Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Toi hub offers smooth and affordable ecommerce solutions to vendors in traditional marketplaces looking to move their business online

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

I grew up in a disadvantaged community or slums In kibera, where access to basic necessities and opportunities was limited. I witnessed the resilience and resourcefulness of people in their community who ran small businesses to make ends meet in the physical Toi market. I was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of their community and recognized the potential to create positive change through technology. I saw an opportunity to connect these local businesses with a broader customer base through an online marketplace. The concept of an online marketplace has revolutionized the way businesses and consumers interact. It has provided a digital platform for individuals and businesses to buy and sell products and services in a convenient, efficient, and scalable manner.

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

The main problem I am trying to solve is the lack of access to broader markets and opportunities for small businesses, particularly those in disadvantaged communities like Kibera,Gikomba.We empower them to reach a wider customer base, increase their revenue, and improve their economic prospects. This initiative is crucial as it not only fosters entrepreneurship but also contributes to community development by creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth. Moreover, by leveraging technology to facilitate online transactions, we promote inclusivity and bridge the digital divide, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital economy revolution.

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

Toi offers significant benefits tailored to traditional marketplace communities: Increased Market Reach: Vendors can reach a wider audience beyond their local communities, expanding their customer base and increasing sales opportunities. Cost Efficiency: By leveraging our platform, vendors reduce the overhead costs associated with physical marketplaces, such as stall rentals and travel expenses. Access to Clean Energy Solutions: Our integration of affordable and clean energy options helps vendors reduce operational costs and environmental impact, fostering sustainable business practices. Enhanced Connectivity: The platform facilitates direct communication between buyers and sellers, improving relationships, customer satisfaction, and repeat business. Cultural Preservation: We highlight traditional products and practices, helping preserve cultural heritage and promoting unique community offerings to a global audience.

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

Toi is aimed at serving the diverse communities of traditional marketplaces worldwide. Our targeted beneficiaries include local vendors, artisans, and entrepreneurs who rely on these marketplaces as their primary source of income. These individuals often face challenges such as limited access to resources, including affordable and clean energy. Additionally, our platform benefits the wider community by providing consumers with access to a diverse range of products and services, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. By focusing on traditional marketplaces, we aim to preserve and promote the unique heritage and craftsmanship of these communities while also addressing their modern needs, such as access to sustainable energy solutions. Ultimately, our goal is to empower these communities to thrive economically while promoting environmental sustainability and preserving cultural traditions for future generations.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-05-02

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

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.)

Within our startup, the other owners bring a diverse set of skills and experiences to the table, all aimed at enriching our platform's functionality and user experience. The other owner has extensive programming expertise, with six years of experience under their belt. Their proficiency in coding languages and software development ensures that our marketplace operates smoothly and efficiently, with robust features and reliable performance.

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

https://toimarket.africa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carloskisangi-764240171/ https://www.instagram.com/carloskisangi/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Toi is dedicated to combating poverty by providing a platform that empowers local artisans and small-scale producers.Toi bridges the gap between these talented individuals and a global audience, ensuring fair trade and sustainable income. By leveraging technology, we create opportunities for economic growth and social inclusion, allowing marginalized communities to thrive. Our platform also offers educational resources and support to enhance entrepreneurial skills, ensuring long-term economic stability. Together, we can reduce poverty and promote economic equality by fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital marketplace.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Toi is passionate about leveraging technology to address food insecurity and promote zero hunger. Our platform connects local farmers, artisans, and food producers directly with consumers, ensuring fair prices and reducing food waste. By empowering small-scale producers and providing them with a broader market reach, we support local economies and enhance food availability. Additionally, our marketplace prioritizes sustainable practices, fostering a resilient food system. This approach not only promotes economic growth but also ensures that nutritious food is accessible to all, helping to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. Our commitment to zero hunger is driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to healthy, affordable food, and by supporting traditional marketplace communities, we create a more inclusive and sustainable food network.

