11A - Idea Napkin No. 1

1) You. My name is Ava Daly, I am a 2nd year business Management major with a minor in Entrepreneurship. One of my passions is helping others. I have experience planning fundraising events, leading people, and organizing and running meetings. When I was in high school I planned an event to raise money for Marjory Stoneman Douglas and we raised 10,000 dollars. I want to have a profession that is rewarding and centered around helping others, so that's why my business idea is focused around helping students with mental health issues. 

2) What are you offering to customers?  My service serves the unmet need of resources for college students. Adjusting to college life can be difficult for many students and I personally believe there is a lack of resources and support for students who are on their own for the first time. Therefore, my company/nonprofit organization would focus on providing the support necessary for students. More specifically, the organization would have a range of services from one on one appointments with psychologists, group therapy, stress/time management classes. The setback I faced based on my interviews was if we would have sufficient funds to make this organization successful since salaries for psychologists could be expensive. 

3) Who are you offering it to? The customers would all be students usually from ages 17-23. I do not want the focus to just be toward students with mental health issues, but for any struggling student that is going through a difficult time. Therefore, the customer base would all be students. Since everyone going to college has never been on their own before and away from family, I believe they all have similar struggles in college that can be addressed in a positive way.

4) Why do they care? Customers would pay money for my service because mental health is very important to people. Many people I know are struggling with internal issues and they do not know who to turn to for help. College is supposed to be a positive experience so with mental health issue rates increasing I believe students would pay for this service.  

5) What are your core competencies? There are not many resources for students in Gainesville so we would not have much competition. The one resource we have is Gatorwell, which is very hard to make an appointment with and they would not have as many services as my company would have to offer. What makes us stand out is that we would have many different services for students that no other company would offer. 

I believe that my idea is a practical one that could help a lot of people. However, it might be difficult to make enough profit to keep up with the expenses of the company. Since psychiatrists often receive a high salary, in order to have many psychiatrists on staff could be very expensive to maintain. Therefore, the logistics of the company may be difficult to predict, however if we market the company well enough we may be able to get a high enough customer base to keep the company profitable. Also, since there would not be that much competition in this area, the elements could fit together well and be a success. 

10A elevator pitch

https://youtu.be/JAHqKXLhZx0

9A - Testing the Hypothesis

Who: Throughout my interviews, I found that people who do not have children would fall outside the boundary. Although they might have close friends with children, since they are not directly affected by students facing mental illnesses, they might not see the opportunity as much as parents would. I interviewed my parents friends without children, and although they may believe that extra support for college students would be a great idea, they did not see the opportunity as much as parents do. 

Other adults I interviewed without children stated that they have nephews/nieces in college that caused them to see the opportunity here.

What: One of the interviewees stated that the mental health problem in our country is so large that a single company might not be the solution to all of our problems in regards to this issue. Therefore, reevaluating the opportunity may be necessary.

Why: The need is not different, some people may just not feel directly close to the opportunity. 

Inside the Boundary                                   Outside the Boundary

Who:                                         College students                                                Adults who do not                                                         who are affected by mental illness                    have children

 

What:                                      To increase support and                                     To eliminate mental 

                                                resources for students dealing                           illness completely

                                                 with mental illnesses 

Why:                                       Mental illness is a huge issue                            Not everyone may feel                                                                                                                              directly affected by it 

8A- Solving the problem

1. Opportunity:

I believe that mental health is a major problem within our country today, specifically amongst college students. Many people I know have struggled with depression or anxiety during their transition into college. Since students are on their own in college, my opportunity is to create a service that provides support for students and provides them with a place they can turn to for help.


2. Service

I think I could create either a nonprofit or a for profit organization/company that provides students with a variety of different sources that provide support for them. We could have individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and different classes that the students can sign up for. Even if students aren't struggling with mental health issues, we could still have different classes that help students adjust to being on their own. For example, we could have a college101 class that teaches students how to cook, do laundry, and other activities that students may not have had to do on their own before. We could also have classes that help students manage stress and anxiety, as well as time management. Many students also struggle with managing their time with all of the distractions in college, so classes that help with time management could be beneficial too.

