(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!
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