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

Toi is driven by a mission to enhance good health and well-being on multiple levels. Our platform empowers local artisans and farmers, promoting economic stability and sustainable livelihoods. By providing access to organic, locally sourced products, we ensure consumers receive high-quality, nutritious food, which is essential for maintaining physical health.Toi fosters community connections, reducing social isolation and enhancing mental well-being. Supporting traditional practices also preserves cultural heritage, contributing to a sense of identity and belonging. In summary, our marketplace not only delivers economic benefits but also strengthens the overall health and well-being of both producers and consumers by promoting sustainable practices, high-quality products, and community engagement.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

As the founder of Toi online marketplace dedicated to traditional marketplace communities, I am driven by a commitment to quality education. Our platform is designed to bridge the gap between these communities and the global digital economy. By providing accessible, culturally relevant educational resources, we empower artisans, traders, and small business owners to enhance their skills and expand their market reach. This, in turn, fosters economic growth, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes sustainable practices. Our marketplace not only offers products but also includes educational modules on digital literacy, e-commerce, and business management, tailored to the unique needs of these communities. This holistic approach ensures that participants are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world, thereby contributing to their long-term economic stability and community resilience.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Toi is committed to fostering gender equality for several key reasons. Firstly, gender equality ensures a fair and inclusive environment, enabling all sellers, regardless of gender, to thrive and contribute to the marketplace. By promoting equal opportunities, we tap into a diverse talent pool, driving innovation and creativity. Secondly, supporting gender equality aligns with global trends and customer expectations, enhancing our brand reputation and customer loyalty. Furthermore, empowering women economically through our platform leads to broader social benefits, such as improved family welfare and community development. Finally, gender equality contributes to sustainable economic growth, as it unlocks the full potential of the workforce. By embedding gender equality into our core values, we not only create a just and equitable marketplace but also ensure long-term success and resilience in a competitive market.

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

Toi is focused on traditional communities, prioritizing clean water and sanitation is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. Access to clean water and proper sanitation directly impacts the health and productivity of community members, which in turn affects their participation in our marketplace. By ensuring these basic needs are met, we enable communities to thrive economically and socially. Clean water reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases, leading to fewer health-related absences from work and more consistent engagement with our platform. Moreover, improved sanitation practices enhance community well-being, fostering a safer and more attractive environment for economic activity. This focus aligns with our mission to empower traditional communities, driving sustainable growth and reinforcing the resilience of our marketplace ecosystem.

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

Toi is dedicated to serving traditional communities, our mission is deeply aligned with the goal of providing affordable and clean energy. Many traditional marketplaces operate in areas with limited access to reliable energy sources, which hampers economic growth and quality of life. By integrating affordable and clean energy solutions, we can empower these communities to thrive.Affordable energy lowers operational costs for vendors, making their goods and services more competitively priced.Our platform not only facilitates trade but also drives a sustainable future, ensuring these communities can prosper in a way that respects their cultural heritage and the environment. This approach aligns economic growth with environmental stewardship, making our marketplace a catalyst for positive change.

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

Toi fosters decent work and economic growth by empowering traditional marketplace communities. By providing a digital platform, we enable local artisans, craftsmen, and small businesses to reach a wider audience, thereby increasing their income opportunities. This creates sustainable employment and stimulates economic growth within these communities. Additionally, our marketplace encourages fair labor practices and promotes the preservation of traditional skills and cultures, contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of these communities.

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

Toi is crucial for advancing industry innovation and infrastructure by bridging the gap between traditional marketplace communities and the digital realm. These communities often lack access to modern technologies and global markets, hindering their growth potential. By providing an online marketplace tailored to their needs, we empower these communities to thrive in the digital age. Our platform facilitates connectivity, fosters collaboration, and streamlines trade processes, thereby stimulating economic development and infrastructure enhancement. Through our innovative approach, we catalyze industry evolution while preserving the essence of traditional markets.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Reducing inequalities is fundamental for societal progress. By empowering traditional marketplace communities through our online platform, we bridge the gap between urban and rural economies, democratizing access to markets. We provide small vendors with a level playing field, enabling them to reach wider audiences and compete on fair terms. This fosters economic inclusivity, uplifts marginalized groups, and stimulates local economies, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

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

Toi is crucial for advancing sustainable cities and communities by revitalizing traditional marketplace communities. These communities are often the heart of urban areas, fostering local economies, culture, and social cohesion. By creating an online marketplace for these communities, we empower local businesses to thrive, reduce transportation emissions by promoting local consumption, and preserve cultural heritage. Our platform fosters community connections, encourages sustainable practices, and contributes to the overall well-being of both urban and rural areas.

