2Fworld%20localities

5A- Identifying Local Opportunities

1) Opportunity:  Homeless people experience many hardships and lack the ability to receive many of the resources and benefits a middle-class person receives. Although, a single individual, group, or organization cannot help every single homeless person, by assisting in improving their appearance and developing workshops that will enhance their knowledge about today’s workforce and how they can successfully get back on the job market, would be very beneficial and begin to have a positive effect on their lives. This will not only raise their confidence, but place them in a better situation than they were in.

Title: Tallahassee police officer helps homeless man shave land a job; the video went viral

Link: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/07/23/tallahassee-police-officer-helps-homeless-man-shave-beard-job/818389002/

Summary: In the link provided, you see a police officer giving a homeless man a trim, so the man will have an increased chance of getting the job. Homeless people are less likely to land jobs during the interview process, because of their hygiene and appearance and social status. With a cleaner look, the interviewer is less likely to be biased.

2) Opportunity:  In some cities, traffic is usually horrible. With the expansion of buildings and limited road space, maybe creating a roadside sub way within its own lane can be beneficial. Making sure it is environmentally safe, it brings a new form of transportation to smaller and larger cities.

Title: Rerouting: Road closures begin for colossal Cascades Project

Link: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/money/2019/01/22/road-closures-begin-colossal-cascades-project/2643334002/

Summary: In the link provided, a new building is being built, however, the construction of this building is going to reroute some roads. This is going to affect the lives of the people who have to take this route.

3) Opportunity: Troubled youth at the end of the day are just children who make mistakes at a young age because they are influenced by friends, surroundings, or their current situation. They are usually placed in “juvie” or professionally named “juvenile detention center” to punish them for their actions. This can be both effective and ineffective. Most youth feel alone, trapped, and when released, they are bound by inner thoughts and their inability to connect. Some youth just don’t know what to do and go back to their old habits. By creating a Big Sister, Big Brother program within the solitary confinement center to inspire and influence the youth, it may provide change and reduce the chances of them partaking in criminal activity when they are older.

Title: Placing juveniles in solitary confinement doesn’t fix them. In fact, it makes the worse

Link: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/opinion/2019/01/14/policing-usa-juvenile-detention-solitary-confinement-mental-illness/2553842002/

Summary: In this article, it talks about a young teen who placed into a juvenile detention center and his experience. The young man said his experience was lonely and caused him to go into depression. It made him want to rebel, rather than follow the rules of the system. Now a grown man (43), he has risen above his fallen time and has become a mentor to inspire and save young troubled kids.

4) Opportunity:  It is no secret that there are massive numbers of pedestrians in the state of Florida. However, there have been a total of 5400 pedestrians killed by motorist vehicles in the state of Florida. Possibly by creating bridges to avoid accidents or sturdy railings along sidewalks can reduce the risk of pedestrians being harmed/killed. This is especially effective in crowded college areas.

Title: Ron Cunningham: Florida is the most deadly state for pedestrians

Link: https://www.gainesville.com/opinion/20190125/ron-cunningham-florida-is-most-deadly-state-for-pedestrians

Summary: In this article, it explains how Florida is a deadly state for pedestrians. Roads are continuously being designed to harm pedestrians, and the need to protect the safety of pedestrians.

5) Opportunity: Many people in cities tend to get lost and rely on their phones to give complicated directions or rely on the directions of people who live in the area. By creating a kiosk in different areas in cities that work similar to the map system in the mall it would be easier for tourists, college students, etc., to explore with minimal struggles.

3A- Your Entrepreneurship Story

I was first personally exposed to entrepreneurship first-hand when my mom started her own business almost 9 years ago. Since then, she continues to run her business and my sisters and I help alongside her, assisting with small things that require manual labor or input of data entry. From her and her business venture, I have learned most importantly there must be diligence and efficiency in work ethic and progression forward to reach goals.

I enrolled into ENT 3003 because of my minor Innovation. From this class, I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge on the entrepreneurship process and taking steps forward to possibly starting my own business.

Test Post!

My name is Mya Leland. Welcome to my blog!