Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

StoneSoop is an economic empowerment podcast that blends storytelling with contemporary narratives to preserve cultural heritage, educate its audiences, and foster community connections through diverse voices and impactful stories across Africa.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Stone Soop is a podcast inspired by the folktale Stone Soup, where a community creates something wonderful through cooperation and sharing. This timeless story, with variations across cultures, teaches the power of collaboration, mirroring African storytelling traditions that celebrate community, shared experiences, and generational wisdom. Our podcast blends diverse African voices and stories into rich narratives, aiming to: Preserve and celebrate contemporary voices. Inspire and connect listeners with powerhouse guests. Educate and empower audiences with diverse perspectives. In today's fast-paced world, storytelling bridges gaps and fosters community. Stone Soop explores extraordinary stories, lives, and lessons of notable Tanzanian and African figures, connecting cultural and economic insights. We address the market's hunger for deeper themes of community, identity, and shared experiences. Leveraging African traditions and storytelling, our podcast resonates locally and globally.

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

We aim to solve is the lack of accessible and engaging storytelling platforms that highlight the cultural impact and economic advantages of preserving African heritage while fostering community, education, and empowerment. Many African voices and stories remain unheard, leading to a disconnect between generations and a loss of valuable cultural and economic knowledge. Additionally, there is significant demand for content exploring deeper themes of identity, community, and shared experience. StoneSoop addresses this problem by creating a podcast that blends storytelling with contemporary narratives, capturing the vibrancy and diversity of local stories. Our platform preserves and celebrates these voices, inspires and connects listeners, and educates and empowers audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural and economic insights. This approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to quality education, reduced inequalities, and sustainable commu

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

1. Cultural Preservation and Celebration: By blending storytelling with contemporary narratives, our podcast preserves and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Africa, ensuring that valuable stories and knowledge are passed down to future generations. 2. Education and Empowerment: StoneSoop educates audiences by providing diverse perspectives on cultural, social, and economic issues. It empowers listeners with insights and knowledge that foster understanding, personal growth, and community engagement in the digital age. 3. Community Building and Connection: Our podcast connects listeners by sharing stories that resonate on a personal level, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. It bridges gaps between generations and diverse backgrounds, promoting unity and collaboration toward universal goals. We have geared StoneSoop to be a powerful alternative media tool for positive impact and growth for the continents priorities and activities.

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

StoneSoop targets young adults, professionals, and community leaders in Africa and Globally interested in education, empowerment, and sustainable development. Our beneficiaries include: Students and Educators: Seeking quality education through engaging storytelling that provides diverse cultural and economic insights. Entrepreneurs and Professionals: Looking for inspiration and empowerment from stories of local heroes and business leaders, aligning with goals of decent work and economic growth. Community Leaders and Activists: Focused on reducing inequalities and building sustainable communities through shared experiences and impactful narratives.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-31

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

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

StoneSoop has partnered with seasoned experts to ensure high-quality content and impactful delivery: Cynthia Bavo: A seasoned communications expert with extensive experience in media advisory, Cynthia provides strategic guidance on content production and rollout, ensuring our stories are engaging and reach a wide audience. Centric Studios: Specializing in audiovisual pre and post-production, Centric Studios handles all technical aspects of our podcast episodes, ensuring professional and polished output that enhances the listener experience. Rutifia Remtullah: An alumna of the Vijana Think Tank and a TEDx organizer, Rutifia oversees guest curation and live series episode events. She brings a wealth of experience in event management and curating impactful discussions, facilitating live sessions with prominent guests for an audience of 150-200+. These partners bring a blend of communication expertise, technical proficiency, and event management skills, crucial for the success and growth.

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

stonesoop.com

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

i) Communication services (telecommunications, media, interactive services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

StoneSoop indirectly contributes to SDG 1 by providing educational and empowering content that can uplift individuals and communities, potentially leading to poverty reduction. While the podcast's impact on poverty alleviation may be indirect, its focus on education and empowerment can inspire listeners to improve their economic circumstances and contribute to poverty reduction efforts in their communities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

While not a direct focus, StoneSoop's promotion of community and shared experiences can contribute to building solidarity and addressing food security issues. The podcast's emphasis on community building and unity can indirectly support efforts to address hunger by fostering collaboration and collective action towards food security.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The podcast can indirectly promote well-being by sharing stories that inspire and educate, contributing to mental health and community well-being. By providing positive and inspiring content, StoneSoop can contribute to improving mental health and well-being among listeners, which is essential for overall health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

