Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Saidia is a staffing and events company linking skilled and reliable staff with event planners and hosts. Our focus on training and sustainability also makes us an engine for increasing youth employment and sustainability in the events industry.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Saidia is a staffing and events company that links event planners and hosts with skilled and reliable staff. The business model has three tiers to meet client requirements. Tier one offers standard event staffing to clients thus through targeting and training the youth we create a pool of skilled employees who add to each events success. Tier two comprises of staffing and additional services such as catering and tier three involves full event planning and coordination. To encourage sustainability, we also plan to partner with local recycling companies and offer clients eco friendly substitutes to plastic disposables. Saidia's unique value proposition is elevating standards through simplifying coordination. Post launch, this would be offered to clients through detailed and technology backed consultations and matching. Revenue would thus be generated primarily through commissions on staffing services provided to clients and additional services such as event planning and venue hire.

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

Through the course of my research, which included surveys and interviews with prospective clients, I discovered that there are three primary problems, which the Saidia business model aims to address: 1. Saidia's clients are experiencing difficulties finding trustworthy employees, such waiting staff, and establishing connections with caterers and venues. 2. The standards of an event are lowered by the current personnel pool's little to no expertise in hospitality 3.Staff coordination on event day. Saidia also hopes to improve the community in which it operates by offering part-time employment and equipping employees with skills that they can utilise in their future jobs, thereby contributing to alleviating Kenya's high youth unemployment rate.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

There are several benefits of hiring the Saidia team: 1. Saidia offers access to a pool of professional and dependable event staff that have been trained in customer service, communication, and event management. This guarantees efficient operations and improves attendees' overall experience at events. 2. Saidia provides customised staffing options to fulfil the demands of individual clients. We offer a wide range of staffing alternatives, from waitstaff and bartenders to event organisers and hostesses. 3. Saidia has ongoing training and development for employees thus ensuring high levels of competence at all events. 4. Saidia supports the local community by hiring the youth and supporting local businesses such as recycling enterprises. By selecting Saidia's services, clients may ensure that their events are in line with corporate social responsibility objectives. 5. Saidia allows for clients to concentrate on essential event management activities and leave staffing logistics to us

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Saidia aims to serve a diverse spectrum of beneficiaries in Nairobi's event organising and hosting environment. Among the principal target beneficiaries are: Event planners who handle planning a wide range of events, including social gatherings, trade exhibits, corporate conferences, and weddings. In order to guarantee seamless and effective event execution, Saidia offers these planners access to a dependable pool of knowledgeable event staff.. Individuals or organisations hosting events that need experienced and trained personnel to manage logistics, attendee engagement, and overall event operations. Saidia provides specialised staffing options to satisfy these demands. Businesses and corporations looking for expert event staffing to improve the quality and professionalism of their business events. Hotels and other hospitality venues that need temporary workers for events held on their property. Local Community and Youth seeking part-time employment and skills development.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-06-07

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

I am Saidia's sole owner. I have experience in both hospitality and law. I obtained an upper second class LLB degree from the University of Kent. I coordinated student open days to increase student recruitment while I was an undergraduate student by working with the university partnership and development office. In my capacity as president of the Kent East African Society, I successfully led the committee to win the Kent Union Best Event Award and establish an East African community within the university by planning and executing the Kelele Fashion Show. I also graduated from Queen Mary University of London with an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law. Working at Splendid as a senior events staff member allowed me to pursue my career in events and hospitality while I was a student. In addition, I have five years of expertise managing risks as a paralegal, and in my current position, I ensure clients' businesses comply with different laws and propose solutions to mitigate risks.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgette-n-b6509417b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Hospitality and Events industry

