6A – Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

1) Regulatory
Link - https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article215486225.html

With the recent ban on plastic straws in several areas of South Florida, several opportunities are opened up to more sustainable; eco-friendly products such as metal, paper, hemp, and bamboo straws. The Miami-Herald article discusses the issues with plastic straws, and how easily they end up our roads, sewer pipes, and ultimately, our beaches. This will benefit every potential customer, especially those who are more understanding in regards to the issues of plastic pollution. I see this as a great opportunity due to the fact that I witness this issue first-hand, and by spreading awareness we could certainly educate our communities on the issues we're facing.

2) Regulatory
Link - https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/9/18/20872295/flavored-vape-ban-what-it-means-vapers

With all the scrutiny plaguing e-cig companies, legislators are pushing towards a ban on flavored vapes. This Vox article discusses the potential future of vaping, and how people will still likely be able to get their hands on flavored vapes. This may come via stockpiling now, or digging through the "black market web." With the amount of capital many of these large e-cig companies possess, they are surely going to implement a marketing strategy to retain customers if these flavored vapes are indeed permanently banned. This will specifically appeal to people with nicotine addiction, and refuse/prefer not to resort to regular cigarette usage.

3) Economic
Link - https://weather.com/news/news/2019-09-12-hurricane-dorian-impacts-missing-death-toll-damage-estimates

In the past few years, we have seen trillions of dollars in damage due to natural disasters. The latest disaster; Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, has demonstrated just how deadly and disastrous these issues can be. There is certainly an opportunity here to discover new ways to assist with disaster clean-ups. This will undoubtably serve millions of people around the world who are unable to rebuild and live proper lives following an unexpected event such as a hurricane, wildfire, or earthquake.

4) Economic
Link - https://www.vox.com/2019/3/18/18270916/labor-shortage-workers-us

According to this Vox article, there the U.S. economy simply does not have enough workers. There are 7.6 million available jobs, with only 6.5 million looking for work. There is definitely opportunity here for a job matching website that would essentially encourage people to go out and take these opportunities. This would benefit all 6.5 million of the unemployed if it assists them find a suitable career.