Uganda - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Helton Traders LLP is developing a local solution for Uganda's textile industry by turning recycled plastic bottle waste into quality sustainable fabric sewing threads, aiming to boost jobs ,economy and sustainability.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Helton Traders LLP is setting up a facility in Uganda to make sewing threads from recycled plastic bottles. We're tackling the local thread shortage and cutting down on waste. Our threads will be affordable and quick to deliver, helping traders save time and money. We aim to create jobs, especially for women, and keep the environment clean. Our plan is to start small in Central Uganda and grow to help more people across East Africa.

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

According to the Uganda Revenue Authority Annual Imports Trade Report 2021,Uganda brings in only 300 tons sewing thread each year, but the country actually needs over 1500 tons. Getting these threads from China takes a long time about 40 to 60 days which causes delays and problems for local businesses. They also have to order a lot at once, which costs a lot of money. Plus, by not making these threads in Uganda from recycled plastic, we miss a chance to reduce the plastic waste problem. Every day, over 60% of the 600 tonnes of plastic that isn't recycled ends up polluting the environment.

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

Helton Traders LLP's recycled polyester threads offer big benefits: 1.Quick Delivery, We cut down the wait time from between 4-6 months to just between 4 to 7days, making sure traders get what they need fast.We make our own threads right here, so we don't need to buy from other countries. This helps our businesses and keeps money in Uganda. 2. Saves Money,Our threads are more affordable than imported ones, and traders don't have to buy huge amounts at once.Additionally, making threads locally, we create jobs for Ugandans, helping families and growing our economy. 3. Eco-Friendly, By using recycled plastic, we help clean up the environment, turning waste into something useful instead of letting it pollute our city.

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

Our business is a b2b, Helton Traders LLP, is focused on serving: 1. Wholesale Textile Traders, We provide them with locally-made, high-quality sewing threads. 2. Local Communities, By creating jobs and using recycled materials, we support economic growth and cleaner environments in Uganda. 3. The Environment, Our recycling efforts reduce plastic waste, benefiting everyone by making Uganda greener.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2021-07-08

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

6

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

4

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

Helton Traders LLP is proud to partner with: 1. Kiteezi Plastic Waste Collectors: Experts in waste management, they will ensure a steady supply of raw materials for recycling. 2. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), They support our operations by allowing us to set up waste collection centers. 3. PSFU and UNCCI, These organizations help us connect with the market and increase our visibility through events and trade shows. 4. Chinese Machinery Suppliers, They will provide us with the high-tech machinery needed to produce top-quality sewing threads. 5. UNDP-Uganda’s Youth and Innovation Programme, They offer us networking opportunities and access to impact investors. 6. Sustainability Influencers and Community Organizations ,They play a key role in educating the public about recycling and the benefits of our products. Each partner brings valuable skills and experience that contribute to the success of our venture.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/munyasa-hellen-58950255?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app. (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14qvg9qf2ZuJJ3L1qn0LScHhOaPCp-9NH. )

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Sustainable textile Manufacturing industry

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By generating over 10,000 jobs by 2030, we are providing employment opportunities that help lift people out of poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Helton Traders LLP contributes to zero hunger by producing affordable sewing threads from recycled plastic, reducing costs for local traders. This supports the textile industry, creates jobs, and ensures economic stability, which is essential for addressing food insecurity in Uganda.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Helton Traders LLP promotes good health and well-being by reducing environmental pollution through recycling plastic waste into sewing threads. This initiative not only cleans up the community but also supports the local economy, contributing to the overall health and prosperity of Uganda's population.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Helton Traders LLP is committed to quality education by providing training programs for local artisans in the sustainable production of recycled sewing threads, thereby fostering skill development and knowledge transfer within Uganda's textile industry.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Committing to having more than 40% women in executive roles promotes gender equality and empowers women.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Uses very little water in our process,helping to save water for the community

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Helton Traders LLP is dedicated to affordable and clean energy by utilizing energy-efficient machinery in the production of recycled polyester threads, reducing energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, thus supporting Uganda's transition to a greener economy.

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

The creation of jobs and the establishment of a new manufacturing plant contribute to economic growth and provide decent work for locals.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Introducing innovative recycling technology and infrastructure for polyester sewing thread production in Uganda.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Helton Traders LLP is addressing reduced inequalities by empowering local communities through job creation in the sustainable textile sector. By focusing on inclusive employment and skill development, we are helping to bridge the economic gap and promote equal opportunities in Uganda.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Helton Traders LLP fosters sustainable cities and communities by producing eco-friendly sewing threads, reducing plastic waste, and promoting local economic growth, which contributes to building resilient and sustainable urban areas in Uganda.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Our business model revolves around the circular economy, emphasizing responsible consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By recycling plastic waste, we are taking action to combat climate change and its impacts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Helton Traders LLP is contributing to the preservation of life below water by reducing plastic waste through our recycling initiatives. By turning plastic into valuable sewing threads, we are preventing it from entering and harming aquatic ecosystems, thus supporting marine biodiversity in Uganda.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Helton Traders LLP is enhancing life on land by transforming plastic waste into high-quality sewing threads, thereby reducing environmental pollution. This initiative supports terrestrial ecosystems and promotes sustainable land use in Uganda.

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

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Helton Traders LLP supports peace, justice, and strong institutions by operating with transparency and integrity, fostering a fair business environment. Our commitment to ethical practices contributes to a stable society and upholds the rule of law in Uganda.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Helton Traders LLP values partnerships for achieving our goals by collaborating with local businesses, government agencies, and international organizations. These alliances are crucial for sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices, which enhance our project's effectiveness and sustainability in Uganda.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Helton Traders LLP stands out because we're doing something new in Uganda. We're turning plastic waste, which is a big problem here, into high-quality sewing threads. This isn't just about making a new product; it's about changing how we deal with waste and creating a cleaner future. Our approach cuts down on the need for imports, speeds up delivery to traders, and makes threads more affordable. Plus, we're focused on creating jobs and respecting our local culture while we do it. It's a fresh way of looking at our resources and economy, and it's all happening right here at home. Additionally,we are creating stronger sewing threads from recycled plastic, unlike imported threads made from new PET from petroleum. Our threads don't shed microplastics, making them eco-friendlier. We're innovating by turning a local problem into a product that's good for our economy, our community, and our planet. This approach will greatly be changing the game in Uganda's textile industry.

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

Helton Traders LLP's main competitors are the established suppliers of imported polyester sewing threads from China, What sets us apart are: - Stronger Threads, Our threads are 100% polyester and are designed to be stronger than the typical imported ones. - Eco-Friendly, We produce threads that don't create microplastics, unlike those made from virgin PET derived from petroleum. - Local Production, We're based right here in Uganda, which means we understand the local market needs and can respond quickly. .Innovation, Our process of recycling plastic waste into sewing threads is a novel approach in the region, showcasing our commitment to innovation. .Community Impact We're not just a business; we're a community-focused venture aiming to create jobs and contribute to Uganda's economy.

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

At Helton Traders LLP, we're passionate about championing female entrepreneurship. As the Managing Director and founder, I, Munyasa Hellen, am a testament to our commitment to leadership diversity. We ensure that women hold over 40% of our executive roles, setting a strong example for other companies. We also actively run empowerment programs, providing workshops and training sessions designed to equip women with the necessary skills to succeed in the textile industry. By doing so, we aim to inspire and nurture the next generation of female leaders and innovators in our community.