Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1. All in-state Florida residents aren't able to attend Florida public universities with included (free) tuition and fees because the Florida state government doesn't provide public (government-managed) financial aid.

2A. Who: All in-state Florida residents

2B. What: Residents aren't able to attend Florida public universities with (free) included tuition and fees.

2C. Why: State government doesn't provide public (government-managed) financial aid.  

3A. Testing the Who: Everyone in Florida who strives to obtain a higher education degree shares the need.

3B. Testing the What: People struggle with paying for college. This opportunity seeks to be the bridge between a debt-free life and higher education. Scholarships would only be those in private schools. Public schools would have all-expenses-paid to benefit the economy and society of the United States. Some European schools have free tuition. 

3C. Testing the Why: College students can struggle with debt because they are trying to balance several aspects of their lives. College students seeking higher education beyond because it can lead to higher starting salaries.  

4A: Business Owner: Being a Florida resident, we are in charge of paying sufficient taxes to the IRS, and if part of those taxes can benefit in-state college students in their tuition for college, it could save them so much money to receive the skills needed for the workforce. Honestly, if it wasn't for the Bright Futures from Florida Lottery currently, many people would have to take out loans with high interests, and that is something I strongly don't recommend. I am still paying off my student loans, so genuinely providing this opportunity for future generations could really be a gift. Scholarships could be for private universities. Having an Medical Doctor licensure from Puerto Rico has saved me so much money and time. 

4B: Office Manager: I am a Florida resident, but I didn't go to college here in Florida. I went to school in Puerto Rico, where tuition and fees are much cheaper than the continental United States. But I only have received my Associate's Degree, but I genuinely have learned a lot of business skills on the job versus a higher education institution. With a Bachelor's Degree, I could maybe earn more.  I would definitely go back to school if I had the chance to sharpen my skills without having to take out loans. My daughter is in college right now, so I am really hoping to learn from her about more skills to enhance my learning and that of our current society. Private universities could supply those scholarships. 

4C: Front-Desk Receptionist: I am a Florida resident, but I went to college out-of-state at Boston University. With that being said, the tuition and fees at Boston University were costly, but I received a merit scholarship that covered around 75% of my tuition, which I am so thankful for. But if colleges provided completely free tuition and fees, I would have definitely stayed in Florida. I am currently in the process of going to Medical School at Florida Atlantic University, and I have a scholarship. Still, it is definitely harder to pay for post-graduate school than undergraduate work because it is primarily out-of-pocket. If I could attend college for free, I would have saved so much money for Medical School to graduate in a debt-free society. Boston University would provide merit or/and need-based scholarships because it is private. I am going to Medical School to care for others and I can work for a hospital salary as soon as I graduate.
4D: Medical Assistant: I am a Florida resident, but I am originally from Venezuela. In Venezuela, I was a pediatrician, but in the U.S, my medical license isn't accepted unless I take USMLE. My daughter currently attends Valencia College, and we pay Florida Resident prices because she doesn't receive Bright Futures. Both my daughter and I work to be able to afford her school. So if Florida residents were able to attend Florida public universities with included Florida tuition and fees, it would save me so much money, and my daughter could focus on school and not balancing school and work because she wants to become a doctor. I don't want her to get into debt, and medical school is costly in the United States. Scholarships can be for textbooks. I need to be considered Board-Certified in the United States so I can apply for the Doctor salary and learn the American way of doing medicine. 

4E: Friend: I am a Florida resident and a recipient of the Bright Future Medallion Scholarship that covers 75% of my tuition and fees, which I am so thankful for. Personally, as an Asian student, my parents place a significant emphasis on my education. If my undergrad could be paid for, it would be so lovely for them and I. Providing free tuition and fees in our society, it would really open a lot of doors to reduce the amount of debt I could have by going to college that would help my family and I. I am looking to maybe apply for a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy which can cause increased experience and salary, but I am still unsure. Devices are expensive, and scholarship money can be used for that. 

5A: Every one places a different role in the business but it is very important to have education and experience. The interviews performed gave further insight into how education plays a role in each one of their lives. Education is one of those things I personally believe everyone is entitled to. Education would help people become more open-minded versus closed-minded about issues. Developing those professional skills is also extremely beneficial for the workforce. The Medical Assistant might have to start Medical School again if you wanted to practice as a Doctor in the United States. That would be 12 more years of school. 

Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

1. Germany in recession as economy shrinks 2.2% in 1st quarter.

• 1A: https://www.clickorlando.com/business/2020/05/15/german-economy-shrinks-22-in-1st-quarter-as-virus-hits/
• 1B: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries around the world (besides the United States) are encountering economic issues such as drops in "factory orders...industrial production...and exports". 
• 1C: A prototypical customer for this opportunity could be the German government and the European Union as they faced a decline in "Europe's biggest economy."
• 1D: The opportunity is both relatively easy and difficult to exploit because Germany has one of Europe's biggest economies, but also it is a part of the European Union, which could have some difficulties passing legislation within a quickly and efficiently fashion. 
• 1E: I formed this belief that an opportunity exists because the article compares Germany's status to other countries in the European Union, and Germany has not faced a recession of that amount since 1990. As a person who promotes international understanding and continuously strives for change, I want to see Germany place high as one of the fastest countries to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic because of its position before and during, but there are no promises. 

2. China economy better but vital consumer demand still feeble.

• 2A: https://www.clickorlando.com/business/2020/05/15/china-economy-better-but-vital-consumer-demand-still-feeble/
• 2B: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is tough to get Chinese citizens to spend money on consumer goods. The country is relying on the fact that "economic growth now relies largely on domestic demand" (Wu). 
• 2C: A prototypical customer for this opportunity could be the Chinese government as they rule China's Communist Party and "push to revive normal activity."
• 2D: The opportunity is relatively difficult to exploit because China has released a report that "shows only small and gradual improvements in economic activity." To encourage consumer spending, the country has distributed "shopping vouchers, cut taxes, and promised entrepreneurs low-interest loans." 
• 2E: I formed this belief that an opportunity exists because the article mentions that China has a controlled government because of Chinese Communism. Chinese Communism has allowed them to prosper as a country because there are over 1 billion people who live there. It is essential to understand Chinese Communism can't be compared to Russian, Cuban, or Vietnam Communism because they are all very different. As a person who has had the opportunity to go see China and understand the perspective of a Chinese resident, I have strong feelings that what she mentioned that the Communist Revolution of China being one of the most important in Chinese history is accurate because it unified all the Chinese people for years to come. 

3. Businesses face new challenges as restrictions are put into place amid coronavirus pandemic.

• 3A: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/05/28/businesses-face-new-challenges-as-restrictions-are-put-into-place-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/
• 3B: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of citizens has been of utmost concern. An opportunity exists in this situation because it is hinting on a new regulation to "encourage downtown area businesses to share their reopening and safety plans."
• 3C: A prototypical customer for this opportunity could be local business owners who are being directly affected by the change COVID-19 has brought on and have been working to satisfy their customers' needs. 
• 3D: The opportunity is both relatively easy and trying to exploit because, in the case, it can be easily achieved if it is done correctly and efficiently. But it can be difficult if the legislation is slow and lingering to fully make progress and growth. 
• 3E: I formed this belief that an opportunity exists because the market has faced severe challenges in the past with that of the Great Depression. As an American, I hope to see and believe in the face of conflict and that if we (as a country) could get out of a contraction in the American economy just like in the 1929 recession and rise as a global superpower again in the following years after, with a series of progressive reforms, anything is possible. 

4. COVID-19 data sharing with law enforcement sparks concern.

• 4A: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/politics/2020/05/19/covid-19-data-sharing-with-law-enforcement-sparks-concern/
• 4B: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the privacy of citizens who have contracted the COVID-19 virus has been a concern among several states. 
• 4C: A prototypical customer for this opportunity could be local governments who have been attempting to report on those infected with the COVID-19 as there is a justification to support the trust with the law enforcement as they have access to more confidential information. 
• 4D: The opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because the article mentions that police officers have kept confidential information such as social security of prisoners or/and those arrested hidden from the public for a long time. Personally, I believe that the police officers shouldn't have access to that information as it would probably be of no use to them because they don't have any medical expertise. 
• 4E: I formed this belief that an opportunity exists because it is an issue that our government is addressing at the given time. I really have strong feelings that can see how knowing the names of those with the virus could create more discrimination and divide America further when we should be unified at the current circumstances. The statistics (number of cases) in the area should be the only things that should be provided to law enforcement.

