Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Backyard Vendor is an online platform that connects neighbors to buy and sell pre-loved items within their local communities. We offer a hyper-local focus, allowing users to filter listings by region and connect with buyers/sellers nearby.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Backyard Vendor is an online platform that connects neighbors to buy and sell pre-loved items within their local communities. We offer a hyper-local focus, allowing users to filter listings by region and connect with buyers/sellers nearby. We are empowering local communities by providing a secure and convenient platform for buying and selling pre-loved items, promoting sustainability, and fostering connections between neighbors.

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

Our platforms allow anyone to sell what they no longer need, and find what they love at very affordable prices. The second-hand goods market is rapidly growing, driven by increased consumer interest in sustainability and affordability. Online marketplaces like amazon.com and jumia.co.ke have gained traction, but often lack a hyper-local focus. Backyard Vendor will fill this gap by catering specifically to neighborhood-based buying and selling.

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

Major benefits of using Backyard Vendor Includes: - Promotes Sustainable Shopping: Give pre-loved items a second chance and reduce environmental impact. - Hyper-local focus: Encouraging connections and supporting local economies. - Easy-to-use platform: User-friendly interface for listing, browsing, and communication. - Simple and Convenient: Post items for sale in minutes with clear descriptions and photos. - Targeted Reach: Filter listings by region to connect with buyers in your neighborhood. - Safe and Secure: Communicate directly with buyers and arrange pickup or delivery at your convenience.

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

Our primary target market includes: - Individuals looking to declutter their homes and sell unwanted items. - Value-conscious consumers seeking unique and affordable pre-loved goods. - Eco-conscious individuals who prioritize sustainability and reducing waste. - Local communities seeking to connect with neighbors and build a stronger sense of community.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-06-15

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.)

NA - I am in the process of finding the right business partner to work with.

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

https://linkedin.com/in/james-serengia

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Gives everyone a platform to sell regardless of their position in society while connecting them to endless market opportunities. One of the heartwarming stories is from a young man who used Backyard Vendor to sell clay construction bricks to pay for his school fees from a very interior community. Backyard Vendor gave him exposure to the market.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

From the platform, one can actually buy agricultural produce direct from the farm

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

3

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Anyone can sell or buy on the platform regardless of their gender. Backyard Vendor also aims to employ more women in the next 3 months.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

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

Promotes Sustainability: Give pre-loved items a second chance and reduce environmental impact.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Anyone can sell or buy on the platform regardless of their gender.

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

Hyper-local focus: Encouraging connections and supporting local economies.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Through Backyard Vendor, we are encouraging the use of second-hand items.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Reduces carbon-footprint: Give pre-loved items a second chance and reduce environmental impact.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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

5

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.

4

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.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors include brands like jumia.co.ke and jiji.co.ke . Our competitive advantage is that hyper-focus on connecting local communities. Backyard Vendor will fill this gap by catering specifically to neighborhood-based buying and selling. We also focus on the selling of second-hand/pre-loved items which are highly affordable.

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