Overall, adjusting to college and being independent is something that many students struggle with. An organization that provides students with the resources to be happy and successful could be very beneficial.

7A - Testing the Hypothesis

Opportunity: More support for students on college campuses.

The Who: College students
The What: Students coming to college and leaving home for the first time may need extra support as they adjust to being on their own.
The Why: Students coming to college may feel lonely or not know how to be on their own which leaves many students depressed and feeling alone.

Interview 1:

For my first interview, I interviewed my cousin Lily who is a Junior and asked her about her experience being on her own for the first time. In summary, Lily and I discussed that she would feel overwhelmed with adjusting to college classes and she felt alone at times without her family. I asked her if she felt like she could go somewhere on campus to receive help and she said no. Therefore, she felt that extra support for college students would be very beneficial.

Given your interviews, what do you know about the opportunity that you didn't know before?
- I learned that there could be an opportunity with this based on the interview.

Interview 2:

For my second interview, I asked my best friend about her feelings when she first came to college. She had a similar experience as my cousin in the first interview, but she opened up to me about how she was depressed for part of the spring semester. She said that she felt lonely a lot and wished she had somewhere to go to discuss her feelings since she didn't want to put the burden on her friends. Therefore, she loved the opportunity of more support for college students.

Given your interviews, what do you know about the opportunity that you didn't know before?
- Based on my interviews so far, I am realizing more the major need for this opportunity.

Interview 3:

For my third interview, I interviewed one of my sorority sisters about her transition into college. She is from St. Augustine, so she said that she was lonely at times, but she was able to go home and see her family whenever she wanted so she had an easier time transitioning to college. However, she told me that one of her close friends struggled with mental health issues in college, so she still sees the opportunity.

Given your interviews, what do you know about the opportunity that you didn't know before?
-Seeing family more could have a major impact on college students and their mental health.

Interview 4:

For my fourth interview, I interviewed one of my friends in a fraternity on campus. He expressed to me that during fall he was fine because he was busy, however in Spring he started to feel depressed and he struggled with it throughout the summer and to this day. He said that he looked up resources for students to help, and there was one option, but it was booked for over a month. He also expressed that he knows some of his friends were experiencing this as well. Therefore, he said that this opportunity would be very useful and helpful for college students.

Given your interviews, what do you know about the opportunity that you didn't know before?
-More people experience depression and struggles than I thought.

Interview 5:

For my final interview, I interviewed a family friends mom about her daughter that struggled with depression. She expressed to me that she was nervous to leave her daughter at college and that she wished there were more resources for students to get support since their families may live far.

Given your interviews, what do you know about the opportunity that you didn't know before?
-I have never thought about the effect of mental illness on the families before so that could be an entirely different opportunity.

