Mozambique - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Empresta-lá is an online rental marketplace in Mozambique, that will enable individuals and businesses to lend and borrow a wide range of items paying reasonable prices, through a user-friendly online interface.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Empresta-lá is an online rental marketplace in Mozambique, designed to facilitate the rent of a wide variety of items, through a user-friendly online interface that will provide easy browsing, booking, and secure payment, ensuring a seamless experience for all users Our platform will connect individuals and businesses, allowing them to maximize the utility of their underused assets and access essential tools, equipment, and goods without the financial burden of purchasing them outright. By promoting a culture of sharing and reuse, Empresta-lá not only makes resources more accessible and affordable but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and lowering the demand for new products We will ensure a high standard of quality and reliability through a robust review and rating system, fostering trust and confidence among users. Empresta-lá aims to strengthen community bonds and support local economies by enabling efficient resource distribution and collaboration

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

In Mozambique, accessing goods for short-term use is often challenging and costly. Individuals and small businesses frequently face the dilemma of needing items temporarily, but affordable or convenient rental options locally are almost inexistent. This gap in the market not only hinders productivity but also limits resourcefulness within our communities. Empresta-lá aims to address this challenge by establishing an online marketplace where people can easily lend and borrow a wide range of items at reasonable prices. By leveraging the sharing economy principles, Empresta-lá will empower users to maximize the use of existing resources, reduce waste, and foster a stronger sense of community collaboration. Our platform will simplify the rental process while promoting sustainable practices and economic inclusivity. Empresta-lá envisions a future where access to resources is democratized, enabling everyone to thrive and contribute to a more efficient and interconnected society.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Affordable Access to a diverse range of items at affordable rental prices, saving costs compared to purchasing. Resource Efficiency by enabling sharing among individuals and businesses, reducing waste and environmental impact. Sustainability by encouraging sharing rather than owning, contributing to a more sustainable future for Mozambique. Ease of Business Start-ups by reducing initial investment costs lowering upfront costs to access necessary equipment, tools, vehicle and more through affordable rentals rather than purchasing outright. Increase of job creation and income generation within local communities which in turn, supports greater food security and economic stability. Community Collaboration and engagement through a platform that connects lenders with borrowers, enhancing social ties and economic inclusivity. Convenience through a user-friendly online interface for easy browsing, booking, and secure transactions, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs that need access to essential equipment and tools that might be too expensive to buy outright. And at the other hand small businesses and entrepreneurs in the renting field by giving them visibility and exposition to potential clients. Community Organizations and Nonprofits that need to make the most of their resources, allowing them to rent items they need for events, community projects, and other initiatives. Students and Educational Institutions needing to access educational tools, sports equipment, and other resources without the need for significant financial investment. Individuals and Households looking for cost-effective solutions to access a wide range of items without the financial burden of purchasing them. Environmentally Conscious Consumers who are keen on reducing their carbon footprint and supporting sustainable practices. Owners of Underutilized Items in general willing to benefit financially by listing their assets on Empresta-lá.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-10-23

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Israel Carlos Sitoe, 21 years old, undergraduate student in Geographic Information Systems, with desirable skills in leadership, being goal oriented and having an adaptive approach to change. He is set to be responsible for field operations when recruiting the first rental providers and managing transaction logistics. Ernesto Alexandre Mazivila, 27 years old, undergraduate student in Information technology and systems engineering and currently serving in the Mozambican military, who made it to the project providing the first capital in exchange for company stakes

