Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

My project involves production of tilapia fish fingerlings for onward sale to small scale cage and pond fish farmers within lake Victoria region and other parts of the country

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

My project utilizes carefully managed ponds to cultivate high-quality fingerlings. By maintaining optimal water conditions and feeding regimens, the project ensures healthy and robust fingerlings ready for further growth. The primary target market comprises small-scale cage and pond fish farmers who benefit from a reliable supply of strong, fast-growing tilapia fingerlings. This project not only supports these farmers by providing essential stock but also contributes to the overall improvement of local aquaculture practices. By focusing on sustainable pond management and meeting the specific needs of small-scale farmers, the project fosters economic growth, enhances food security, and promotes environmentally friendly fish farming methods.

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

The main problem my tilapia fingerlings production project aims to solve is the lack of access to high-quality fingerlings for small-scale cage and pond fish farmers. Many local farmers struggle with unreliable sources, poor-quality stock, and inconsistent supplies, which hinder their ability to produce healthy, marketable fish. This project addresses these challenges by providing a dependable source of robust fingerlings, ensuring that farmers can maintain steady production, improve yields, and enhance profitability. By solving the issue of fingerling availability and quality, the project supports sustainable aquaculture growth, strengthens local food security, and promotes economic development in the community.

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

My tilapia fingerlings production project offers several major benefits: Consistent Quality: We provide high-quality, healthy fingerlings, ensuring small-scale farmers receive stock that grows quickly and efficiently, leading to better yields and higher market value. Reliable Supply: Our production ensures a steady and reliable source of fingerlings, helping farmers plan and manage their operations without the risk of stock shortages or delays. Sustainable Practices: Utilizing eco-friendly pond management techniques, we promote sustainable aquaculture, reducing environmental impact and supporting long-term viability for farmers and ecosystems alike. These benefits collectively enhance farmer productivity, boost local economies, and contribute to food security and environmental conservation.

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

My startup’s tilapia fingerlings production project is aimed at serving small-scale cage and pond fish farmers. These targeted beneficiaries often face challenges in accessing reliable, high-quality fingerlings necessary for successful aquaculture operations. By providing robust and healthy fingerlings, our project supports these farmers in improving their production efficiency and profitability. Additionally, our service indirectly benefits the local communities by enhancing food security, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable farming practices. This focus on small-scale farmers helps foster economic growth and stability in rural areas, contributing to the overall well-being and development of the region.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-03-31

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

4

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

4

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

1. FAITH MERCY ATIENO - Holds a BSc in statistics, she is a director and doubles up as Finance and administrative manager 2. BERYL AKINYI NYAOKE - Director and Fundraising manager 3. DORICE AKINYI NYAWATA- Director 4.REGINA MICHELLE OWUOR- Director and marketing officer 5. Erick Omondi Odongo- Founder and CEO, BSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries, MSc in Fisheries management and over 7 years in fisheries and operation

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

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555992772670

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to the No Poverty goal by empowering small-scale fish farmers with high-quality tilapia fingerlings, enabling them to increase their productivity and income. By providing a reliable source of robust fingerlings, we help farmers achieve better yields and profitability, which directly raises their standard of living and reduces poverty. Additionally, our project creates job opportunities in the local community, from hatchery operations to distribution. This economic stimulation fosters local development and financial stability. Through training and support, we also equip farmers with the skills needed for sustainable aquaculture, ensuring long-term economic resilience and poverty reduction.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to the Zero Hunger goal by supplying small-scale fish farmers with high-quality tilapia fingerlings, boosting fish production and providing a reliable source of protein. This helps to enhance food security and improve nutrition in local communities. By ensuring a steady and reliable supply of healthy fingerlings, we enable farmers to produce more fish, meeting the growing demand for nutritious food. Furthermore, our focus on sustainable aquaculture practices promotes environmentally friendly farming methods, ensuring the long-term availability of food resources. Through training and support, we empower farmers to adopt these practices, fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural system that can consistently contribute to ending hunger.

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

Our startup contributes to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all by providing high-quality tilapia fingerlings, which enhance local fish production and increase access to nutritious food rich in protein and essential nutrients. By improving the availability of healthy tilapia, we help combat malnutrition and related health issues in the community. Additionally, our sustainable farming practices minimize environmental harm, leading to healthier ecosystems and cleaner water sources. By creating job opportunities and supporting local economies, we also reduce poverty-related health risks, fostering overall community well-being. Through training and education, we empower farmers with knowledge and skills to maintain their livelihoods and health sustainably, ensuring long-term benefits for all ages.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our startup significantly contributes to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, with 90% ownership held by women. By prioritizing female leadership and ownership, we promote women's economic empowerment and decision-making roles in the aquaculture industry. Our project creates job opportunities and provides training specifically aimed at women, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to succeed in fish farming. This inclusion helps break traditional gender barriers, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community. Additionally, by empowering women economically, we contribute to their overall well-being and the well-being of their families, promoting gender equality at both household and community levels.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to the Clean Water and Sanitation goal by implementing sustainable aquaculture practices that ensure the responsible use and management of water resources. By utilizing eco-friendly pond management techniques, we minimize water waste and prevent contamination, preserving water quality. Our methods include regular monitoring and maintenance of water conditions to prevent pollution and protect local water ecosystems. Additionally, we promote the use of recirculating systems that reduce water usage and ensure efficient utilization of resources. Through education and training, we empower local fish farmers with knowledge on sustainable water management practices, fostering a community-wide commitment to conserving water and maintaining sanitation standards.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

