Business Idea, What do you think?

[Jorge]

Ok, so I got this idea the other day because at the exit of the local Airport (where I work) there's always a kid in a wheel chair selling postals and such. I usually buy some and chit chat with him.

The idea:
-Create a cab (taxi) company where drivers would be people in wheel chairs (don't know the word to describe them)

Benefits:
-Cars for this people have less taxes added so they are cheaper than normal cars.
-Business that hire disabled people pay less taxes
-Good public image of the company
-Help people that otherwise can't get jobs (poor education, can't make "muscle" jobs)
-The city needs cabs as the actual quantity is not enough (lots of demand)

Obstacles:
-In order to get professional driver's licenses, disabled people must have a civil license for 2 years before that.
-The government only gives the licenses to this businesses once a year, and they are not enough, so one could buy the cars and make all the paperwork just to get a no for an answer... :coco:

As I said, it's just an idea, but I would love some feedback!

Cheers

 

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[kurtyordy]

I think it is a great idea. Fills a need. Has great PR. Helps people

Not sure on how you overcome the hurdle, but that is a great job of identifying a niche.

 

[Dynain]

Great Idea ..But upfront cost? and City Regs..

Check into it... Smaller city may work good..

D

 

[S928]

Jorge, I think it's great that you're trying to help out disabled people. There's a popular Californian company that hires disabled people. The company generates most of its profits from government contracts. If you can go that route, and win contracts, you could make a lot of money. For more ideas, check out their website.

 

[Jorge]

Great link S928, thanks!

 

[HenkHolland]

Jorge, in the Netherlands there is a company called Valid Express that offers courier services. All their drivers have a physical impairment or a chronic disease.
The company has been around now for I guess approximately 10 years and they are doing fine. Thanks to them several people who otherwise would never be able to work have a job. They get lots of PR and won several entrepreneurship prizes.
So, yes go for your idea.

 

[WheelsRCool]

Great idea IMO, if you do it nd are successful though, watch out for the Bus Union if there's one, as I rea about a company started up by immigrants. It was minivans and these minivans would drive people to wherever they wanted, far more quickly and efficiently than the bus company (which had to get subsidies to survive).

Well the Bus Union came out full-force and managed to shut down this company because it was competing too much.

So if you are successful, just IMO watch for that. Good luck!

 

[Jorge]

Thanks for the input guys!

I'm going to do DD and if its doable I'll make a business plan.