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.empresta-la.com/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Empresta-lá significantly contributes to the No poverty goal through several key avenues: Economic Empowerment: providing individuals and small businesses with the opportunity to generate additional income by renting out their underutilized items. Cost Savings: By offering affordable access to a wide range of goods for low-income individuals and families, enabling them to allocate their limited resources more effectively and meet other essential needs such as food. Support for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: That will grow and create more job opportunities, contributing to local economic development and poverty reduction. Educational Access: offering access to necessary tools and resources that might otherwise be unaffordable. Contributing to long-term poverty reduction by enabling better educational outcomes and future economic opportunities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Empresta-lá can support the "Zero Hunger" goal by providing affordable access to agricultural tools and equipment for smallholder farmers, boosting productivity and yields. By reducing costs for food producers and enabling efficient resource sharing, the platform helps lower food prices and increase availability. Empresta-lá enhances supply chain efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring food reaches markets effectively. Promoting sustainable practices and income diversification, Empresta-lá fosters resilient food systems and better nutrition. Additionally, it supports educational programs and training initiatives, empowering farmers with modern agricultural techniques. Through these contributions, Empresta-lá addresses food security, supports sustainable agriculture, and reduces hunger.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Empresta-lá can somewhat contribute to the Good Health and Well-being goal by allowing easy access to medical equipment, promoting healthy lifestyles through sports gear, and supporting mental well-being with recreational items. It could aid in emergency preparedness by offering essential response equipment and support community health initiatives with educational resources. By promoting a circular economy and reducing waste, it also indirectly benefits environmental health, contributing to overall public well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Empresta-lá can contributes to the Quality Education goal by providing affordable access to educational resources like textbooks, scientific equipment, and digital devices. The platform can aid educational institutions by offering rental options for necessary equipment, improving teaching quality and infrastructure.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Empresta-lá can contribute to the Decent Work and Economic Growth by enabling income generation through item rentals, supporting entrepreneurship, and providing cost-effective access to tools for small businesses. Which would promote skill development, enhance workforce capabilities, and encourages sustainable consumption by facilitating resource sharing. By stimulating local economic activity and advocating for inclusive practices, Empresta-lá can foster job creation, economic opportunities, and contributes to sustainable economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Empresta-lá can somewhat contribute to the Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure goal by facilitating innovation, providing small businesses with affordable access to tools, enhancing productivity. Technological integration improves user experience, fostering digital innovation in the sharing economy. While it doesn't directly build physical infrastructure, Empresta-lá strengthens community engagement in resource sharing, promoting local economic innovation and supporting sustainable development goals

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Empresta-lá can contribute to the Reduced Inequalities goal reducing economic barriers. It can promote resource sharing, bridging gaps in access and supporting marginalized groups like women and minorities. By fostering a sharing economy mindset, it strengthens community bonds and collaboration, reducing social disparities. Access to diverse items supports education and skill development, enhancing capabilities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Empresta-lá can contribute to the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal by promoting resource efficiency through item sharing, reducing waste and consumption in urban areas. It can foster community interaction and collaboration, strengthening social bonds and encouraging sustainable lifestyles. Though not directly building infrastructure, Empresta-lá optimizes resource use, supporting urban sustainability and environmental health goals.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Empresta-lá contributes to "Responsible Consumption and Production" by promoting resource efficiency through item sharing, reducing waste, and encouraging sustainable consumption patterns. It extends product lifecycles, minimizing environmental impact from production to disposal. Provide users With means to develop a sustainable practices, fostering a circular economy, and engaging communities in responsible consumption further support its contribution to this global goal.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

2

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

Empresta-lá distinguishes itself as a pioneering platform in the realm of resource sharing, being an online space where almost anything can be rented. This inclusivity goes beyond traditional rental services that focus on specific categories of items. Empresta-lá as a service provider can hardly be seen has a revolutionary project but as a product, it represents an amazing technological innovation. Being able to expand the possibilities of the already existing rental market to something completely new and flexible.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

The main competitors of Empresta-lá would likely be already established short-term rental companies, but since none of them operates on a similar peer-to-peer sharing model, they would benefit more from Empresta-lá as a way to increase their visibility rather than viewing it as a competitor, of course depending on the size of the company. The key factors that differentiate Empresta-lá from the existing short-term renting companies include its focus on inclusivity across a broad spectrum of items, its community-oriented approach and technological innovation that it brings to the already existing rental market.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Not yet.