Uganda - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

FixApp is a marketplace that connects people with outsource-able tasks like plumbing, gardening, carpentry etc to individuals, handymen, companies that are capable of completing those tasks for a fee.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

FixApp is a social impact mobile application that aims at tackling youth unemployment in Uganda by fostering a vibrant gig economy, through a marketplace that connects people with outsource-able tasks like plumbing, gardening, cleaning etc to individuals, handymen, companies that can complete those tasks for a fee. Here's how it works: 1. Connects supply and demand: FixApp bridges the gap between young, skilled individuals and people or businesses needing tasks completed. 2. Empowers youth: It provides a platform for young people to showcase their skills, earn income, and gain valuable work experience. 3. Win-win solution: Clients get high-quality services completed, while young professionals build their careers and contribute to the economy. Overall, FixApp is more than just an app; it's a movement. It envisions a future where Uganda's youth can thrive, businesses flourish, and the entire nation benefits from a connected and empowered workforce.

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

Youth Unemployment Talented young people face a frustrating reality: possessing valuable skills but lacking the platform to showcase them. This creates a missed opportunity, not just for them, but for the entire nation. Meanwhile, there's a demand for services like garbage collection, laundry, gardening etc. FixApp bridges this gap. How? 1. Connecting Expertise with Opportunity: We connect individuals and businesses needing tasks completed with skilled young professionals eager to put their talents to work. 2. Empowering the Youth: FixApp fosters a thriving gig economy, creating jobs and income opportunities for Uganda's youth. It's about empowering them to build a brighter future and forge careers ahead. 3. Mutual Benefit: Those seeking services get high-quality work done, while skilled young people gain valuable experience and income. It's a win-win for everyone.

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

For Service Seekers: 1. Convenience: Find skilled professionals quickly and easily for tasks like garbage collection, laundry, gardening, etc. 2. Quality: FixApp helps you connect with qualified individuals and companies for reliable service. 3. Transparency: The platform allows you to see reviews and compare rates before hiring someone. 4. Cost-Effectiveness: Potentially find competitive rates compared to traditional service providers. For Young Skilled Professionals: 1. Income Opportunity: Earn money by offering your skills and expertise through the app. 2. Flexibility: Work on your own schedule and choose the jobs that interest you. 3. Exposure: Build your reputation and client base through the platform. 4. Skill Development: Gain valuable experience by completing tasks and working with different clients. Overall Benefits: 1. Boosts the nation's Economy. 2. Empowers Youth. 3. Strengthens Communities

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

FixApp has two main targeted beneficiaries: 1. Unemployed Youth: The app will empower them by providing a platform to: a) Showcase their skills and gain recognition. b) Earn income through completing tasks and gigs. c) Build valuable work experience and potentially launch their careers. 2. People and Businesses Needing Tasks Completed: FixApp will benefit them by: a) Offering a convenient way to find skilled professionals for various tasks (garbage collection, laundry, gardening, etc.). b) Potentially connecting them with service providers at competitive rates. c) Enabling them to access high-quality work from a pool of qualified young professionals.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2020-01-01

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

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

BRUNO EMURON AURUGAI: An accomplished results oriented Information Technology (IT) expert with 7 years experience in Software development 3 of which were in the banking sector. He also possesses experience in other key IT fields such as data management, IT infrastructure management and user support. An effective problem solver with proven ability in smoothening business processes to achieve desired goals by building software systems, developing and implementing data-driven solutions, and leading and managing teams. ASEKENYE PHILLIPAH ELAETE: A self-motivated, hardworking and result oriented individual with a passion for excellence and high sense of duty and integrity. Five (5) years professional experience with Four (4) years’ of full-time paid employment and technical expertise in: project and administrative management, business and financial analysis, advocacy, research and data reporting systems. Currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management:

