Task Turtle is a new start-up that is attempting to give the elderly and homeless easy tasks to do in exchange for food or small amounts of money. Task Turtle was founded using the principals of the Tortoise and the Hare which proved that sometimes slow and steady sometimes isn't a bad thing.
Task Turtle asks users to post easy jobs with no time limit such as painting a garage. Users can then select their own Task Turtle to undertake the job. Payment can be made in the form of either one or two sandwiches (seriously) or $2. The site is currently in beta and has been rolled out in San Francisco, Madison (Wisconsin), Detroit and Chicago. Only time will tell if the homeless and elderly of the world respond to Task Turtle. Here's hoping they do.
Homeless Errand Services
Task Turtle Lets the Homeless and Elderly Claim Odd Jobs
Trend Themes
1. Homelessness Employment - Task Turtle's model of offering easy tasks to the homeless in exchange for food or small amounts of money presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in addressing unemployment among the homeless population.
2. Social Impact Start-ups - Task Turtle's mission to empower the homeless and elderly through creating job opportunities demonstrates the potential for disruptive innovation in the field of social impact start-ups.
3. Inclusive Workforce - Task Turtle's platform, which allows users to select their own Task Turtle to complete tasks, highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in creating an inclusive workforce that actively incorporates individuals from marginalized communities.
Industry Implications
1. Gig Economy - Task Turtle's platform taps into the gig economy by providing a platform for individuals to earn income through completing easy tasks, which presents disruptive innovation opportunities within the gig economy.
2. Social Services - Task Turtle's focus on addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for the homeless and elderly presents disruptive innovation opportunities for social services organizations to develop similar models.
3. Elderly Care - Task Turtle's approach of offering simple tasks to the elderly in exchange for food or a small payment presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the elderly care industry, promoting social engagement and financial support for this demographic.