5A Identifying Local Opportunities


In the general spirit of entrepreneurship (that is, in the spirit of solving other’s problems), many of the problems discussed below lend themselves to non-profit solutions. These stories come from a couple of different newspapers that report in and around my hometown near Tampa, Florida.

1.     Community Rallies to Help Fire Damaged McLane Middle School


The story: In July of this year, a local middle school was struck by lightning and destroyed seven classr5ooms leaving teachers to purchase new supplies and move the classrooms to new, portable locations.

The problem: Seven teacher and seven classrooms of middle school students are without a permanent classroom location, which could lead to uncomfortable working conditions for teachers and underperformance on the part of students

Who has the problem? The teachers, administration, and students at McLane Middle School who are inconvenienced by this situation.

2.     Fire Leaves Valrico Family Homeless



The story: Off of East Lumsden Road in Valrico, FL, a fire destroyed the home of a family of 6, leaving them homeless. Luckily, there were no injuries in the incident

The problem: This local family has lost memories, shelter, and a place to call home

Who has the problem? The family who previously lived in the house. However, perhaps the scope of this problem could be expanded to everyone displaced by fires which could be the foundations of a nonprofit

3.     Florida’s milk prices are trending up. Here’s why.



The story: Due to tensions with Mexico and other macro causes, milk prices in Florida have risen significantly

The problem: Florida consumers are being forced to purchase milk at higher prices and are, by extension, spending less on other items

Who has the problem? Dairy farmers who are strained to break even, as well as consumers who would rather pay for cheaper milk

4.     Tropical disturbance could bring extra rain to Florida, become tropical cyclone by weekend


The story: A new tropical storm, coming on tail of substantial hurricane Dorian, named Humberto is expected to hit the Bahama’s with strong wind and rain

The problem: Bahamians are already struggling with recovery from Hurricane Dorian, and this storm, which has the potential to develop into a hurricane, threatens their safety once again

Who has the problem: Bahamians struggling to stay safe and redevelop shelter on their islands, family of people in the Bahamas, the Bahamian tourist industry (Hotels, resorts)


5.     Drive for recreational pot draws big bucks


The story: Medical marijuana companies have recently dumped for than a million into a new movement to lobby for recreational marijuana legalization in Florida.

The problem: It is still illegal to possess marijuana for recreational use

Who has the problem: Medical marijuana companies who would sell the drug recreationally, and users of the drug who hope it is legalized. The opportunity here would be to rally for recreational marijuana’s legalization and then jump into those markets which would generate lucrative revenues after the fact.


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