StoneSoop directly contributes to SDG 4 by providing engaging storytelling that educates and empowers listeners. The podcast's focus on education and empowerment aligns directly with SDG 4, as it provides valuable learning opportunities and promotes lifelong learning.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The podcast promotes gender equality by having a female host whilst also showcasing stories of women leaders and entrepreneurs, challenging stereotypes among the features. By highlighting the achievements of women leaders and entrepreneurs, StoneSoop contributes to challenging gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

StoneSoop's focus on community and empowerment can indirectly raise awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation. Although the podcast's focus is not on water and sanitation issues, its promotion of community empowerment could indirectly contribute to raising awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation in communities.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

StoneSoop indirectly contributes to SDG 7 by promoting cultural preservation and education, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. While the podcast's focus is not on energy issues, its promotion of cultural preservation and environmental responsibility can indirectly support efforts towards affordable and clean energy.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The podcast inspires entrepreneurs and professionals, aligning with goals of decent work and economic growth. By showcasing stories of local heroes and entrepreneurs, StoneSoop can inspire individuals to pursue entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth and job creation.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The podcast's innovative approach to storytelling demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions in various industries. The podcast's innovative approach to storytelling could inspire innovative thinking in other industries, contributing to overall industry, innovation, and infrastructure development.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

StoneSoop aims to bridge gaps between generations and diverse backgrounds, promoting unity and collaboration. By promoting unity and collaboration, StoneSoop can contribute to reducing inequalities by fostering a more inclusive society where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

StoneSoop contributes to creating more inclusive and resilient communities. The podcast's focus on community building and connection aligns with SDG 11, as it helps build stronger, more inclusive communities that are better equipped to address challenges and thrive in a sustainable manner.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The podcast promotes responsible consumption by highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage and using resources wisely. By promoting cultural preservation and environmental responsibility, StoneSoop can contribute to raising awareness about the importance of responsible consumption and production practices.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Storytelling is an instrument for promoting cultural preservation and community building, which are essential aspects of addressing climate change, the podcast will support efforts towards climate action by fostering a sense of environmental responsibility.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

The podcast's focus does not directly contribute to SDG 14, but can feature guests and stories to provide lessons on this SDG.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The podcast's focus on preserving African heritage indirectly contributes to promoting life on land and biodiversity, the podcast will contribute to raising awareness about the importance of preserving life on land and biodiversity.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

the podcast provides room for promotion of community and shared experiences can contribute to building stronger institutions that uphold peace and justice.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

StoneSoop's collaboration with diverse voices and storytellers demonstrates a commitment to partnerships for achieving the SDGs. Our collaborative approach to storytelling demonstrates a commitment to partnerships and collective action, which are essential for achieving the SDGs. Overall, StoneSoop demonstrates a strong alignment with many of the SDGs, particularly in the areas of education, gender equality, and community building.

05.01 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

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.

3

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

3

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

6

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

6

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

4

05.08 Justification

StoneSoop is a unique and innovative project led by Happiness Watimanywa, a seasoned executive with a strong background in media, technology, and finance. The podcast stands out by focusing on celebrating African voices and stories, a departure from traditional storytelling platforms. Through StoneSoop, Happiness promotes education and empowerment, addressing the growing demand for diverse and meaningful content. Leveraging her expertise in digital media and technology, Happiness has ensured that StoneSoop reaches a global audience, making African stories accessible worldwide. This combination of cultural relevance, educational value, and digital innovation makes StoneSoop a pioneering project in the storytelling space.

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

StoneSoop's main potential competitors include other storytelling platforms and digital media companies that produce similar content. However, what sets StoneSoop apart is its exclusive focus on African voices and stories, its commitment to education and empowerment, and its innovative use of digital media and technology. One of the key issues StoneSoop aims to address is the loss of valuable history, knowledge, and insight from industry titans who died without leaving behind books or interviews. By capturing and sharing these stories, StoneSoop not only preserves this valuable heritage but also offers a unique and compelling narrative that sets it apart from competitors. Through its dedication to showcasing untold stories and amplifying diverse voices, StoneSoop aims to become a leading platform for African storytelling, offering a wealth of content that is both culturally enriching and intellectually stimulating.

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

Through my role at Startup Grind Dar es Salaam, I spearhead mentorship programs and networking events, pairing entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and facilitating connections with potential investors. At The Money Clinic, I conducted financial literacy workshops tailored to female entrepreneurs, collaborating with organizations like SheFound and KSIJ Dar es Salaam. I curated the first Startup Investors Tradeshow, advocating for increased funding access. At MCL, I ideated and secured funding for Rising Woman Online, a platform empowering women in Tanzania, showcasing my commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in Tanzania and East Africa.