6A - Identifying Opportunities

• Economic Trend: Oil and Gas Trends
• Source: https://deloitte.wsj.com/cfo/2019/01/09/five-trends-to-watch-for-oil-gas-and-chemicals-in-2019/
• I believe there is an opportunity here because there is evidence proving that the price of oil has rebounded. Oil and gas activity levels are rising, which is caused by increasing U.S. exports. Therefore, an opportunity could exist.
• The prototypical customer could apply to many American citizens since gas and oil is a necessary product.
• The opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because gas is a necessity in the United States for many people. 
• I saw this opportunity because I know how much gas prices affect consumers and how much we depend on it for our daily lives.
• Economic Trend: Consumer Spending 
• Source: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/economy/us-economic-forecast/united-states-outlook-analysis.html
• I believe there is an opportunity that exists because consumer spending has grown steadily in the past couple of years, which plays a part in steady job growth and house prices. 
• The prototypical customer could apply to all American consumers. More specifically, Americans who are looking in the job market or looking to purchase a house.
• The opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because it has been steady for years and can apply to many people. 
• I saw this opportunity because I learned about the importance of consumer spending in macroeconomics which is why it stood out to me when finding opportunities. 
• Regulatory Changes: Weaken regulation on methane emissions 
• Source:https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/29/trump-to-roll-back-methane-climate-change-regulations.html
• I believe there is an opportunity here because constant debates about greenhouse gas emissions are present in our society so the new plans to weaken regulation on methane might present an opportunity.
• The prototypical customer could apply to people who are passionate about emissions and the climate change issues.
• The opportunity may be relatively difficult to exploit because these regulations are very controversial and difficult to solve.
• I saw this opportunity because many people are very passionate about climate change so I believe it may be a potential opportunity that people would be interested in.
• Regulatory Changes: Support for undocumented students 
• Source:https://www.educationdive.com/news/colleges-help-undocumented-students-with-tailored-support-and-perspective/562474/
• I believe there is an opportunity here because more colleges and universities are starting to support undocumented students and want to provide support for them. 
• The prototypical customer would apply to students who are undocumented, or people who want to support this issue.
• This opportunity may be relatively difficult to exploit because people may not be aware of this issue and the opportunity it presents.
• I saw this opportunity because I found the article very interesting and thought it could relate to college students. 

5A - Identifying Local Opportunities

• "Permit sought for bottled water from Ginnie Springs" By: Cindy Swirko of the Gainesville Sun
• https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0801%21August%2B01&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17516B556C30A328
• This article discusses how Nestle food company requested to take water from Ginnie Springs but it received a lot of opposition from environmentalists. River advocates are concerned because pumping large amounts of water out of the spring could damage the spring. Many companies pump water from Florida Springs, and they do not have to pay for it, they just pay to receive the permits. The district governing board has yet to vote on the proposal.
• The problem in the article was if Nestle should be allowed to pump water from Ginnie Springs and if that would cause harm to the spring in the long run.
• Nestle and the district governing board have the problem and are facing backlash from river advocates. 

• "Getting weapons off the streets" By: Cindy Swirko of the Gainesville Sun
• https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0807%21August%2B07&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17536FC65356F550
• This article discusses the shootings happening in Duval and the buy back that is occurring behind the Gainesville Fire Station. The article also discusses the guns that have been fired in Gainesville, some even in broad daylight. 
• The problem in the article is the issue of gun use in Gainesville and the steps needed to address it. The State Attorney's office said that they gun violence is "a problem we've been trying to tackle. We support the second Amendment but we also know there are some unwanted guns out there."
• This problem affects every American. Gun violence has been an issue for a long time, especially recently in America.

• "Amazon rainforest fires are so massive they're visible from space" By: Gary Dinges of Gainesville Sun
• https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0822%21August%2B22&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17585BB74C70B910
• This article discusses the massive wildfire problem that has been occurring in the Amazon rainforest. According to CBS news there have been around 73,000 fires which is believed to be a new record. These wildfires have also affected the air quality of the surrounding cities such as Bolivia and Paraguay. Moreover, the state of Amazonas has declared the fires a national emergency.
• The problem discussed in the article is the issue of the rapid wildfires occurring in the Amazon rainforests and its affect on air quality.
• This problem affects everyone because these wildfires are hurting our environment. However, they most directly affect the citizens of Bolivia and Paraguay since it is affecting their way of life and air quality.

• "Family heads to South Florida looking for cheers, finds trouble" By: Sarah Nelson of Gainesville Sun
• https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0822%21August%2B22&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17585BB758BC4298
• This article discusses a Gainesville family that had a shooter come into their home. The incident left the grandfather with a fractured collarbone and a sling. Luckily, no one died. The police are still investigating whether or not the shooting was intentional or accidental. However, the family believes that the shooter was targeting someone else.
• The problem discussed in the article is a home shooter that affected a family in Gainesville. 
• This problem directly affected the family and the neighbors who are scared as well after the incident.