Identifying Local Opportunities

1A: Controversial Split Oak Forest toll road likely delayed until 2034.

1B: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/os-ne-cfx-split-oak-forest-parkway-20200528-a32y4hjznbavvavq43cz3hdnjq-story.html

1C: Split Oak Forest is a forest located in the Lake Nona area near where I live. Currently, there is a lot of urban development occurring surrounding it, and there is a lot of controversies faced with the many residents who are attempting to preserve the area. 

1D: Construction and the extension of Osceola Parkway is looking to begin in 2034 due to the pandemic. "The Central Florida Expressway Authority...postpones until 2034 the extension of the Osceola Parkway across Split Oak Forest in east Orange and Osceola counties". 

1E: The problem is faced by Glenn Pressimone, the authority's chief of infrastructure which has mentioned the issues from the pandemic has caused them to "remove about $650 million out of the plan". 

2A: Dr. Phillips Center cuts execs, furloughs staff in coronavirus fallout. 

2B: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/coronavirus/os-ne-coronavirus-dr-phillips-center-layoffs-furloughs-20200528-2p4y65ihwbdgle6nae5msiezze-story.html

2C: The Dr. Phillips Center is located in downtown Orlando where all theatrical work is displayed for the residents, and guests who are interested in those displays can go see in the city. 

2D: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dr. Phillips Center has made efforts to downsize its departments due to the lack of economic growth. "The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will furlough half its full-time staff and all part-time employees beginning June 1". 

2E: The problem is faced by executives who work at the Dr. Phillips Center because of the pandemic. A reporter noted that "two executive-level positions have been eliminated as money-saving efforts in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown". 

3A: Florida university system leaders approve blueprint for reopening.

3B: https://www.wesh.com/article/florida-university-system-reopening-plans/32704069

3C: Florida universities have met and made a plan regarding the reopening of the public Florida universities shooting to open by this Fall. They have not currently finalized decisions. 

3D: Public universities are still deciding on whether to open or remain closed for the Fall semester. "University campuses were emptied out in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. The move left thousands of students and faculty across the state learning and teaching online for the rest of the spring semester. University officials have pledged a return to in-person or hybrid instruction for the fall semester". 

3E: The problem is faced by state university chancellor Marshall Criser and the Board of Governors as they are still meeting to further think through the decision and address it accordingly. The problem is also directly tied with each of the 12 Florida public university presidents who are still awaiting the call to action. 

4A: Orange County announces 2 more dates for small businesses to apply for PPE.

4B: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/05/29/orange-county-announces-2-more-dates-for-small-businesses-to-apply-for-ppe/

4C: Orange County was distributing assistance for companies to encourage sanitation and reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus. 

4D: Many small businesses are struggling to obtain the basic necessities required to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which has caused Orange County to provide more support. "...Small businesses...have not been able to obtain PPE for their employees due to financial hardship or supply chain scarcities."

4E: The problem is faced by employees of local Orange County small businesses who haven't had the opportunity to receive the support of "free reusable cloth masks as well as hand sanitizers" to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. 

5A: Winter Park goes virtual for Fourth of July celebration due to COVID-19 safety concerns

5B: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/05/28/winter-park-goes-virtual-for-fourth-of-july-celebration-due-to-covid-19-safety-concerns/

5C: Annually, Winter Park hosts a Fourth of July celebration that is very welcomed in the Orlando community, and this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it has made the executive decision to display the fireworks virtually. 

5D: Health professionals strongly emphasize the precautions of the large-gathering in-person Winter Park Fourth of July celebration. "The change comes as health officials caution against large gatherings as new cases of COVID-19 continue to be reported across Florida." 

5E: The problem is faced by Orlando/Winter Park guests and residents who were wanting to see the fireworks this Fourth of July. 

Forming an Opportunity Belief

Step 1: I have the belief that everyone should have the right to be tested for COVID-19 for free nationwide no matter the circumstance during the given times.

Step 2: The need is to identify who is infected with COVID-19 to have actual knowledge of those who are infected allowing for those who aren't infected to integrate back into the workforce and society. This is a widespread need to ensure safety as well as to reignite our economy within our country. The need is needed now given the current circumstances. People are doing nothing to address the need now. I feel about 100% that this opportunity exists because unfortunately our country is currently submitted into stagnation and a state of physical distancing that can only be overcome by establishing a distinction between those who are infected and those who aren't. 

