Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We are into the production of smocks locally called Fugu which is a traditionally distinct garment for the people of Northern Ghana but recognized world wide by Diasporians. It's mainly made of woven gotten strand and hand stitched to give a flow end.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Cotton strands are the basic units of smocks and smock making is a handicraft in Ghana. The cotton strands are woven into fine patterned fabrics using a handloom which are later stitched into ready to wear smocks and the raw fabrics machine stitched into stylish wears.

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

Gender equality in the economic space. Females are largely weavers in the smock making chain and I will say they are the foundation of smock making. If the threads are not woven, there can't be a fabric to be stitched. These weavers are casually employed which gives them a means to earning and income. This income earned still goes back to support the family which is geared towards eradicating poverty in Africa. We aspire to start a training center to enroll young girls of school going age who can't afford education or have dropped out of school due to poverty or teenage pregnancy, to equip them with the handicraft of weaving and smock production.

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

Mainly, this product provides for users, a sense of belongingness. Smocks are identified with royalty, prestige and tradition which makes one easily identified either as a Northerner, a Ghanaian or an African. Also, it provides for users, a ready go wear since, it is suitable for all occasions. Smocks need not be ironed and can fit in every space.

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

This product is aimed at serving largely Men. Men of higher status or high income earners. 13

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-17

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?

0

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

I solely own the venture

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/smock_land_fuguland?igsh=eWlqcjZmeDhsaG9t

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

My project space is a source of livelihood for workers and as many as can be brought under this umbrella, are sure to have a financial source which makes it possible for them to afford necessities for their families.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

2

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Females are the foundations to smock production as they render the weaving service to sourcera.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

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

Workers will have a convenient place to work and also form part of the business ecosystem. They are a family

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Use of looks and other crafts to bring up new ideas to form

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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

6

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

6

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

6

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

We are working on producing weightless fabrics to beat down the bulky and weighty nature of the product so, such fabrics can be used to make light weighted smmocks for people who do not need heat trappers and also, make casual and formal wears for cooperate workers.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Rastafarians are our main competitors with their tie and die branded clothes. What makes us stand out is the fact that our wears are more multifunctional than theirs and can be used for all occasions. Ie. Smocks are worn in Parliaments with the Rastafarian African print can't stand that.

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

Yes-offering a mentoring and training session