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  • March 1998 (Revised July 1998)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Boston Duck Tours,1996: Has Boston Gone Quackers?

By: Myra M. Hart and Stephanie Dodson
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:21
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Abstract

While on vacation in Memphis, former investment manager Andy Wilson discovers a unique "tour bus" that travels over land and through water. He decides to transplant the concept to Boston and to add both historical and theatrical features to the amphibious tour. As he tries to start up Boston Duck Tours, Wilson must figure out how to organize and fund the new venture. The challenges seem overwhelming. He has no relevant experience and very little money. The market is untested and, at best, seasonal. Furthermore, the regulatory barriers are high. Wilson's persistence and creativity provide some solutions, but create additional challenges when it comes to harvesting financial value. This case is particularly useful in the Resourcing and Organizing module of a course on New Ventures.

Keywords

Opportunities; Creativity; Entrepreneurship; Financing and Loans; Problems and Challenges; Business Startups; Tourism Industry; Tennessee; Boston

Citation

Hart, Myra M., and Stephanie Dodson. "Boston Duck Tours,1996: Has Boston Gone Quackers?" Harvard Business School Case 898-189, March 1998. (Revised July 1998.)
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About The Author

Myra M. Hart

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More from the Authors
  • Enhancing Women's Financial Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success By: N. M. Carter, E. J. Gatewood, P. G. Greene and M. M. Hart
  • Growth-Oriented Women Entrepreneurs and Their Businesses: A Global Research Perspective By: C. G. Brush, N. M. Carter, E. J. Gatewood, P. G. Greene and M. M. Hart
  • The Use of Bootstrapping by Women Entrepreneurs in Positioning for Growth By: Candida G. Brush, Nancy M. Carter, Elizabeth J. Gatewood, Patricia G. Greene and Myra M. Hart
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