10A – Elevator Pitch No. 1

https://youtu.be/YMgKSGE1A8c

9A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

Interviews:

• I interviewed 5 people who should technically have the need for biodegradable plastic straw and bag replacements but do not. 

1. For my first interview, I interviewed my friend who is all about being eco-friendly but does not have this need. She only uses reusable cloth bags and reusable straws/cups. When she goes to places that are affected by the plastic ban, such as local coffee shops, she brings her own cups and straws and when she goes to grocery stores, she brings reusable containers for items such as peanut butter. She said she likes the concept and thinks it would be great for consumers who are not cognizant of their impact on the environment, but she does not see it being something she needs since her methods already work for her.
2. For my second interview, I interviewed one of my friends who is a big advocate for recycling. She loved the concept of a biodegradable straw and plastic bags because she could see it becoming the new "go-to" solution for the current plastic crisis. However, she has taken steps to nearly eliminate plastic from her daily life and has adapted to not using straws and bags at all. She has gotten used to her new routine and doesn't think she should change it because no waste is even better than a biodegradable waste.
3. For my third interview, I interviewed my friend who works at, and frequently shops at Whole Foods. For him, working in an environment that promotes sustainability, he never really has a plastic issue. Whole Foods does not use plastic bags or plastic straws, they stick with paper. Of course, paper straws are not sturdy and plastic bags tend to rip but he said he doesn't mind doubling up on paper bags. 
4. For my fourth interview, I interviewed my friend who works at a small coffee shop. She doesn't have the need for straws because the only time she would theoretically need one (when buying a coffee drink/cold drink) she has glassware at the coffee shop. She usually only gets drinks that would otherwise require straws but since she is not on-the-go and has glassware at work, she felt she wouldn't really need these items.
5. For my last interview, I interviewed my friend who lives in an off-campus apartment and frequently grocery shops. She said as great as a biodegradable plastic replacement would be, she couldn't see herself using them. She usually either gets paper bags or uses reusable bags and she mentioned the dreaded plastic bag pile almost everybody has in their house. For her, although the bags would be eco-friendly, she wouldn't want to have to deal with the disposal of it since she wouldn't necessarily just toss it outside when she doesn't want it.

Conclusions:

• Who: There are certain businesses that have a lot in common with others in my opportunity yet fall outside the boundary. Large scale companies that already offer paper alternatives or have already found a replacement to the plastic ban may not be quick to join onto the new biodegradable product trend because they already have something functional in place. 
• What: The need I identified differs from the general need of a biodegradable eco-friendly plastic replacement because the need I identified is a durable replacement. The issue with current replacements such as paper is that it rips easily or turns to mush when wet. What I am describing is a single-use product that would not harm the environment, and would be strong enough to keep consumers satisfied.
• Why: I think there is not really a difference between the underlying cause of the outsiders' needs and the insiders' needs. They both are looking for a replacement to plastic products, and some have found some which are substantial to them but not others.

Inside the boundary	Outside the boundary
Who is in: Consumers and businesses impacted by the plastic bag/straw ban who do not have a current replacement that is satisfactory	Who is out: Consumers and businesses that did not use plastic to begin with such as supermarkets who have only ever used paper products and consumers who use reusable bags and straws.
What the need is: A single-use replacement to single-use plastic bags and straws that is durable. It needs to replace plastic with consumers noticing little to no change to their routine.	What the need is not: The need is not to give the consumers and businesses a plastic alternative since they already have been using alternatives for a long time.
Why the need exists: Cities are banning single-use plastic bags and straws and paper alternatives are not as durable as plastic. More and more cities are banning plastic leaving consumers and businesses struggling to find eco-friendly alternatives.	Alternative explanations: They don’t have the need for the single-use products since they are used to using reusable items. Should they choose to start using single-use products again, then the need would be relevant.

8A – Solving The Problem

1. The opportunity I chose was because of single-use plastic bans taking place all over the country. Especially with plastic straws and bags, consumers use single-use plastic every day and forcing businesses to provide a new option that follows the laws and is consumer-friendly would be a tedious task. I saw the opportunity to come up with a sturdy, affordable single-use product that would be eco-friendly as well.