Our startup contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating employment opportunities in the aquaculture sector, particularly for small-scale fish farmers and local communities. By providing high-quality tilapia fingerlings and sustainable farming practices, we help farmers increase their productivity and income, leading to economic stability and growth. We prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions, ensuring that all employees experience decent work environments. Additionally, our focus on women-owned businesses promotes inclusive economic participation. Through training and capacity-building programs, we equip individuals with valuable skills and knowledge, enhancing their employability and career prospects. Our commitment to sustainable practices ensures long-term economic viability, fostering resilience and sustained economic growth for the community.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to Industry Innovation and Infrastructure by pioneering sustainable aquaculture practices and promoting resilient infrastructure within the fish farming sector. We utilize advanced pond management techniques and innovative recirculating systems to enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impact. By offering high-quality tilapia fingerlings, we support the growth of a robust aquaculture industry that can withstand market fluctuations and environmental challenges. Our focus on inclusive practices empowers small-scale farmers, particularly women, to participate in and benefit from industrial growth. Through ongoing research, development, and training, we foster a culture of innovation, encouraging the adoption of new technologies and practices that drive sustainable industrialization and infrastructure development in the aquaculture sector.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to Reduced Inequalities by empowering small-scale fish farmers, particularly women, who make up 90% of our ownership, thereby promoting economic inclusion. By providing high-quality tilapia fingerlings and training in sustainable practices, we enable these farmers to increase their productivity and income, helping to bridge the economic gap within their communities. We focus on creating opportunities for marginalized groups, ensuring they have access to resources and markets traditionally dominated by larger players. Additionally, our emphasis on equitable wages and fair working conditions promotes social justice and economic fairness. By fostering inclusive growth and supporting underrepresented demographics, we help reduce inequalities both locally and, through scalable practices, potentially on a broader scale.

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

Our startup contributes to the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal by promoting local aquaculture that enhances food security and economic stability within urban and rural areas. By providing high-quality tilapia fingerlings and training in sustainable practices, we support small-scale farmers in producing a reliable source of food, reducing dependence on external food supplies and lowering the urban ecological footprint. Our environmentally friendly farming methods ensure responsible water use and waste management, contributing to cleaner and healthier communities. Additionally, by creating jobs and fostering economic growth, we enhance the resilience and sustainability of local economies. Through education and community engagement, we encourage sustainable living practices, strengthening the social and economic fabric of cities and communities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to Climate Action by promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that mitigate climate change impacts. We use eco-friendly pond management techniques and efficient water use strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By providing high-quality tilapia fingerlings, we support farmers in producing a climate-resilient food source, reducing pressure on wild fish stocks. Through education and training, we advocate for climate-smart farming practices that enhance resilience to climate variability. Our commitment to sustainable development aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, fostering environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability in aquaculture.

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

Our startup contributes to Life Below Water by promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that conserve marine resources. We focus on producing high-quality tilapia fingerlings using responsible pond management techniques, minimizing environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems. By reducing reliance on wild fish stocks through aquaculture, we help preserve marine biodiversity. Additionally, our commitment to sustainable fishing practices and water conservation supports the health and resilience of marine environments, contributing to long-term sustainable development and ensuring the availability of marine resources for future generations.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

N/A

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaborations with local communities, governments, NGOs, and businesses. We prioritize inclusive partnerships that promote knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in sustainable aquaculture. By working together, we leverage expertise and resources to enhance production efficiency, promote economic growth, and achieve sustainable development goals. Our commitment to transparent and ethical practices strengthens trust among stakeholders, revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development and creating a more interconnected and resilient network for achieving shared objectives.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

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

3

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

My fingerlings production startup addresses a distinct market need by offering high-quality fingerlings tailored to specific local aquaculture demands. Unlike generic suppliers, we specialize in breeding disease-resistant and genetically superior fingerlings, ensuring higher survival rates and better growth potential for fish farmers. This niche focus fills a gap in the market for reliable, specialized fingerlings that optimize production efficiency and profitability for our customers, distinguishing us in the industry and meeting an unmet demand effectively.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors in the fingerlings production market are larger-scale hatcheries and general aquaculture suppliers. What sets us apart is our specialized focus on breeding disease-resistant and genetically superior fingerlings. We prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring our fingerlings have higher survival rates and growth potential. Additionally, we provide personalized customer service and tailored solutions, supporting local fish farmers with expertise and ongoing support. This dedication to quality, customer service, and specialized breeding techniques distinguishes us from broader competitors in the industry.

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