Below I have listed five problems that I found in articles in my local newspaper, The Gainesville Sun, that could potentially be business opportunities.
#1.) "Here's one way to stop living paycheck to paycheck"
https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0123%21January%2B23&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1712811927B008C0
The author of the article describes how many government employees are struggling financially due to the government shutdown. She believes that many of these people have not budgeted or saved their money wisely for emergencies. She tells about how her grandmother, who didn't make a lot of money, was able to save enough money to always pay her bills and pay off her house before retiring. Her grandmother taught her to be smart with her money. According to the article, only 41% of people surveyed had a budget. The author describes how a budget can keep you from living "paycheck to paycheck".
The problem presented in this article is the lack of budgeting by many people. These people then struggle financially and are not prepared if they stop receiving a paycheck.
According to this article, the majority of people (59%) do not budget and could use help with financial planning.
#2.) "City OKs plastic bag, Styrofoam ban"
This article discusses how the city of Gainesville recently passed a ban to stop merchants from using plastic bags and Styrofoam containers. This ban will take effect on August 1, and Gainesville is only the second city in Florida to pass such a ban. There will be a fine of $250 for each offense.
The problem presented in this article is the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam containers causing pollution in our waterways and hurting the environment. This ban will encourage merchants to use more environmentally friendly materials.
This problem impacts businesses in the city of Gainesville who currently use plastic bags and Styrofoam containers. The problem of the pollution caused by using these items affects everyone.
#3.) "Artisan Guild says sales lagging, may close doors"
A local art gallery is considering closing its doors due to low holiday sales. Revenue made over the holidays is normally higher and helps carry the gallery for the rest of the year. The article states that more people are now buying art online which is resulting in lower sales.
The problem in this article is the fact that more people are choosing to buy art online which results in lower sales for the art gallery.
This problem is affecting the art gallery in the article, Artisan Guild, and many other art galleries are probably experiencing the same problem.
#4.) "Gainesville, county seek options to end homeless encampment"
The city of Gainesville is facing a problem with a growing homeless population. The city currently has a homeless shelter known as "Grace Marketplace" which houses many homeless people, but an expanding tent encampment outside Grace Marketplace, known as Dignity Village, continues to grow in numbers. The city is concerned about the individuals living in Dignity Village and is trying to come up with a plan to reduce the homeless population and to find a housing solution for them.
The problem addressed in this article is the growing homeless population in Gainesville, Florida, and a lack of housing for these homeless individuals.
This problem affects the homeless people in Alachua County, the city and county government officials, as well as, all the citizens who live in the county.
#5.) "More Americans buy groceries at dollar stores than Whole Foods, report says"
This article talks about the growing number of dollar stores popping up around the nation and the increasing number of Americans who are buying groceries at these types of stores. Many Americans who are looking to save money are shopping for groceries at dollar stores, but healthy, fresh foods are limited or not available at these stores.
The problem is that although groceries are cheaper at dollar stores, the food quality is not as good, and there is a lack of fresh food options, such as fruits and vegetables. The popularity of these dollar stores is also putting many local grocery stores out of business. This is not good for the health of Americans.
The problem affects all Americans, but especially those with lower incomes and less money to spend on healthy, fresh food. Also, it can affect those who live in rural locations where a dollar store might be their only option for groceries.