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

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.emtech.fixr

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By creating income opportunities for young people, FixApp helps alleviate poverty. While it might not be a direct solution to all aspects of poverty, increased income allows young people to meet basic needs for themselves and potentially their families, contributing to poverty reduction efforts.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Increased Employment Opportunities: FixApp creates a platform connecting young, skilled individuals with people and businesses needing tasks completed. This directly translates to more job opportunities for young people in various service sectors. Income Generation: Through FixApp, young people can earn income by offering their skills and completing tasks. This income can help them meet basic needs, contribute to their families' well-being, and potentially invest in further education or skill development. Formalization of Work: FixApp can incentivize a shift from informal work to the gig economy. The platform can provide young people with a structured way to find work, potentially leading to more stable income and access to benefits in the future. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: FixApp can empower some young people to build their own micro-businesses by leveraging the platform to find clients and manage their work. This fosters entrepreneurship and contributes to economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

1. Enhanced Service Efficiency: Cashless payments streamline transactions within the FixApp platform, further reducing friction and saving time for both service seekers and providers. This contributes to a smoother and more efficient service experience. 2. Promoting Financial Inclusion: Cashless payments can encourage financial inclusion for young people who might not have access to traditional banking systems. By receiving payments electronically through FixApp, they can participate in the formal economy more easily. 3. Innovation in the Service Sector: The integration of cashless payments demonstrates a commitment to innovation within the service sector. FixApp leverages technology to improve the overall experience and potentially paves the way for further technological advancements in the future.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

1. Reduced Skills Gap: FixApp can bridge the gap between the skills young people possess and the opportunities available in the traditional job market. By offering a platform to showcase their skills and gain experience, FixApp empowers them to find work that utilizes their abilities. 2. Income Generation for Vulnerable Groups: Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, those without formal education or experience, or those facing discrimination in the traditional job market can benefit from FixApp. The platform allows them to earn income and improve their economic mobility, reducing income inequality. 3. Flexibility and Accessibility: The gig economy model offered by FixApp provides flexibility in work schedules. This can be particularly beneficial for young people who are juggling other responsibilities like childcare or education alongside work, creating a more inclusive work environment.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

1. Maintenance and Upkeep: FixApp can connect people with skilled professionals who can perform tasks like plumbing repairs, electrical work, or minor home maintenance. This helps residents maintain functional homes and prevents issues that could lead to larger problems or safety hazards within the community. 2. Improved Living Conditions: By facilitating access to services like gardening or cleaning, FixApp can contribute to a cleaner and more pleasant living environment for residents. This indirectly supports a healthy and sustainable community.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

5

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

2

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

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

6

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.

5

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

2

05.08 Justification

1. There might be existing mobile apps or platforms connecting people with service providers, but the specific focus on youth unemployment and the gig economy model in Uganda suggests some differentiation 3. The specific way FixApp combines existing technologies of mobile apps and cashless payments to connect young people with service opportunities might be considered somewhat novel within that context 4. Increased efficiency: Connecting people and service providers electronically streamlines service procurement. Focus on youth: Provides a specific platform for young people to find work and potentially gain experience compared to traditional job boards 5. FixApp is an extension in the sense that it applies existing concepts (mobile apps, gig economy) to a specific context (youth unemployment in Uganda) and target audience (young skilled individuals) 6. FixApp addresses youth unemployment, a significant issue not entirely solved by existing job boards or traditional service providers

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

Main Competitors: 1. Jiji online marketplace 2. Local classifieds sections in newspapers or websites (yellow pages). 3. Social Media Groups. 4. Traditional Service Providers: Established companies offering plumbing, cleaning, or other services. How FixApp Stands Out: 1. Focus on Youth and Gig Economy: This creates new opportunities for them to find work and potentially offering more flexibility compared to traditional service providers 2. Mobile App Convenience: Streamlining the process of finding, booking, and paying for services compared to traditional methods like classifieds 3. Cashless Payments: Promoting financial inclusion for young people and provide a more convenient transaction experience for both parties. 4. Building a Community: FixApp could foster a sense of community by connecting young, skilled individuals with opportunities to showcase their talents and build their businesses.

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

Not Yet