Step 3A/6: The prototypical customer can be state governments understanding that knowing who isn't infected with COVID-19 allowing economic activities to resume without interruptions. 

Step 3B/6: The prototypical customer can be business owners to aid in understanding and know who of their staff isn't infected with COVID-19 allowing for further economic stimulation to occur. 

Step 3C/6: The prototypical customer can be hospitals and medical facilities that aid in treating and preventing COVID-19. 

Step 4A/6: The first prototypical customer I spoke to is the special assistant to Mayor Jerry Demings. The exact nature is to find out and explore who is not infected with COVID-19 to return those who work to work and those who are infected to stay home and socially isolate themselves. They have become aware of the need more because the number of those being infected with the COVID-19 virus is increasing by the day. Since March 1, 2020, the need has been needed to be addressed. The state of Florida has faced this issue since March 13, 2020. We are currently taking on efforts to close businesses, creating remote work, and providing masks to minimize human interaction. We are attempting to go to the state governments to find a solution to the problem. 

Step 4B/6: The second prototypical customer I spoke to is a local business owner who has a private medical practice. The exact nature of the need is to know exactly who is not infected with the COVID-19 so they can return to work and those who are infected to stay home. They have become aware of the need more because of the increasing numbers of those being infected with the COVID-19 virus. The need has been needed since March 1, 2020. March 16, 2020 was the first day we were greatly affected by the need.  Because I own a medical private practice, we have not closed business or created remote work, and we are increasingly grateful to the state governments for providing masks to minimize cross-contamination and human contact. I am not satisfied with the current solution to the problem.
Step 4C/6: The last prototypical customer I spoke to is an employee of the Orlando VA Medical Center. The exact nature of the need is to know exactly who is not infected with the COVID-19 to work and those who are infected to avoid the VA. They have become aware of the need more because of the increasing numbers of those being infected with the COVID-19 virus. March 1, 2020 was the first day we started seeing patients via Telemedicine. March 16, 2020 was the first day that the VA opened its doors for urgent care only. We are doing Telemedicine to minimize human contamination and spread. We are not satisfied with the current solution to the problem. 

*Because of the current situation and everyone is working together to combat the virus, all of the answers provided the prototypical customers are very similar.*

Step 5A/6, 5B/6, and 5C/6: All the prototypical customers mentioned that the opportunity is still in the works and there is still a lot of work to do to help eradicate the COVID-19 virus from the face of the Earth. It is very difficult to create solutions that everyone will agree with. Every person is an individual with rights given and there needs to be enforcement of safer precautions. 

Step 7: Currently, at the time of completing this assignment, there is around 80% of the original opportunity still present. People are mostly abiding by social distancing rules and wearing masks in public places. Yes, this is an opportunity that is more accurate than we started because now many more people are concerned more about their health and of that of their families. Entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities 50% because it would keep people safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to more people but should be a degree of flexibility to adapt to the needs of the consumer. 

Your Entrepreneurship Story

Hi Everyone! My name is Sophia Rodriguez and I am a first-year student at the Warrington College of Business studying Business Administration. My Entrepreneurship story opens up in February 2018, in my junior year of high school. Before seeking out Business as one of my designated career paths, I was considering pursuing a career in Pediatric Psychiatry. Soon after, I realized it wasn't for me. I was told about a club called Interact Club that emphasized the network and entrepreneurship skills needed for the workforce and I fell in love with the concept. I loved it so much because I got to meet people from all around the world because one of the club's mission is to promote international understanding. I fell in love with the process of meeting people and learning more about their cultures that broadened my career and personal horizons to farther than ever. In my senior year of high school, I decided to run for president of the club and organization and I got the position. I helped expand the club's 15 members to 45 members for 2018-2019. I am guessing that my club marketing worked out because a lot of people joined to learn more about the importance of networking and entrepreneurship in a career path. I enrolled in ENT3003: Principles of Entrepreneurship this summer as I am pursuing an administrative career path. With this class, I want to learn more about entrepreneurship philosophy and how it plays a role in our society. Much of what I want to take away from this class is that of building better leadership skills and how to improve my problem-solving skills across various issues. This is my Entrepreneurship Story.