2. The product I came up with was a single-use straw and plastic bag made from materials from the environment, a common sturdy material I found was algae, and that would easily flow into the lives of consumers. For me personally, I hate paper straws because they always turn to mush and become ineffective before I even finish my drink. Paper bags are also not the best because they rip easily so the product needs to consist of a material that can hold weight and function like a plastic bag and straw.

7A – Testing the Hypothesis

The Opportunity: Following bans on many single-use plastic products such as straws and bags, an alternative to plastic that is sturdy and biodegradable should be considered.

• The Who:
• Consumers and companies who use single-use plastic items in zones where they are banned
• The What:
• They are now going to have to find alternatives to the sturdy plastic
• The Why:
• More and more local governments are placing bans on plastic bags and straws due to the negative impact on the environment

Testing:

• The Who:
• Mainly the companies who distribute these products to consumers are the who (Starbucks, Dunkin', grocery stores) but also the consumers since they are the ones who end up using the product. Others who share this need could just be people who want to be more conscious about their carbon footprint around the world.
• The What:
• Are the current replacements for plastic sufficient and successful? 
• Some replacements for single-use plastic are sufficient such as reusable bags and paper straws, but they are not very successful. If a single-use biodegradable option was provided for consumers, they would not need to remember to bring their reusable bags or straws. Paper straws also turn to mush before people can finish their drinks which can lead to frustration.
• Are people aware of the harm plastic has caused?
• I don't think people are because now the "metal straw movement" has become a meme and people still use plastic daily. Plastic bags roll through the streets and plastic straws fill the dumpsters.
• The Why:
• Since single-use plastics aren't banned worldwide, the worldwide awareness and need for single-use biodegradable products have not become very mainstream, which makes the need focused on those who have been faced by a ban. People will be angry at their local governments for the ban as the local businesses need to find new alternatives and the consumers will need to be more cognizant.

Interviews:

1. For my first interview, the person I interviewed really liked the idea of a single-use eco-friendly alternative. She thought it was a good solution to the plastic problem because people who don't want to buy reusable bags and straws will be able to continue their usual lifestyle with little to no change. She suggested to actually focus on the businesses who would be distributing the product to consumers rather than consumers because the businesses will introduce and kind of market the product to consumers on their own. If consumers or other businesses like the product provided by one, they may actually go get it for themselves too. 
2. The second person I interviewed pointed out the only people who would really be interested in single-use products are large businesses who provide them to consumers. People might also react negatively depending on how much it costs to manufacture but the people who care about the environment will definitely support it. She is very interested in the product because she personally does not support reusable straws that have been produced in unfair labor circumstances.  She thinks campaigning on social media is also really popular for environmental movements and doing that and reaching out to small businesses would help bring awareness. 
3. The third person I interviewed disagreed with the first 2 and thought that the "who" would be even larger and would include young people who are very into trying new things and are overall being more environmentally conscious. She did agree with the second interviewee though that there would be negative reactions solely because it is just unavoidable. Also, she thought that word of mouth would be the best way to introduce the product to people since consumers trust their friend's opinions and businesses may follow after.
4. The fourth person I interviewed thought that only people who were personally affected by plastic bans would be interested in this opportunity because most people won't want to change something in their everyday life if they are aware of it. He thought that people would dislike the product solely due to the reluctance to accept change, and although he thought it was a good concept, he doesn't feel it would achieve the popularity that metal straws and reusable bags have had since those have been around for a long time. He also pointed out, typically the issue with new eco-friendly products is that it is so expensive so it limits who can get it.
5. The fifth person I interviewed thought that the single-use eco-friendly product opportunity would become an instant sensation and people everywhere would be interested. Since news reports have been continuously reporting about the impending doom on the world because of pollution, he thinks that people will adapt quickly because of fear for the future. He pointed out people may not realize they need this change so if a large company were to adapt to it, to begin with, every other company may try to keep up. 

