{
  "id": 11667789,
  "title": "I used a fake Craigslist ad to test my business idea. The reaction gave me the proof I needed.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/i-used-a-fake-craigslist-ad-to-test-my-business-idea-the-reaction",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-03T11:12:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/how-small-business-founder-tested-new-business-idea-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Alison Donnally's life experiences and family tragedies inspired her to create JoeyCo, a business that connects aging adults with college students. Donnally initially tested her idea by listing her parents' home on Craigslist. Her findings led her to develop a unique business model that blends housing and healthcare, creating a symbiotic relationship between students and older adults. The students, called \"joys,\" gain affordable housing and employment opportunities, while the older adults receive the support they need to live independently. Despite facing challenges with housing regulations, JoeyCo aims to increase the \"joyspan\" of older adults, allowing them to maintain vibrant and happy lives at home. However, the company is currently not profitable but is working to become financially sustainable.",
  "summary": "Alison Donnally founded a business to help older adults live independently. She explains how the idea came to life.",
  "key_points": [
    "Alison Donnally founded JoeyCo to connect aging adults with college students.",
    "She tested her business idea using a fake Craigslist ad.",
    "JoeyCo offers housing and healthcare, providing students with affordable housing and employment."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}