2022 Business Opportunity Research

This year has passed by quickly. With initial seed funding in place, Lakshmi has devoted 2022 to researching local business opportunities. One opportunity we are exploring is mushroom cultivation.

Farming mushrooms can potentially help fund a home for autistic adults by generating sales revenue to support the home and its residents. For example, the mushrooms could be sold to local restaurants, through grocery stores, or at farmers markets. Our goal has always been to fully support between 20 to 30 residents. This revenue could be used to cover operating costs such as staff salaries, utilities, and other expenses, as well as travel and leisure activities.

Another way that farming mushrooms can help autistic adults is by providing employment opportunities for the residents. Many people with autism have difficulty finding and maintaining employment, so having an off-property farm could provide them with the opportunity to work and earn an income. Mushrooms produced at the farm could be sold through a small retail store on the first floor of the residence. The employment roles created by these two locations could help adults at the residence develop valuable job skills and improve their quality of life.

Additionally, farming mushrooms can provide therapeutic benefits for people with autism. Many people with autism find comfort and enjoyment in activities that involve working with plants and animals. Fungi is an often overlooked part of nature. By participating in the mushroom cultivation process, residents could benefit from the sensory stimulation and sense of accomplishment that comes with caring for and harvesting mushrooms.

We have met with potential partners, considered three business models, and projected their associated financial profiles.

We will continue considering opportunities, and identify two more before making a decision on where to focus our efforts.