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GOOD IDEAS #14 RUNNER UPS!

(These two ideas did not win the $500, but they were too good not to share and invite you, the community to get involved or support them.  Shea and myself (Chelsea) will be offering some coaching and consulting to help them go for it)

-BIG IDEA #2: Joy 2 Ride from Carol M. Kraak

To get people out on the trail that have limitations that don’t allow them to walk or bike the Betsie Valley Trail (or other trails if requested) for fresh air, and that glorious “wind in their hair” kind of or JOY from being on a bike! We have a modified wheelchair bike that allows a person to sit and ride a bike being piloted by a trained volunteer. We have a handful of volunteers (always looking for more) and have a Board of Directors of 5, all participating and acting within the passion of helping folks get out on the trail!   

– IF YOUR IDEA HAS ALREADY STARTED – WHO STARTED IT AND WHEN?
I am Founder and President of Joy 2 Ride and first saw the idea in a bike magazine about a program with a wheelchair bike in Bloomington-Normal Illinois, only the 3rd in the nation at the time, and KNEW in my spirit that I needed to make the same thing happen here, so made it happen! By Summer 2017 we were designated a non profit officially with the Board and paperwork! We received a grant for our first bike and started officially taking people for rides in Summer of 2018!  There are still only a handful of programs like this in the nation and we are proud to be the first in Michigan!

– HOW IS IT PERSONALLY FULFILLING TO YOU?
For me as founder, I am no stranger to disability. I was born with defects and was told by 50 I wouldn’t walk, which proved to be true but I found could BIKE all the time without pain and disability and so I biked a lot! I did 1000’s of miles on the 10 mile stretch of the Betsie Valley Trail between Frankfort and Beulah over a few years but that too became impossible to do which “broke” me. SO I of all people KNOW what a bike ride could do for a person! This program gives that freedom and joy to a person on the trail that otherwise can’t do it. (I had two hip replacements last year so now am back walking and riding a bike! Yay!)

– HOW DOES IT MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY?
It makes an incredible impact on the community when there are so many people living a limitation, both in facilities and not, that could so much use a bike ride! Every time is hugely wonderful!
 
– WHAT WILL BE “PHASE ONE” OF YOUR BUSINESS PLAN, GETTING IT OFF THE GROUND?
We started only last year and are always evolving and growing especially now. First phase was creating the organization and getting our first bike, but now realize with growth becomes the need for so much more as we grow!
 
– WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR “PHASE 2” AS YOU MOVE IT AHEAD?
Our vision now is in many ways – we would like to find a more permanent home along the trail, plus fundraising for a possible small building, electrical option, AND we need a trailer so as to be able to be mobile for events and such, but also since we are getting calls and inquiries to be able to take folks out on other trails too.

– DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER FORMS OF MONEY COMING INTO THE PROJECT ALREADY- AND WHERE IS IT COMING FROM? 
At this point, we have received two grants for two bikes but other than that, we have had a few fundraising events to bring in $ for insurance, other equipment, marketing etc. We want to research grant opportunities for help with a location, building, and a trailer.     
We think our next step is the need for a trailer now that we have TWO wheelchair bikes so would probably put the $ towards that. As we look for a more permanent location, the trailer becomes more needed now so that we could be mobile and go where we/guest would like to ride. Plus then we can haul all we need along, to events and such. We have also found we need to offer other extra bikes since many times family has wanted to ride along with the guest and didn’t always have a bike to bring, so a trailer could help solve several problems!
– HOW CAN WE (THE AUDIENCE) GET INVOLVED OR SUPPORT?
Call or text or email and come see the wheelchair bike for your self! We will take you for a ride firsthand and if you know anyone that could use a little fresh air, camaraderie and JOY along the trail, let them know, AND let us know and we will make that happen! It’s truly life changing and wonderful! Otherwise please check out our Facebook which is most interactive, and our Instagram and of course the Website! AND then share! And if you would like brochures we can get them to you to be able to share!
Ph/Txt – 231-651-0434
Web – joy2ridebenzie.org
FB – Joy2RideBenzie
Instagram – Joy2RideBenzie
joy2ridebenzie@yahoo.com

 

-BIG IDEA #3: ‘Picnic Food Truck” from Robyn Stanley

Create a food truck that is kid-friendly with earth to hands food for our growing minds and bodies. To fill the need for healthy, convenient, food (on wheels) for on the go families, and the general community in the area. I would also like to use this platform to encourage healthy lifestyles and creative minds, while building an open environment for the people we serve.

– HOW IS IT PERSONALLY FULFILLING TO YOU?

I have always enjoyed children, art, and eating healthy! Incorporating all three passions would enable me feel fulfilled and alive. As a daughter of a self employed painter, I have grown up not only with a creative outlet but also seeing the perks and struggles of being a business owner. As of 2017 I am an art graduate, and painting is one of my biggest hobbies that acts as a stress reliever and meditation technique. To be able to instill this way of life into our younger generations through my fresh, healthy food, and art based food truck, would be incredibly rewarding.

– HOW DOES IT MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY?

A healthy body and mind starts with what you eat. It is especially important that kids at a young age have access to nutritional choices to give them the best start. This generation of parents realize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, however, with busy schedules, families often resort to unhealthy fast food or sugar-filled prepackaged snacks. The existing options for healthy snacks and meals such as supermarkets, health-food stores, and brick and mortar restaurants force parents to park a fair distance away and haul children through parking lots and long lines. My idea for a mobile food venue with fresh and nutritional options allows parents a true solution to this inconvenience.

– WHAT WILL BE “PHASE ONE” OF YOUR BUSINESS PLAN, GETTING IT OFF THE GROUND?

I started my journey towards owning a food truck by obtaining a job this summer at Rockwich food truck located at Little Fleet. I am planning to gain behind the scene experience as well as a mentors who can advise and guide me through the startup process. Since starting at Rockwich, I have enjoyed every second of it. I truly feel like I am in my element. I have set a 3 year goal for myself to make my dream come true. Fulfillament has been helping me manifest this dream of mine.

– WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR “PHASE 2” AS YOU MOVE IT AHEAD?

My vision is to purchase a small trailer to retrofit over the winter with plans to open spring 2020. I hope to find a location with more accessibility and close parking such as Village Commons or the 8th Street lot. Eventually, I would also like to take the trailer to local and distant events that would cater to my ideal customer.

The first step I would like to take is to educate myself on the business aspect and restaurant certification/licensing  process. With any left over money, along with my personal funds and possible investor support, I will purchase an appropriate trailer that will become a mobile venue.

robynstanley1414@gmail.com
989-802-9338

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