Conclusion

• What I know now about this opportunity is that my "who" was actually too broad. Following my interviews, I learned that narrowing my "who" would actually help broaden the knowledge of the product in the future. I now know this could definitely be a huge success, but the plastic industry has been running for so long that they would be the biggest form of competition and resistance.

6. Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

Regulatory trend opportunity #1

• The recent ban on plastic straws and stirrers in Miami.
• Source: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/miami-dade/fl-ne-miami-beach-plastic-straw-ban-20190912-re773nnrxfbwlbxgnied6q5j2u-story.html
• Why I believe an opportunity exists:
• Since businesses will face fines if they continue to distribute plastic straws and stirrers, I feel that they need an alternative that follows the plastic straw/stirrer ban, is biodegradable, and is reliable to consumers (ex: paper straws crumble and bend after a little while so something sturdier).
• Who would be the prototypical customer?
• The prototypical customer would start with the businesses who need an alternative to plastic straws and stirrers, but also the individuals who will end up using the straw. 
• Is the opportunity easy or difficult to exploit?
• I think this opportunity will be fairly easy to exploit as there has already been a large hype for reusable straws, and a sturdy, biodegradable straw would definitely appeal to people, especially the companies who need the replacement.
• Why I saw the opportunity:
• I personally HATE plastic straws and single-use plastics, but to be completely honest I'd rather use a plastic straw instead of the more common paper alternative. With these bans taking place, paper straws are a cheap alternative to companies and are biodegradable, however, they turn to mush so easily. I also don't want to splurge on buying a fancy reusable straw since the cheaper ones tend to be produced in an unfair labor situation. I would love for there to be an alternative that won't hurt the environment, people, or shrivel up while I used it.

Regulatory trend opportunity #2

• New York will ban all flavored e-cigarette products
• Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/15/nyregion/vaping-ban-ny.html
• Why I believe an opportunity exists:
• Since the new vaping disease has been sweeping the nation, a lot of weight has been put on the shoulders of companies whos e-cigarette products appealed to minors. The original intent of these products was to help smokers quit smoking cigarettes, however, it turned into a "must-have product" for teens and now they are paying the life-threatening price. I think that a product that is unappealing to teens can be made, there just needs to be careful considerations on how to create such a product without starting over the epidemic.
• Who would be the prototypical customer?
• The prototypical customers would be adults who are trying to quit smoking
• Is the opportunity easy or difficult to exploit?
• I think this opportunity will be extremely difficult to exploit due to all of the controversies the e-cigarette market has faced recently. I personally do not think it is "cool" or "trendy" to use e-cigarettes and I would probably be angry if a new product were to come out that would start the cycle all over again. The idea needs to be carefully planned out and carried out in a way that would appeal to those who want to quit smoking, and not appeal to kids and teens.
• Why I saw the opportunity:
• So many of my friends are now addicted to nicotine and e-cigarette products solely because the fruity flavors sounded good to them. I never saw the appeal of the e-cigarettes and I understood they were intended to help adults with nicotine addictions, not create more. I want to see a product that will help prevent situations like this from ever occurring again, but also help adults beat their smoking addictions.

Economic trend opportunity #1

• Baby Boomers aren't retiring
• Source: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/032216/are-we-baby-boomer-retirement-crisis.asp
• Why I believe an opportunity exists:
• Baby Boomers, according to the article, for the most part, do not have enough money saved to be financially stable once they retire, and their retirement has been delayed significantly. They keep working to try and earn the money to retire and fix the damage done by the recession in 2008. I think there is an opportunity because many millennials are now joining the workforce and seeing a shortage of their desired jobs due to the baby boomers still working in those positions. The baby boomers have set company standards high and the shortage of jobs will possibly hurt the future generations if they don't have the experience.
• Who would be the prototypical customer?
• The prototypical customer would be both baby boomers and millennials as the baby boomers deserve to be able to retire and be financially stable, and the millennials are looking for jobs.
• Is the opportunity easy or difficult to exploit?
• I think the opportunity will be difficult to exploit due to the skepticism of the baby boomers from the recession. However, for Millenials, I think the opportunity will be easy to exploit because they all are eager to get their dream jobs.
• Why I saw the opportunity:
• I always struggled to find jobs and especially now that graduation will soon be upon me I felt I related to the article. Many jobs require x years of experience or just simply are not available and it only makes the future seem more and more complex. At the same time, I am sure my parents want to retire and be able to relax and are still working to help ensure they are stable as well as me. 

