Beyond Profit Opportunities

Part I
1. T-shirt company- all t-shirts made from NC organic cotton and the prints promote
conservation
2. Science bus- hosts birthday parties and provides in-class field trips for schools in
impoverished areas
3. Gardening center- practices sustainable and organic growing practices and
provide guidance to organic farmers, as well as hosting field trips for young students
to visit and learn about the garden
4. Farm center- sells ethically raised and killed meat, advocacy for animals
5. Tree Nursery- sells plants but also has initiative to plant 1 million trees
6. Wildlife photography company- percent of profits goes towards wildlife animal
rescue centers
7. Childrens Book Publisher- prints books that defy gender roles
8. Reusable bags- buy one, give one model
9. Craft collective- sells crafts and art in the US that are made by women from
impoverished and oppressive communities around the world
10. Pad company- providing reusable menstrual alternatives to women around the
world while also giving to the women and girls that do not have access to menstrual
hygiene, typically resulting in them being out of school 1 week out of the month
11. Soap- made from local goat farm, ethically treated, hosts community events on
the importance of animal rights
12. Phone cases- made from recycled wood and branded by independent artisans
Part II
1. Opportunity type: We are creating a science bus that provides birthday
parties for young children, as well as in- class field trips for elementary and
middle schools in impoverished areas. This idea is new because it combines
these two elements that have not been brought together before. While
Stanford students run a science bus that goes to tutor kids at one school in
the San Francisco- Bay area, and Mad Science provides at home science
themed birthday parties, we are combining the two to effectively advance
science education for all.
2. A) The need for all customer segments is sparking the interest of science in
our youth population. For our first customer segment, well-off parents of
children ages 3-12, we want to provide a convenient, at-home, birthday
experience that will be catered to the child and their interest in science. For
our second customer segment, elementary and middle schools in low-income
areas, we want to provide a free, in-class field trip that complements the
science curriculum, in hopes of increasing student interest in science and
increasing retention of science knowledge.
B) Our solution is to provide a traveling science exhibition bus that is
exciting and captivating for children. Our bus will include fun science

activities, lessons, and demonstrations, created to the wants/needs of the

birthday party or field trip. The bus is a better alternative to museum
birthday party visits because the party does not have to end after an hour
like that of the typical museum. The buyer chooses how long they want
access to the bus, and can hold the rest of the party in the comfort of their
own home. Most museums require that the birthday group use the museums
catering system while The Science Bus lets you do it on your own- a much
more affordable option. As for the field trips- we do them because they make
sense. By bringing engaging science to the classroom of elementary and
middle school students the schools are not only getting a free field trip which
usually isnt possible due to museum fees and bus costs, but they are also
receiving a tool to help inspire their students to pursue science in the future.
C) The Science Bus is an opportunity that is full of value. Our business will
promote the good that we are doing in the community, making us a more
desirable option than for-profit companies that provide birthday parties.
Ultimately, people want to do good in their community and provide
educational opportunities for their children. Science Bus kills two birds with
one stone. As far as copycat competitors, their pursuit would not make much
sense. We will already have relationships with the schools, so there is no
reason for them to copy our model. We are a not-for-profit organization
offering a product so that we can bring money into our schools and cover the
basic costs of the bus. We also promote value in the form of teaching
experience for our college-aged volunteers. Ultimately, though, our greatest
value is the science education that we are able to share with all.
3) The business opportunity makes sense for a multitude of reasons. First off,
we know there is a market for these types of birthday parties, as almost all
museums offer them these days. Secondly, there is a nationwide need for
more comprehensive science education in our schools. Lastly, no one is doing
what we are doing, the way we are doing it. Science Bus tackles all of these
needs (science education, resources for low-income schools, and teaching
experience for college students) affectively and efficiently.