Bug List

Bug List 

1. Because of the current circumstances, I can not be at UF at my favorite study spot: Library West. Library West provides me with a quiet space to work in on the 4th floor with no distractions. At my house, there are so many distractions. To avoid the contamination of COVID-19 amongst the student population at UF, the bug exists.

2. Because of the current circumstances, I can not build in-person relationships and network with my professors. This summer semester is the last of many of my professors teaching at UF and I have never even gotten to meet them personally to receive advice on my future endeavors. The spread of the COVID-19 is very prevalent in Florida so the bug exists.
3. When I order from Uber Eats, Doordash, or Postmates, the food delivery workers place my order on the dirty floor to avoid human contamination. The problem creates a lot of contamination on the ground that can get into my food and make me sick. 

4. Starbucks is not open for delivery to receive my iced coffee. This problem exists because Starbucks doesn't deliver coffee as it should because it increases the company's profits during the pandemic. I am already a consumer. 

5. Beyond Meat/Impossible is made with soy protein from legumes and it would be included more vegetables rather than legumes and starches. This problem exists because there are vegetables that aren't that accessible and cheap but better for the body and would make the burgers more nutrient-dense. 

6. The U.S should implement more legislation to eradicate the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the food produced in the U.S. This problem exists because GMOs are so accessible but they can lead to bad health problems.

7. The health insurance industry should have more reforms to include mental health services. The problem exists because mental health is becoming more and more of an issue that should be addressed by the current health insurance providers. 

8. The government should take more reforms in the criminal imprisonment system. Many states find the death penalty as cited by the Constitution "cruel and unusual punishment" but others do not such as Florida. The problem exists because the death penalty is an on-going controversial issue that everyone has their own particular stance on. 

9. The government should take more reforms regarding the abortion debate. The problem exists because people are constantly disagreeing over if one should have the choice to have an abortion or if it should consider illegal to have an abortion. 

10. The U.S has not but should work together with other nations to make a communal effort to fight off the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem exists because there are many times the U.S has worked together with other nations regarding war control efforts why not disease-control efforts. 

11. More regulations should be taken into ethical practices in marketing and business through lobbying. The problem exists because big organizations such as the Pharmaceutical industry have a lot of political control into getting what they want because of the millions of dollars that are given every year to the government. 

12. Regarding the crisis, there should be more regulations of Florida stay-at-home orders and what is considered "essential" business. The problem exists because it is very difficult to determine what deemed "essential" but there are many businesses and companies that deem themselves as "essential" when actually they're not. 

13. National legislation should overrule state legislation when it comes to regulations set forth by the governor. This problem exists because the governor is under the president and the president has the ultimate authority over what occurs in the states. 

14. There should be more privacy laws implemented to ensure the safety of consumers and those who are underage. The problem exists because privacy laws regarding one's personal information should be mentioned as a disclaimer to make the user aware of what they agree to be viewed by the headquarters. 

15. There should be laws built into the current circumstances that require people to wear masks in public when visiting the grocery stores. The problem exists because we are placing people at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus if we don't wear a mask. It can avoid major lawsuits. 

16. Public universities should provide as much financial aid as possible because the problem exists that many people don't have access to higher education because it isn't funded by the state. 

17. Ideas implemented that favor a certain group over another should be ruled unconstitutional. This problem exists because some ideologies suggest that the construction of the Constitution is strict while others say it's loose. 

18. There should be more legislation to build the U.S's relationships with other countries. This problem exists because there are many crises faced by nations not only that of COVID-19. 

19. One universal health insurance that treats all medical care should be provided based on the treatments for that issue. This problem exists because different issues have different prices and there should be no difference between HMOs and PPOs. 

20. More reforms should be implemented to help the homeless to get them off of the streets. The problem exists because homelessness and poverty are huge problems faced by many people in the U.S and we should help get off the streets. 

Reflection: I personally found this activity a little bit difficult in trying to find the problems that need things/objects to solve them. I am a person with a futuristic mindset along with a strive for change. I found that the bugs that I included in my bug lists were more political and idealistic versus the traditional problems faced inventions that are waiting to be invented. Some challenges were that of involving current issues that are all over the news during this COVID-19 crisis and choosing which I consider most of the value to me. But it was a great opportunity to learn what bugs us. 

Test

First post! It's me Sophia Rodriguez