What’s Next

Existing Market

In developing my concept I have already touched on additional products or services, however once the core services are successful I think the next steps would be to include a café in the center and possibly organize meetups and support groups for parents to discuss concerns of raising special needs children.  Offering refreshments, light snacks, specialty coffee’s and teas in this café would employee those with special needs who have taken the life enrichment courses and vocational training.  Organizing parent group discussions we would also be able to provide a safe place for the child to hang out while the parents are meeting.

Existing Market Interviews

1 – My first interview was with a mom while we were both waiting for two hours during a special summer camp.  There is no option to leave while the children are in the camp for safety reasons, however there are no offerings for the parents while we are waiting.  She explained how hard it is to find additional activities and that she enjoys meeting up with other parents. She thought that having a home away from home around like minded parents and children would make their life seem more “normal”.  She has been to other support groups but would have to find a babysitter. 

2 –  I spoke to this mom while waiting during an hour and a half therapy session.  Both of us would like to grab a beverage or even exercise during this time, however after leaving and driving somewhere else that would not leave much time to actually relax or work out.  She thought the idea was a good one but it does seem like a large undertaking.  She appreciated being thought of in the process and suggested possibly a small work out room with just a couple bikes and treadmills.  She would be willing to pay more to include those kinds of services. 

3 – This mom I met at my daughters new school. This school caters to children who have differing abilities.  She used to work full time and has reduced her work schedule to be able to pick up her child and take him to his many service appointments.  She was interested in more of an afterschool center or summer program that would help out the parents.  If the center could expand and offer afterschool services that picked up from local schools and then could offer the services, the parents could pick up the children when they get off work. 

Reflection

All of my interviewees had valid points and it was very interesting listening to what would work for them.  I think they validated the idea and have given even more ways the center can grow in the future.  It would be nice to offer everything to everyone at one time, but that is not feasible.  Starting with adding the café to bring in additional revenue along with providing a social outlet for the parents with support groups is the solid path moving forward. 

Interviewee #2 suggesting incorporating fitness equipment is a very interesting option, however I am not sure everyone would enjoy paying extra.  I do like the idea of providing the afterschool services that would be a solution to many parents.  The children could still enjoy the activities and have time set aside for therapy. It would not be as intensive as 2 hours, but possibly could be a small group focused on socialization and communicating. 

New Market

Due to the specific nature of my venture, thinking of targeting a new market is difficult.  Possibly expanding into other areas or counties would be the new markets.  Personally this has been an issue for me finding something for my daughter is the location.  Branching out to the southern part of the county where new developments and expansion has occurred would be a possibility. 

New Market Interview

1 – I spoke with a coworker who has a child in middle school and she recently moved to the Apollo Beach/Riverview area.  This area has grown so much and is in need of services to support families down there as well.  She homeschools her daughter due to the lack of quality schools and chose to move to the area based on the house she could get for the money.  She would love if there were other nearby services targeted towards special needs families.

2 – Another mom I spoke with has lived in that area for the past 13 years and she would drive all over for her son.  He is older now and she would be very interested in a place where her son could go to learn new skills and bring some sort of value to his day.  Since he is not able to work, most of his days are spent at home and she would like more for him.  He aged out of high school services and that routine is missed. 

Reflection:

The need is out there and not just in one location.  Focusing on areas where expansion has occurred within the last 5-10 years could be fruitful however it is necessary to keep in mind the number of people and the potential of those living there that would require this service. 

Southern Hillsborough County has grown in such a fashion that was appealing to families who were wanting more house for their money.  As more businesses are also moving to that area, as I assumed it is one to consider after doing more research on the demographics and the population of those with special needs specifically.  It is as attractive as my original location as they are both based on the rapid expansion and growth while assuming the statistics are accurate with 1 in 7 child having some form of disability and what we could offer to them.