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Saidia's primary means of supporting the No Poverty SDG is by offering the youth in Nairobi possibilities for part-time employment. By providing various positions within the hospitality and events industry, Saidia helps young people gain experience in the workforce, make money, and build skills that will make them more employable in the future. By paving the route for young people to escape underemployment and unemployment and become financially independent, this strategy tackles poverty head-on. Furthermore, via training and development, Saidia equips its employees with marketable skills that may eventually result in improved employment opportunities and stable financial conditions.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Saidia indirectly supports the Zero Hunger SDG by offering job opportunities that lower poverty and increase people's financial stability. An income makes it easier for individuals to buy wholesome meals for their families and themselves. Young people can work part-time employment at Saidia and get valuable experience and skills that assist them attain greater food security and help Kenya’s ultimate objective of decreasing hunger. Furthermore, Saidia fosters a healthy environment through encouraging sustainable practices, which is necessary to preserve fruitful agricultural systems and long-term food security.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Saidia contributes to Good Health and Well-Being in a number of ways: 1. Economic Stability and Decreased Stress: Saidia assists young people in achieving financial stability by offering part-time employment possibilities, which lessens the stress and anxiety brought on by unemployment and financial uncertainty. 2. Professional Development and Self-Esteem: Saidia's training initiatives give employees useful skills that enhance their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. 3. Encouraging Safe Work Environments: Saidia makes sure that all employees receive health and safety training thus reducing the possibility of workplace injuries. 4. Environmental Health: Saidia promotes sustainable behaviours that lead to a healthier environment, like using biodegradable plastic substitutes and properly handling waste. Saidia's business model thus allows it to support both the society at large and employees health and well-being.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Saidia gives young people the chance to obtain real-world work experience while still pursuing their official education by hiring them on a part-time basis. Hence, their academic journey is supported and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts is enhanced by this work-study balance. By supporting its employees' ongoing education and professional development, Saidia helps to achieve the Quality Education SDG. This is also accomplished through the staff training courses I have tailored that address topics such as problem-solving, teamwork, efficient communication, time management, and customer service. These programmes make sure employees have useful skills that they may use in a variety of industries, which improves their entire educational experience.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Saidia aims to contributes to the Gender Equality by implementing inclusive policies and practices that promote equal opportunities for all genders. This is through: 1. Ensuring that the recruitment process is fair and unbiased, with equal employment chances for people of all genders. Through Saidia, I actively working to build a diverse workforce in which each person is given the opportunity to advance in accordance with their skill set. 2. Offering all employees equal access to professional growth and skill acquisition opportunities through Saidia's inclusive training programmes. Saidia contributes to closing the gender gap in skill levels and career advancement by creating an environment where everyone can develop their potential. 3. As a woman-led business, Saidia actively promotes the inclusion of women and girls in its workforce. Saidia helps women become financially independent and build professional skills that can lead to future career success by offering training.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Even though Saidia specialises mostly in event staffing, it still contributes to Clean water and Sanitation by encouraging the use of biodegradable products such as plates and cups instead of plastic. Saidia thus lessens pollution and the risk of water source contamination by ensuring that less plastic debris ends up in landfills and waterways. Furthermore, Saidia aims to supply distinctly labelled bins to hold plastic debris during events. Following collection and processing, this garbage is kept out of water sources by local recycling companies. Lastly, Saidia can employ strategies to reduce water consumption during events, like encouraging staff and clients to utilise refillable water stations rather than single-use plastic bottles and utilising water-efficient appliances.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Even though Saidia specialises in event staffing, I have implemented sustainable practices in the business model that would allow for the contribution to affordable and clean energy SDG. This is demonstrated where one of my business milestones is to earn green event certifications by meeting requirements pertaining to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Secondly, during client consultations, I would be recommending energy-efficient equipment and LED lighting to decrease overall energy usage. I also aim to incorporate energy-efficient procedures into Saidia business operations. This entails utilising energy-efficient workplace technology, cutting back on energy use with lighting controls, and encouraging staff members to practise energy conservation. Lastly, I plan to offer clients that opt to use renewable energy sources to power their events discounts or other incentives.