Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship

Laney Wessels,  Sophia, NC

Junior, Communication - Advertising

ForkLine addresses the challenge of dining out safely for individuals with dietary restrictions and allergies by collaborating with restaurants to create customized, allergen-aware menus. It differentiates from current practices that rely heavily on staff knowledge and customer research, which are prone to errors, by providing a digital, interactive menu accessible via QR codes in participating restaurants. This not only aids customers in making safe food choices but also supports servers and kitchen staff with training tools on dish ingredients. Targeting locally-owned restaurants and those with dietary restrictions, the business model focuses on university communities for initial customer acquisition, using pop-ups, brand ambassadors, and restaurant advertising. Early feedback from restaurants and potential users has been positive, highlighting a significant demand for such a solution. The plan to onboard the first ten customers involves demonstrations and highlighting the mutual benefits of attracting and retaining customers. Initially launching the service for free in Boone to gauge value and set a fair pricing strategy, the financial plan includes expanding to paid services in the Triangle and Charlotte, aiming for broader adoption and potential partnerships with larger platforms like DoorDash. Success hinges on the growing need for dietary accommodation in the restaurant industry and the app’s potential to streamline and enhance the dining experience for businesses and consumers.

Jack Scalise, Charlotte, NC

Junior, Management

The Mindful Project addresses the escalating global mental health crisis, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, through a unique blend of community engagement and charitable contributions. It introduces Mindful Notes, a community initiative donating $1 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for each note of hope shared, alongside a charitable clothing line that contributes 10% of each sale to NAMI. This approach sets it apart in the competitive landscape, where various mental health support options exist but lack the integration of direct charitable actions and community involvement. The Mindful Project's business model leverages social media and the engaged community around Jack Scalise to market its dual-front solution: an online platform for sharing Mindful Notes and an e-commerce site for its apparel line. Targeting individuals passionate about mental health and those seeking to support mental wellness, the project plans to attract its first 10 customers through a targeted social media campaign and special promotions. With a goal to sell 1,000 units in the first year and aiming for $50,000 in revenue, The Mindful Project not only offers support and hope to those affected by mental health issues but also empowers individuals to advocate for mental wellness, sparking a widespread movement for change.

Ren Zhen , Huntersville, NC

Freshman, Management - Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Optimist revolutionizes the custom computer industry by seamlessly blending unparalleled cooling technologies with limitless aesthetic customizations, catering to those who demand both peak performance and personal expression in their technology. We recognize the deep-seated need for devices that are not just tools but extensions of our personalities, offering bespoke computing solutions that go beyond the standard expectations of power and price. Our philosophy centers around a direct, personal engagement with our clients, ensuring that from the initial design conversation to the final product delivery, the experience is cohesive, personalized, and devoid of the frustrating bureaucracy often found in tech support. Our standout feature is the innovative application of advanced cooling solutions, typically reserved for high-end automotive and server use, which we incorporate to significantly reduce noise by up to 85%, thereby enhancing the overall user environment. Starting from a modest workshop in Boone, Optimist is now at the forefront of redefining how personal computing devices are perceived and used, aligning high-performance hardware with individual style and sustainability. As we continue to grow and innovate, our focus remains on pushing the boundaries of what custom computers can be, ensuring they meet the unique needs and aspirations of our diverse clientele.

Thomas McEwen, Hickory, NC

Senior, Professional Studies with double minor in Entrepreneurship and Computer Science

Trackr is a novel social media platform aimed at revolutionizing personal growth through structured goal setting, social interaction, and gamification. Addressing the gap left by current self-improvement tools, Trackr allows users to create goals, share them with friends, and receive encouragement and accountability directly within the app. Following a period of research, introspection, and a previous beta test, the Trackr team has refined the app to emphasize user accountability and social engagement, incorporating elements like a Friend Leaderboard to enhance motivation and progress visibility. The app differentiates itself by enabling users to pursue any goal, supported by a unique goal creation system and real-time feedback from friends, setting it apart from niche or habit-tracking alternatives. With a freemium business model and a focus on a seamless, productive user experience, Trackr aims to unite users' goals and aspirations into one comprehensive platform. After positive preliminary feedback and a committed approach to refining the app based on user insights, Trackr is poised for a reinvigorated launch, aiming to build a vibrant community of users actively engaging in personal improvement and mutual support.

Jordan Tucker, Winston Salem, NC 

Senior, Psychology

Virtue Solutions aims to address the growing demand for specialized HR solutions in the High Country, bridging the gap between traditional practices familiar to older generations and the expectations of the newer workforce. By leveraging local knowledge and offering personalized attention that larger corporations cannot, Virtue Solutions provides small businesses with tailored HR practices including automation, recruiting, and strategies to boost productivity and sales. Differentiating itself from the few existing local consulting firms, Virtue Solutions specializes in HR and aims to optimize resources, allowing businesses to focus on core operations for sustainable growth. The business model involves assessing the local market, engaging business leaders through the chamber of commerce or referrals, and establishing contractual agreements based on comprehensive needs analysis. Targeting small businesses within the 1-5 million dollar range, Virtue Solutions plans to secure its first 10 customers by networking at chamber meetings and conducting thorough needs assessments. With an initial goal of securing 5 contracts annually in a market of approximately 1000 local businesses, the venture aims for a first-year revenue of $65,000. Believing in the potential for success due to the high number of local businesses seeking to adapt and thrive across generations, Virtue Solutions is poised to take its next steps by increasing visibility among business leaders, formalizing its business structure, and obtaining necessary certifications and digital presence.