Economic trend opportunity #2

• Wall Street banks looking to sell their research services
• Source: https://www.ft.com/content/d127e2b2-d899-11e9-8f9b-77216ebe1f17
• Why I believe an opportunity exists:
• Wall Street banks are only running into this issue now due to the lack of retention from their traditional clients. They want to expand to new companies and sell their services in investments and tradings and for newer companies just trying to catch their footing, this could be beneficial to them. 
• Who would be the prototypical customer?
• I think there are 2 prototypical customers, the Wall Street banks, and the customers who would buy the research services. The banks need there to be opportunities with clients, and there are definitely companies who will need help.
• Is the opportunity easy or difficult to exploit?
• I think the opportunity will be difficult to exploit because traditional customers did not return for a reason, and Wall Street banks most likely will not want to change their ways.
• Why I saw the opportunity:
• From an entrepreneur standpoint, opening or running a company can prove difficult for people with no knowledge of the economy or finances. I know that if I want to open my own company one day, I need to take the time and effort into doing research and conducting careful planning. Having insightful research on the economy and having analysts could be beneficial to ensuring a company is a success.

5. Identifying Local Opportunities

1.
Article title: County repeals plastic bag and Styrofoam ban
https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190910/county-repeals-plastic-bag-and-styrofoam-ban

What was the story about: 
Alachua County had a ban on plastic bags in place, as they have been detrimental to the environment, and following threats of lawsuits and legal action, they had to repeal the ban.

What's the problem:

Plastic bags are harming the environment and the Alachua County Commission took the step to ban them, but now the action has been repealed and they are back to square one. I think a biodegradable bag or even just an environmentally friendly bag could be a positive solution.

Who has the problem:

The Alachua County Commission has to deal with this problem, however, I think that the use of plastic bags is a problem globally and all people are the ones who will face this problem if sustainable products are not introduced soon.

2. 

Article title:

‘We’ve had enough.’: Students organize protest on Fraternity Drive

https://www.alligator.org/news/we-ve-had-enough-students-organize-protest-on-fraternity-drive/article_699fab64-d107-11e9-b2c2-b38c5b626004.html

What was the story about: 

Currently, at UF, there are blue lights at almost every location on campus, however, on fraternity row there are none. Students are protesting this as from a safety standpoint, they want to feel safe on fraternity row. The university is giving the decision to the men living in the houses because it is "where they live." 

What's the problem:

There are no blue lights on fraternity row. It is a safety issue for students who may need help in case of an emergency.

Who has the problem:

The problem rests on the university and the men living on fraternity row. The students who may have an emergency also have this problem as their quickest way to get help is not available.

3.

Article title:

NJ Plans E-Cigarette Ban As Deadly 'Outbreak' Grows Dramatically

https://patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/s/gualn/nj-plans-e-cigarette-ban-illness-outbreak-rises-dramatically

What was the story about: 

The new vaping disease is appearing in more and more teenagers, and has even killed some people. New Jersey lawmakers are now planning on banning any and all e-cigarette and vaping devices from being sold. Their new laws will be the strictest in the nation so far when it comes to the ban.

What's the problem:

Teens are purchasing vaping devices and now are being struck by a deadly disease to their respiratory systems

Who has the problem:

Those who vape, especially teens, are being struck with the disease so in a sense the problem is theirs, but also lawmakers have this problem as they are trying to create and enforce laws to prevent this epidemic from spreading.

4.

