I was at a loss of how to keep food warm for four hours or more. But when I took a break and went into the kitchen, I spotted a small Mylar balloon. Immediately I recalled using a Mylar blanket at a running event to keep warm. I then went into the town to find a medical facility that used emergency blankets of the same material or a florist that sold balloons. None of the medical facilities were familiar with the material or emergency blankets. But, I finally found a florist who sold me several round Mylar balloons. The team reconvened and we discussed the Mylar insulation and how to incorporate it into the design. We then developed a list of materials for production and went into town to source materials. With components in hand, we met with our seamstress to discuss how to manufacture it. Initially our seamstress told us the Mylar could not be sewn. But, with some insistence and ideas from the team, she was able to complete our design. Our two student entrepreneurs made their presentation on the third day and demonstrated their new product that held a meal that stayed warm for over four hours. And, small-scale production was established with the seamstress adding an additional sewing machine and another seamstress. Never did the team doubt we could deliver a viable product for production. “Possibility” drove our actions and decisions even though finding an
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insulation material was questionable and a manufacturing solution was not known at the time we completed our design. Nicaraguan entrepreneurs need to know that they can imagine new ideas and make them a reality. Our Nicaraguan team now knows their product is possible and they are planning on placing their first order for production sometime this month. GVSU, along with other West Michigan schools, are beginning to provide opportunities for local student entrepreneurs to explore the concept of “possibility” around their new product or service ideas through competitions and soon with a new business incubator. With these initiatives, student entrepreneurs will be able to more easily transition from student entrepreneur to business owner within the growing and successful Grand Rapids entrepreneurial network.
Dr. Tim Syfert Affiliate InstructorGrand Valley State University