• "Florida case reveals terrors of cyberstalking" By: Dana Cassidy of Gainesville Sun
• https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0822%21August%2B22&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17585BB726C47428
• This article discusses how a man posted nude photos of his ex-girlfriend and sent death threats to her family.The article continues to discuss the issue of cyberbullying and say that 1 in 14 people in the US have experienced cyberbullying. The author continues to describe other instances of cyber bullying. 
• The problem discussed in the article is the issue of cyberbullying and how common it is today in social media.  
• This problem affects many people in America and could happen to anyone. 

4A - Forming An Opportunity Belief

I believe there is an unmet need in making quieter machines, specifically, leaf blowers. Leaf blowers are so loud that they disturb people inside who may need it to be quiet. This unmet need has existed for a while yet no one has tried to meet this need yet. There have been many situations where I wanted to sleep in, but I was woken up by leaf blowers or construction. If people are on a business call or need quiet to focus, loud leaf blowers can be an unnecessary distraction. Also, the employees cleaning people's lawns have to be surrounded by loud machines all day which could hurt their hearing. Therefore, a quiet leaf blower could be beneficial for employees and surrounding neighbors. If the price of the quiet leaf blower was able to be made to be similar in price to a normal leaf blower, companies or home owners may be interested in buying it.

Interview #1: Home owner

Have you ever been inconveniently woken up or disturbed by the sound of a leaf blower?
-Yes, I was woken up early on the weekend when I wanted to sleep in.

How often does loud machinery affect you?
-I would say weekly not daily because I do not do lawn work everyday.

Do you see loud machinery and leaf blowers as an issue you face?
-Yes, when I do yard work I usually wear earplugs when using the leaf blower. However, it still hurts my ears and is an annoying problem.

Would you buy a quiet leaf blower? Do you see it fixing a problem we face?
yes, if the price were competitive with normal leaf blowers I would definitely buy a silent leaf blower and I believe it would greatly fix this problem.

Interview #2: Adult who works a night job

Have you ever been inconveniently woken up or disturbed by the sound of a leaf blower?
-Yes, all the time. Since I work at night, I need my sleep in the morning especially and it often gets interrupted by construction or loud yard equipment.

How often does loud machinery affect you?
-I would say I am affected by loud machinery very frequently.

Do you see loud machinery and leaf blowers as an issue you face?
-Yes, I would say this is an issue I am presented with frequently.

Would you buy a quiet leaf blower? Do you see it fixing a problem we face?
-I personally would not buy a quiet leaf blower since I have a lawn company do my yard work, but I believe it would fix the problem. I would like for the lawn companies to buy quiet equipment.

Interview #3: Lawn company employee

Have you ever been inconveniently woken up or disturbed by the sound of a leaf blower?
-Yes, on weekends I have.

How often does loud machinery affect you?
-Since I use the machinery everyday, the loud sounds greatly affect me and my hearing.

Do you see loud machinery and leaf blowers as an issue you face?
-Yes, I believe loud leaf blowers would be an easy thing to fix and fix a lot of problems.

Would you buy a quiet leaf blower? Do you see it fixing a problem we face?
-Yes, I would buy one for my home when I work on my yard, and I would encourage my supervisor to look into buying quiet leaf blowers. I could see it fixing a problem we face.

Reflection:
I learned that more people are affected by loud machinery than I thought. Even though it may be a minor inconvenience, we can still work to improve issues like these in our lives. I was surprised to learn that it affects the employees too. I had only thought about its affect on neighbors before, not the employees as well.

Summarize:
My original opportunity is still there and has more potential than I thought. If quieter products had comparable prices to normal machinery I believe that the new opportunity has a lot of potential. However, if the prices of the quiet leaf blowers were much higher than normal machinery I do not think there would be as much of a need for it. I believe that entrepreneurs should definitely adapt their opportunities based on consumer feedback because the consumers are the people buying the product so it is important to consider their opinions and desires as well if we want our business to be successful.