Venture Concept #1

Opportunity

I live in the southwest Florida region. More specifically, Fort Myers. The area is very seasonal and most businesses cater to the winter visitors, snowbirds, and tourists. Most people who come down to visit do not own or even know how to operate a boat. However, just because you don’t have a boat, doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy time on the water. After all, that is why so many flock to the area – the beaches, islands, and river.

It is in this unmet need that I saw an opportunity. Although rental boats area available by the day, if you have never driven a boat you may not feel comfortable or be qualified to actual navigate one. This poses a safety issue. Other boaters go out on the water with the purpose of drinking. Drinking and driving, even on the water is another huge safety concern.

The market will be any area on the water or people in the area hoping to get on and enjoy the area. There are very few opportunities to get on the water, aside from boat rentals, which I mentioned previously. Moreover, a very small percentage of the visitors actually utilize boat rentals.

As of now, there is a large gap in waterway transit for both leisurely travel and boating excursion activities. There doesn’t seem to be anyone in the area attempting to fill this gap so I believe the opportunity will be there for at least a year or two.

Innovation

My concept is unique in this gulf coast region of Florida. I will be offering a boating transit service which will service the Fort Myers River District, Cape Coral Yacht Basin and canals, surrounding islands and fishing holes, the Gulf of Mexico, Matazana’s Inlet around Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, even Bonita Beach and the estuaries surrounding the area. The different services included will be:

·         Taxi Services

·         Excursion Options,  including:

o   Island pick-up and drop-off

o   Beach pick-up and drop-off

o   Sunset & Dolphin cruises

·         On-board refreshments, including:

o   Non-alcoholic refreshments

o   Alcoholic Beverages

o   Snacks and finger foods

Each services will depend on time and distance similar to how you price taxi and Uber rides. They will have an app they can use to locate them using GPS. They can use their credit card to pay through the app or with cash in person. They can request a vessel size based on party size, when available. And they will be able to enjoy their refreshments on-board while riding to their destination of choice.

Venture Concept

My venture concept will solve the needs of everyone in the area hoping to enjoy the waterways, from adventurous tourists to bored residents. From those looking to watch the sunset on a boat to boaters who have simply had too much to drink. It will be a more enjoyable way to commute around to various waterfront bars and restaurants. It allows non-natives to enjoy secret local spots.

As there are no natural competitors to this concept, I believe most people will try it at least once to see if it’s something they enjoy.

The location of my boats is the most important part. Since no one else in this area is offering the service, this area is where I will begin my business.

Three Minor Elements

The most important resource I am bringing to this venture is my ability to network and market my own services. I have many great connections in the area already and continue to grow my network daily.

The next part of my concept would be to include souvenirs in my business. Tourists are always buying shirts, hats, etc with the area name on it. It’s just something they do. So, I will find a way to incorporate some of these products into my business.

In five years, I would hope to have as many as 15 vessels fully operating at capacity during the winter months, generally October to April. I will work the hours I want while having freedom as a business owner, but still being very much involved in my company. As long as this business goes well, I see myself opening another business as well. Possibly a non-profit.