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

Toi focusing on traditional marketplace communities, our startup promotes responsible consumption and production in several ways. Firstly, by connecting local artisans and producers directly with consumers, we reduce the need for intermediary distribution channels, cutting down on unnecessary transportation and associated carbon emissions. Secondly, our platform encourages the preservation of traditional crafts and techniques, fostering sustainability by supporting local economies and cultural heritage. Additionally, we implement transparent sourcing practices, ensuring that products are ethically produced and environmentally friendly. Through these efforts, we contribute to a more sustainable future while empowering traditional communities economically.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Toi focusing on traditional marketplace communities, climate action is essential for our startup's justification. By providing a platform for local sellers to reach wider audiences, we reduce the need for extensive transportation and packaging associated with conventional retail. This cuts down on carbon emissions and promotes sustainable consumption habits. Additionally, our emphasis on traditional communities fosters a sense of local identity and connection, encouraging support for environmentally friendly practices at a grassroots level.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Toi is dedicated to promoting "Life Below Water" by supporting sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation efforts. Our platform connects consumers directly with local fishermen who use eco-friendly methods, ensuring that marine ecosystems remain healthy and biodiverse. By providing these communities with a fair trade marketplace, we empower them economically, reducing the need for harmful practices like overfishing and destructive fishing techniques. Additionally, we educate consumers on the importance of sustainable seafood choices, fostering a broader societal shift towards marine conservation. Our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and community engagement not only helps preserve marine life but also ensures the long-term viability of traditional fishing livelihoods, aligning our business with the goals of the UN's Sustainable

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Toi aims to preserve and revitalize the rich heritage of these communities while leveraging modern technology to expand their reach. Our platform connects artisans, farmers, and small businesses directly with consumers who value authentic, handcrafted, and locally sourced products. By doing so, we support sustainable economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. This online marketplace addresses the growing consumer demand for unique, ethical, and sustainable products, providing an alternative to mass-produced goods. By empowering traditional market vendors with digital tools and broader market access, we help ensure their survival and prosperity in an increasingly digital world. Our platform fosters community engagement, supports local economies, and promotes environmentally responsible consumption, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future.

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

My startup aims to foster peace, justice, and strong institutions by empowering traditional marketplace communities through an online platform. By digitizing these markets, we enhance transparency, accountability, and access to justice. Our platform facilitates fair trade, resolving disputes fairly and efficiently. Moreover, it promotes economic growth, reducing inequalities and fostering stability within these communities. This digital transformation strengthens institutions by modernizing their operations, ensuring sustainable development and contributing to the overall peace and prosperity of society.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Partnering with traditional marketplace communities can provide invaluable benefits for our startup. These partnerships offer access to established networks, trust, and expertise that can accelerate our growth and enhance our credibility. By aligning with these communities, we demonstrate our commitment to preserving and supporting traditional marketplaces while also tapping into their loyal customer base. This collaboration fosters mutual value exchange, enabling us to leverage their insights to tailor our platform to meet the specific needs and preferences of these communities. Ultimately, these partnerships serve as a bridge between the traditional and digital worlds, enriching both our platform and the communities we serve.

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

2

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

3

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

2

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

6

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

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

Toi focuses on vendos in traditional marketplcess communities which is something that has not been done

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Toi focuses with traditional market place communities vendos,Transparency- vendors interact with customers directly, Trust. t's not just about convenience; it's about making transactions easy, efficient, and scalable for everyone

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

Yes, we are actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community. Our online marketplace targets local businesses in traditional markets, where women are often predominant as vendors. We provide tailored training programs, mentorship opportunities, and dedicated marketing support to empower female entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to succeed and grow their businesses. Yes, we are actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community. Our online marketplace targets local businesses in traditional markets, where women are often predominant as vendors. We provide tailored training programs, mentorship opportunities, and dedicated marketing support to empower female entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to succeed and grow their businesses.