South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

A Holistic Eco-tourism, providing tailored outdoor and wellness experiences , with an emphasis on contextual culture ,produce, cuisine and unique landscapes. We strongly advocate for social and economic inclusion in a bid for village revitalisation.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our long-term objective is to create sustainable tourism to the village of Ha-Ramantsha ,in a way that will not harm the environment or the people of this village. We believe in empowering the members of this community by helping grow the demand for what they produce and sell. The philosophy of Ubuntu is at the heart of everything we do, which is why social cohesion and building lifelong relationships in this village is our driving principle. We offer more than 12 outdoor experiences ranging from fitness activities (with locals) ,to intimate and group social experiences ,to Village cultural experiences. Our Fitness activities include a functional gym club made up mostly of local members of the community ,along with a hiking club , a fitness club that meets twice a week at Kone Village Boutique Lodge. We seek to bring people closer to nature by creating rituals to disconnect from what they are familiar with.

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

Active Project 1 : Dakani Outdoor Fitness Club. (DFC) is an innovation that introduces low carbon footprint, low cost material functional gym equipment and workout activities to rural locations, to assist in easy accessibility, promotion of the significance of mobility and flexibility and most importantly, advocacy of optimum non expensive nutrition .

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

1. Lower Overhead Costs: Unlike indoor gyms, our functional outdoor gym doesn't require high utility bills, rent for indoor space, or extensive maintenance costs, making it more cost-effective to operate. 2. Community Building: The Outdoor gym fosters a sense of community by providing a space for group workouts, classes, and fitness events. This enhances social connections and creates a supportive fitness culture. 3. Accessibility and Convenience: The nearest conventional gyms is located 30kms away. Therefore our gym makes it easy for people to incorporate fitness into their daily routines without the need for a contractual gym membership. 4. Eco-Friendly: Operating an outdoor gym reduces the environmental impact compared to indoor facilities, as it eliminates the need for climate control, lighting, electricity and other energy-consuming amenities. 5. Health Benefits: Exercising outdoors boosts mood, reduces stress, and improve mental health due to exposure to natural light.

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

1. Fitness Enthusiasts: Individuals who are passionate about health and are always looking for new and engaging ways to work out. 2. Outdoor Lovers: People who prefer exercising in natural settings rather than indoors, enjoying the benefits of fresh air and varied scenery. 3. Cost-Conscious Individuals: Those who are looking for affordable or free fitness options, avoiding the cost of traditional gym memberships. 4. Community-Oriented People: Individuals who value social interaction and community building, appreciating the communal aspect of outdoor group workouts. 5. Beginner Exercisers: People new to fitness who might find outdoor gyms less intimidating than traditional gyms, providing a more welcoming environment to start their fitness journey. 6. Older Adults: Seniors who benefit from low-impact outdoor exercise equipment designed to improve mobility, flexibility, and overall health in a safe environment. 7. Tourists: Those who cannot afford to skip workouts during travel.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-07-11

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

The gym is located within a premises of 4 star Boutique Lodge owned by an African Black Man , age 64 with experience in telecommunications, financial planning civil construction and lastly hospitality and accommodation.

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

https://www.instagram.com/dakani_outdoors/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

1. Physical Health: Regular physical activity improves overall health, reducing healthcare costs and the burden of illness, which can be particularly significant for those in poverty. Healthier individuals are more capable of working and pursuing opportunities that can lead to financial stability. 2. Mental Well-being: Exercise releases endorphins, which alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. A positive mental state is crucial for overcoming the feelings of hopelessness and defeat often associated with a poverty mindset. This improved outlook can motivate individuals to pursue education, employment, and other opportunities. 3. Social Connectivity: Engaging in outdoor activities often involves social interaction, which can build a supportive community. Social networks are vital for sharing information about job opportunities, community resources, and other support systems that can help individuals improve their socioeconomic status. 4. Confidence: Building sense of achievement.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

An improved well-being translates into a more proactive approach to life challenges and opportunities. An Exposure to Nature: Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, contributing to a more positive and resilient mindset. This can help individuals focus on long-term goals rather than immediate hardships. This translates into enhanced mobility, memory and cognitive function thus most importantly reducing quality sleep. We share healthy eating methods that compliment an active lifestyle. Advocating for more fibrous alternatives to the common staples (maize , wheat flour and general fast processed foods)