Article title:

Miami Beach latest South Florida city to say no to plastic straws, stirrers

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/miami-dade/fl-ne-miami-beach-plastic-straw-ban-20190912-re773nnrxfbwlbxgnied6q5j2u-story.html

What was the story about: 

The city of Miami Beach has officially placed a ban on single-use plastic straws and stirrers in an effort to be more environmentally friendly. Plastic bags have also been banned. There will be fines enforced should businesses not comply, as Miami Beach takes the ban seriously.

What's the problem:
Pollution has led to a ban on plastic straws, stirrers, and bags in Miami Beach, and a new, environmentally safe option needs to be created to replace these.

Who has the problem:
Business owners, especially coffee and drink shops, will be fined should they choose to use plastic straws and stirrers, so they need to find an alternative that is cost-efficient and follows the new laws.

5.

Article title:

UF Preview prices broke state law. How are they fixing it?

https://www.alligator.org/news/uf-preview-prices-broke-state-law-how-are-they-fixing/article_2daeae4c-d2b6-11e9-9c0c-9fca1017f082.html

What was the story about:
UF had multiple orientation experiences available, however, many people were unaware of anything but the more expensive options which violated state laws. The law states orientation at public schools cant be more than $35 but people recalled paying hundreds for UF's infamous Preview sessions.

What's the problem:
UF has not made their orientation session experiences clear in terms of pricing, and their expensive options have violated state laws. They need to find a lower-priced method for orientation.

Who has the problem:
There are two who share this problem, UF and those who attended the orientation sessions. UF faces the problem as they have to create a cheaper, better-known orientation option and those who have attended in the past don't know if they will be refunded due to the law.

4. Forming an Opportunity Belief

An opportunity that I believe exists is right here at UF! I believe there is a lack of scooter parking at central/popular locations on campus which has lead to many scooters parked illegally or damaged from others trying to squeeze theirs into a spot. When I was a freshman, I relied on the RTS bus to get everywhere since I didnt have a car or scooter. After being stranded in Butler Plaza multiple times or left in the middle of downtown when trying to get back from the airport, I had enough and purchased a scooter. Many of my friends who owned scooters used to complain about parking and I never truly understood until I was faced with the task too.

The unmet need is the lack of scooter parking at central locations on campus such as Library West or Inner Road. Those who have the need are scooter owning students, typically who are trying to get to class at one of the centralized locations on campus. The lack of scooter parking has always existed (as long as scooters have been popular at UF) however, this has gotten incredibly worse as more and more students purchase scooters. Right now to overcome this, students are illegally parking their scooters outside of specified zones, on sidewalks, and on the grass. They are also accidentally knocking over other scooters while attempting to fit theirs in, unscrewing side view mirrors on others scooters, or just scratching up someone's scooter while squeezing theirs into a spot. I'm 100% sure that the opportunity to expand scooter parking exists as there are constantly new car parking spaces being created, so scooter parking can be added too.

The prototypical customers would be scooter owning students at UF. I asked 3 students the following:

1. Do you own a scooter?
2. Have you ever had to make your own scooter spot to get to class on time?
3. Do you feel that there is enough scooter parking at the centralized locations on campus such as Library West and the Turlington area?
4. How often do you struggle to find scooter parking?
5. When did you first become aware of this need? And how long have you had this need?
6. How are you currently addressing the need for scooter parking?
7. How satisfied would you be if more parking was added?

Alexa Rezik, 3rd Year

1. Do you own a scooter?
• Yes
2. Have you ever had to make your own scooter spot to get to class on time?
• Yes
3. Do you feel that there is enough scooter parking at the centralized locations on campus such as Library West and the Turlington area?
• No, especially since they recently removed some scooter parking at Library West to allow cars to access it. And there is also a bunch of unutilized space that people make their own spots in anyways.
4. How often do you struggle to find scooter parking?
• Every day
5. When did you first become aware of this need? And how long have you had this need?
• Ever since I got a scooter last year I have struggled to find parking.
6. How are you currently addressing the need for scooter parking?
• I have to go to campus super early to ensure I can find a spot to get to class, sometimes even arriving 45 minutes early.
7. How satisfied would you be if more parking was added?
• Very satisfied because parking has given me so much stress and I could stay at home longer and get work done instead of waiting to find parking.

