I want to know how to start up a COVID-related project, but I do not know how.

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Question: 

I am 16 years old and I want to start a project that makes yarn whales to give to people in the hospital during this time. If it successful and keeps momentum, I want to continue this even after the COVID-19 has subsided. A problem though, is that I have no idea where to start, what kind of permission I need from who, or anything like that. I would love some pointers and help on what to do. I really thank you for reading and answering my question. Stay strong :)

Answer: 

How very thoughtful and considerate a project you have in mind!

You are already exhibiting entrepreneurial behaviors by reaching out for advice. When starting anything new, you need to get questions answered for which you don’t know the answers, but you also need to identify which questions you need to be asking. The best means of doing this is by talking to and corresponding with people.

I suspect one important audience is the business or visitors office at your local hospital. At our local hospital, for example, I would contact the Mary Greeley business office or send them an email. Explain your idea and ask for a contact at the hospital that could provide ideas on how to appropriately give your gifts to patients.

You may also think about product design so you can describe it to them carefully. For example, do you plan to include a note or message with your product?  Will you use any procedures to make sure the yarn and the note and packaging materials are free of infectious agents? The CDC publishes some guidelines as one example.

Answered by:
Kevin Kimle
Teaching Professor
Category: 
Last updated on May 17, 2023