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Education is not only measured academically but culturally as well. Our implementation offers, Practical Learning; It focuses on real-world movements and exercises that improve daily functional activities, making the training practical and applicable to everyday life. Holistic Health; Emphasises a holistic approach to fitness, integrating cardiovascular health, strength training, flexibility, and mental resilience. Varied Workouts: Learning about the human anatomy and muscle groups. Food Knowledge: Learning about fundamental edible goods that optimize bodily functions. We learn about different accessible and budget friendly superfoods that breed optimal health.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

The gym offers an inclusive environment, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where people of all genders feel comfortable and safe to participate. 1. We plan to diversify representation ensuring that marketing materials, staff, and trainers represent a diverse range of genders, showcasing that fitness is for everyone. 2. Gender-Neutral Equipment and Programs, Offering equipment and fitness programs that cater to a wide range of fitness levels and interests, avoiding gender stereotypes (e.g., not assuming women prefer lighter weights or men prefer heavy lifting). 3. Equal Opportunities: Providing equal opportunities for leadership roles, especially trainers promoting personal brands. 4. Education and Awareness: Conducting workshops and training sessions on gender sensitivity and equality for both staff and members to foster a respectful and inclusive culture.

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

N/A

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

1.Energy Efficient: Unlike traditional gyms, our outdoor functional gym does not require electricity for lighting, heating, cooling, or operating exercise machines. This significantly reduces energy consumption. 2. Sustainable Infrastructure; We use minimal infrastructure, relying on natural surroundings and durable, low-maintenance equipment made from sustainable materials, (timber , steel, recycled tires) further lowering their environmental impact. 3. Reduced Carbon Footprint: With no need for electrical equipment, our gym helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production and consumption. 4. Encouraging of Active Transportation: Our gym design can be integrated into parks and urban green spaces, encouraging people to walk, bike, or use other forms of active transportation to get there, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

The encouragement of self reliance through the trade of personal training. We plan to offer accredited training to people who are keen on perusing bio kinetics and nutrition (and similar trades) as a career.,

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

A massive innovation from traditional gyms. DFC sets a bench mark to communal rural outdoor gyming.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

1. Aesthetic Integration: Our gyms are designed to blend with their surroundings. This involves using natural colors and materials that complement the local environment, making the gym an attractive public amenity. 2. Nighttime Accessibility: Incorporating solar lighting solutions ensures the gym is usable even after dark, extending its accessibility and enhancing safety during evening hours. 3. Interactive and Gamified Elements: We plan to incorporate elements of gamification, such as challenge courses or competitive features, which can make workouts more engaging and fun.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

DFC uses mainly insitu materials therefore lessening the need for complicated transportation methods. Proportionally reducing consumptions and increasing production.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Overall, our outdoor functional gym supports the goal of affordable clean energy by minimizing energy use, reducing emissions, and promoting sustainable lifestyles.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

The development of our outdoor gym does not produce waste material or by products that are danger to the environment therefore no materials will be ending up in the ocean. We are 1000 % in support of life below water.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

DFC outdoor functional gym has a very low carbon footprint. Meaning where ever the gym is erected , natural fauna and flora could still survive and not lose its habitat.

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

DFC promotes the spirit of Ubuntu as most of our workouts revolve around group participation. We are community building, through fostered interaction .

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

DFC plans to partner up with existing health care institutions and entrepreneurs that offer products. The active and wellness sector is vast and exciting however needs more spotlight in infringed communities.

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

4

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.

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.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

1. Modular Equipment: We use modular and customisable equipment that can be rearranged or expanded based on the needs of the community. This allows for a dynamic workout environment that can cater to different fitness levels and preferences. 3. Eco-Friendly Materials: The use of sustainable and durable materials. Recycled plastics, stainless steel, and weather-resistant timber coatings to help in create long-lasting and environmentally friendly gym.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Louis Trichardt, Limpopo Province has a population of 49 699 as of 2024. There are only 4 traditional boutique fitness centers which a all located in town. This means people living outside of town have to add travel costs to access fitness facilities. Dakani Fitness Club exists right in the village within a sub population of 27 000 people . DFC would be the first of it's kind outdoor, gender inclusive gym. By virtue of that, that's how we stand out from the rest.

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

Yes, overall my main concern is the support of individuals who are bread winners within their households. 1. I seek for female personal trainers to head and be ambassador's of any fitness events that we create. From the earnings , they get paid based on commission and pull from the event attendance . 2. For our health seminars I collaborate with independent health practitioners and good and service providers to place them as panelists , so that they are able to gain attention to their brands.