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Saidia makes a substantial contribution to Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG through: Offering flexible and part-time job opportunities in order to combat the problem of youth unemployment in Nairobi. Saidia assists young people in gaining work experience, earning money, and enhancing their financial stability by employing them for event staffing positions. The flexibility also allows for better work-life balance as employees are enabled to manage their personal obligations and obtain job experience. Fostering Fair Labour Practices where each worker is paid fairly and receives reasonable compensation for their work. My mission is that through protecting workers' rights, Saidia motivates businesses to uphold Kenya’s labour laws. Additionally, Saidia contributes to the success and appeal of Nairobi's events by supplying knowledgeable and dependable personnel. Consequently, this stimulates the hospitality and events industries and creates more employment opportunities.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Saidia contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure where the business intends to use advanced technological platforms to streamline hiring, onboarding, and staffing processes. Through the use of mobile applications and online portals, the company improves the infrastructure of the event staffing market by making it simpler for event planners to locate qualified personnel quickly. Additionally, by guaranteeing that venues have a sufficient number of trained employees, Saidia contributes to the development of event infrastructure. This input is essential to the smooth operation of events, which promotes the expansion of the event sector and its supporting infrastructure. Lastly, Saidia facilitates innovation in event management through the provision of superior staffing solutions and promotion of best practices. This includes implementing green practices into practice, coordinating events using technology, and enhancing the general efficacy and efficiency of event operations.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Saidia aims to contribute to reducing inequality by: 1. Ensuring training programmes offered are made available to all employees, guaranteeing that everyone has the chance to grow professionally and acquire new skills. 2. Committing to generating jobs for underprivileged and marginalised populations, such as the youth, people with disabilities, and those from low-income families. Saidia contributes to the decrease of social and economic inequality through offering these groups access to training and employment opportunities. 3. Implementing stringent anti-discrimination policies including having a feedback system where staff can input feedback on all areas of a shift they have worked and a dedicated team to ensure feedback is handled appropriately. 4. Offering flexible work schedules in order to meet the various needs of its staff members. This flexibility helps people balance work and life, which is especially helpful for those who may have carer responsibilities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Saidia supports the Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting environmentally friendly practices and improving community well-being. Through encouraging the use of biodegradable materials instead of plastic, Saidia aims to reduce waste and advance sustainable event management. In order to effectively manage waste, Saidia works with local recycling businesses to supply recycling bins with clearly labelled contents. Saidia also lowers unemployment and strengthens the community's economy by providing job and training opportunities to young people in Nairobi. In addition to strengthening community links through partnerships with local institutions such as technical colleges and non-profits, our inclusive recruitment processes also promotes social cohesiveness. Hence, at its launch, Saidia would contribute to the sustainability, inclusiveness, and economic growth of the communities it works with.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Saidia ensures sustainable consumption and production through: 1. Internal operations such as providing staff with eco-friendly plates and cups to use while working an event, and training staff on of waste reduction strategies such as carrying refillable bottles during shifts. By making certain that employees are knowledgeable about these procedures, Saidia assists event organisers in reducing their environmental impact. 2. Stressing the significance of resource management in the business model. Personnel would thus be adept at streamlining event planning to cut down on waste and inefficiencies. This includes accurate attendance forecasting to avoid over-catering and efficient transport arrangements for events outside of Nairobi to reduce carbon emissions. 3.Using a feedback loop to keep refining our procedures. Information gathered from every event would help pinpoint areas where resource efficiency and sustainability could be strengthened.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Saidia supports the Climate Action SDG by putting into practice and advocating for methods that lower carbon footprints and improve climate resilience in the events sector. First, we provide sustainable event management training to our employees. This involves using eco-friendly goods and reducing waste. By providing our team with the knowledge to execute these practices, we assist event planners in reducing their environmental effect, thereby directly contributing to climate action. Secondly, we put thorough waste management techniques into action. With a focus on maximising recycling and composting and reducing landfill use, our workforce is trained in efficient waste management. Finally, we promote awareness of climate change among clients. throughWe educate stakeholders about the necessity of climate action by proposing sustainable companies that we work with to supply event equipment.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