Rachel Kutcher, 3rd Year

1. Do you own a scooter?
• Yes
2. Have you ever had to make your own scooter spot to get to class on time?
• Yes
3. Do you feel that there is enough scooter parking at the centralized locations on campus such as Library West and the Turlington area?
• No. In the past, I've ended up late to class because I couldn't find parking so I had to park at an inconvenient location a lot farther away since I don't want to make a spot and get a ticket.
4. How often do you struggle to find scooter parking?
• Every day that I go to campus, especially mid-day. Also during exam season, the parking at Library West is always full at night too so I park farther and walk which I don't like because I think it's dangerous to walk alone at night.
5. When did you first become aware of this need? And how long have you had this need?
• Freshman year. I had my car and parking that was such a struggle so I assumed it was the same with scooters, and then I got one and confirmed that.
6. How are you currently addressing the need for scooter parking?
• I circle a bunch of lots near my classes and hope I find a spot
7. How satisfied would you be if more parking was added?
• I'd be really satisfied because I wouldn't have to worry about leaving early to get to class or getting a parking ticket for making my own spot when I'm running late.

Nicole Cruz, 4th Year

1. Do you own a scooter?
• Yes
2. Have you ever had to make your own scooter spot to get to class on time?
• Yes
3. Do you feel that there is enough scooter parking at the centralized locations on campus such as Library West and the Turlington area?
• No, and after living on campus for 4 years, I am pretty sure UF has actually taken away scooter parking spots. My scooter is actually damaged from the parking situation.
4. How often do you struggle to find scooter parking?
• Every day since I live on campus.
5. When did you first become aware of this need? And how long have you had this need?
• I got my scooter about 2 years ago so I would say then. I thought I just didn't understand the right time of day to find parking but it is really all day every day that there is no parking.
6. How are you currently addressing the need for scooter parking?
• I sometimes have to park outside of the lines and risk getting a ticket if I'm in a hurry, or I have to try multiple lots until I can find a spot
7. How satisfied would you be if more parking was added?
• I would be satisfied if it was added now since I am graduating soon. But speaking for those who are going to still have this issue in the years to come I would think they would all appreciate a change too.

Reflecting on the Interviews

After conducting these interviews I learned that my opportunity is definitely valid and a need seen by many students. What was most surprising to me was that people are so willing to make their own spots and get a ticket because parking is so limited. I know I can't really afford to be getting parking tickets so their willingness was definitely surprising to me.  

7. Summarize

I think all of my original opportunity is still relevant. The lack of scooter parking I mentioned back in assignment 1 on my bug list is clearly a relevant issue and creating more scooter parking is the feasible solution. I think my opportunity is definitely more accurate and solidified than when I first started the assignment because I saw it wasn't just me experiencing the issue. I think entrepreneurs should try and shape their opportunities based on customer feedback since the customers will be the ones benefitting, but they should also try to keep the same structure of their original idea.

3. Your Entrepreneurship Story

A time in my life I was exposed to entrepreneurship, as odd as it sounds, was 6th grade. I believe that year was when SillyBandz had just started to become popular, and I didn't know it then, but the entrepreneurship I was about to be surrounded with tas just starting. I remember one day hearing that kids in the 7th and 8th grades were selling SillyBandz to everyone and making a large sum of money. The kids selling them would buy them for about $10 for packs of 50 and would sell them to others for $1 a band. They saw the opportunity of kids not being able to go to the store and buy the SillyBandz for themselves, so they bought them and sold them to make money.

I decided to enroll in ENT3003 because I want to both add an entrepreneurship minor, and to one day hopefully my own business. My dream is to own a hair salon that could grow into a successful chain. My local hair salon (in NJ) has 4 locations, and all are considered high-end salons. There aren't many hair salons near my home that have been that successful, since most stay with 1 location, so I would love to be able to open my own.