Pedicabs Atl in conjunction with the Nation Of Gentlemen (NOG) proudly presents Eco Village Cooperative (EVC). The EVC is designed to offer the Water Boys in the City of Atlanta and other aspiring young entrepreneurs an opportunity to become sole proprietors of a thriving mobile business. EVC is supported by pedicabs from Pedicabs Atl and training from NOG to assist entrepreneurs to develop a business and obtain the proper licenses to operate as sole proprietors. The support from Pedicabs Atl and NOG will assist entrepreneurs to remain compliant with the regulations of the City of Atlanta and provide access to new business development training.   

In 2017, Pedicabs Atl recognized a need for eco-friendly transportation for people to be transported during the ongoing construction and development of the city of Atlanta, while simultaneously and safely reducing the carbon footprint. With the development of the Atlanta Beltline, we understood how an underserved community would have challenges accessing the new developments, resources, and the city amenities. (e.g., bike lanes and city parks, etc.…) Pedicabs Atl witnessed the increased number of street vendors, to include the Water Boys. Unfortunately, the Water Boys are deemed as a nuisance while, whereas Pedicabs Atl and The Nation Of Gentlemen see them as ‘smoke that can be fanned into an organized fire’ to benefit the boys and the city of Atlanta.

EVC poses an opportunity to remove the Water Boys from the corners and mobilize their business. How do we do this? EVC has identified local businesses who agreed as a village to have their handmade products distributed. The distribution structure is formulated as a cooperative; hence, Eco Village Cooperative.  Each business member of the EVC will lease a pedicab to be wrapped with their business name and logo. The Water Boys will be recruited and trained to become entrepreneurs of a mobile business. The required training will enforce work ethics, raise confidence, increase social awareness, and encourage community involvement and build responsible entrepreneurs. We will also provide directions for obtaining   licenses and insurance to operate the mobile business. This initiative’s goal is to clean up the streets of Atlanta and redevelop a culture we can be proud of. 

The EVC can also serve as a blueprint and viable solution to help reduce the issues around those that are displaced and found refuge under the city of Atlanta’s bridges.