As a certified ocean intelligent business, Saidia supports Life Below Water by implementing and advocating for methods that conserve marine ecosystems and encourage the sustainable use of ocean resources in the event industry. We prioritise the reduction of plastic waste at events. The utilisation of reusable or biodegradable alternatives is encouraged, and our employees are educated to reduce the amount of single-use plastics in the environment. By doing this, plastic garbage is kept out of aquatic areas. Moreover, Saidia encourages and supports the usage of sustainably farmed seafood at events. I make sure that the caterers I receive portfolios from are ethical and that the seafood they purchase and serve at events comes from sustainable sources. This promotes the health of marine populations and reduces overfishing.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Saidia supports the Life on Land SDG by encouraging sustainable and ecologically friendly practices in all events we staff. This entails promoting the use of biodegradable products, cutting back on single-use plastics, and putting recycling initiatives in place. In this way, we contribute to the decrease in the quantity of waste that ends up in landfills. Moreover, employees receive training on sustainable event management techniques that aim to reduce the adverse effects on nearby wildlife and their natural environments. This entails staying away from environmentally harmful decorations and products that can jeopardise the local wildlife.   Lastly, one of Saidia's post- revenue goals is to donate a percentage of profits from events staffed to groups that plant trees and repair degraded areas.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Saidia contributes to the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions SDG 16 by promoting ethical practices and fostering inclusive and fair work environments. First, Saidia adheres to strong ethical standards in all aspects of its activities. This entails providing equitable pay, secure working environments, and considerate treatment for every employee. By doing this, we foster a fair and supportive work environment that upholds social rights and equality. Second, Saidia promotes transparency and responsibility. To ensure that all stakeholders are informed and involved in decision-making processes, we plan to maintain open and transparent communication channels with our partners, employees, and clients. This establishes a culture of trust with all stakeholders. Finally, Saidia incorporates ethical behaviour, good communication, and conflict resolution into its training to ensure at every event there is an employee who can mitigate any arising conflict.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Saidia supports the Partnership for the Goals Sustainable by encouraging collaborations and partnerships that improve the effectiveness of sustainable event management and promote shared prosperity. First, we prioritise developing strategic alliances with event planners, venues, and suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability. This guarantees that eco-friendly procedures, local product procurement, and environmental effect reduction are all incorporated into the design and implementation of events with a focus on sustainability. Second, in order to promote social inclusion and economic development, we collaborate with neighbourhood groups and communities. This involves using local labour when employing and promoting local vendors and companies at events. Finally, Saidia will maintain open reporting and accountability channels for partners and stakeholders.

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

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

4

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

Saidia has the advantage of being the first business in Kenya that provides a tailored training programme for staff to prepare them for their roles as events staff and also equip them for their future careers. To make the Saidia business model possible, I plan to incorporate technology such as client relationship management (CRM) and workforce management tools. This allows makes Saidia innovative as service delivery would be streamlined by keeping track of employee schedules, maintain staff engagement and have an overview of all clients. Saidia would thus be able to continuously recruit events staff on a part time basis and maintain efficient coordination..

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Saidia would face competition from both standard staffing agencies and specialised event management firms. Conventional employment firms such as Manpower Kenya provide generic employment services to a range of businesses but do not focus on sustainability or staffing for events. Additionally, specialised event management firms, such as Kenya Weddings and Events, may include staffing in their services but prioritise event organisation. Saidia distinguishes itself from its rivals by: 1. Focusing on event staffing to fulfil the requirements of event planners and hosts. 2. Prioritising sustainability by encouraging the use of biodegradable materials and effective trash management during events. 3. Proactively supporting youth employment by offering skill development programmes and part-time job options. 4. Maintaining excellent service delivery standards through rigorous training and quality assurance measures.

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

Once I launch Saidia, I plan to start a Nairobi women entrepreneurs forum where we can seek advice and support from each other.