Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Arkishuz produces and sells bespoke leather shoes and belts, offers training and mentorship in shoemaking, and provides business partnerships via affiliate and consignment marketing. We promote locally-made products, economic empowerment, and training.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Arkishuz is a specialised atelier focused on crafting bespoke leather and suede men's accessories; belts and shoes such as Oxford, Derby, Chelsea and Desert boots, loafers, and half-shoes. Located at Ahintia - Breku on the Kasoa-Swedru road, Arkishuz combines traditional craftsmanship with modern designs to deliver high-quality, customised products. Additionally, Arkishuz is dedicated to empowering youth, particularly graduates, by providing extensive training in the art of making and maintaining premium men's shoes and souvenirs. This training equips them with valuable skills and also fosters entrepreneurial and artisanal talents within our community. By emphasising both product excellence and skill development, Arkishuz aims to contribute to local economic growth and create a sustainable future for young artisans. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and community empowerment sets us apart in the industry, making Arkishuz a leader in bespoke men's fashion accessories.

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

Arkishuz aims to address two critical issues: the lack of high-quality, customised men's leather accessories and the need for youth employment and skill development in Ghana. Firstly, the market for bespoke leather and suede belts and shoes in Ghana is underdeveloped, with limited options for personalised, high-quality products. Secondly, many recent SHS graduates struggle to find employment and lack practical skills. Arkishuz tackles both problems by providing bespoke men's accessories while offering comprehensive training programs to equip young people with valuable artisanal and entrepreneurial skills, fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency.

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

Arkishuz offers bespoke, high-quality, durable leather shoes and belts. These products cater to corporate professionals seeking stylish, comfortable work shoes, creatives wanting unique footwear, and entrepreneurs who value locally-made, ethically sourced items. We provide craftsmanship training to SHS graduates in Kasoa and neighboring communities, equipping them with economically viable skills and promoting local manufacturing and made-in-Ghana products. Additionally, Arkishuz empowers women economically through affiliate and consignment marketing, allowing partners to sell products at a profit before payment. This approach supports female entrepreneurs and enhances the entire value chain, from raw material suppliers to the final product. Our eco-friendly and pocket-friendly offerings ensure economic and social empowerment for all stakeholders involved. Arkishuz is dedicated to quality, local economic growth, and sustainable practices.

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

Arkishuz targets corporate professionals seeking stylish and comfortable work shoes, creatives desiring unique footwear to express their individuality, and entrepreneurs who value locally made and ethically sourced products. Our bespoke leather products meet the high standards and unique preferences of these diverse groups. We also focus on entrepreneurial individuals, particularly recent SHS graduates in Kasoa, who are interested in learning leather shoe and belt craftsmanship. This initiative aims to equip them with economically viable skills, promoting local manufacturing and fostering a made-in-Ghana ethos. Additionally, Arkishuz supports marketing partners, with a preference for females, through affiliate and consignment marketing. These partners can sell our products at a profit before making payment, empowering them economically and enhancing their business opportunities.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-08-29

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

The other owner of Arkishuz holds a degree in management and has been producing shoes for the past 8 years. His extensive experience in the shoe manufacturing industry has equipped him with a deep understanding of both the creative and technical aspects of the craft. His management background ensures effective business operations, strategic planning, and team leadership. With a blend of practical shoe-making expertise and strong business acumen, he plays a crucial role in driving the growth and success of Arkishuz.

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

https://wa.me/c/233553428640

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

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Arkishuz contributes to the goal of No Poverty by providing employment and training opportunities to youth, particularly recent SHS graduates. Our training programs equip them with valuable artisanal skills in belt and shoe manufacturing, fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. By prioritising female entrepreneurs in our affiliate marketing partnerships and offering products on consignment, we create additional income streams for women in our community. This approach not only generates jobs but also empowers individuals to rise above poverty and contribute to local economic development.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Arkishuz contributes to the goal of Zero Hunger by creating employment opportunities and generating income for local communities, which can improve food security for families. Through our training programs, we empower youth and women with skills that enable them to start their own businesses or gain stable employment, thereby enhancing their ability to afford nutritious food. Additionally, our community focus helps stimulate local economies, indirectly supporting sustainable agriculture and food access by increasing overall economic stability.

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

5

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

During the training sessions, we ensure the proper use of the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent health issues arising from the production process. Our startup recognises the critical importance of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace environment. By rigorously enforcing the use of PPE during production, we mitigate risks of injuries and exposure to hazardous materials, thereby safeguarding the well-being of our employees. This proactive approach not only meets regulatory standards but also demonstrates our commitment to prioritising the health and safety of our workforce. By promoting a culture of safety through comprehensive training and adherence to PPE protocols, we contribute directly to achieving the goal of good health and well-being for our employees, ensuring they can work in a secure environment conducive to their overall health. This approach aligns with global efforts to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being across all sectors of society.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

The aim of Arkishuz is to help youth through education, emphasising the importance of academic achievement alongside vocational training. By teaching shoemaking, we provide practical skills that complement formal education, encouraging participants to pursue schooling while gaining valuable hands-on experience. My partner and myself have tertiary education backgrounds, which serve as role models, illustrating the benefits of higher education. We actively promote school attendance and lifelong learning opportunities, ensuring that our program participants understand the value of a well-rounded education and its role in achieving personal and professional success. This dual focus on formal education and skill development fosters a holistic approach to youth empowerment, contributing to the goal of inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

My startup promotes gender equality by offering equal opportunities for all team members. While there's a natural inclination for females towards marketing and sales and males towards production, we ensure both genders can learn and excel in any role they choose. This inclusive approach challenges traditional stereotypes, fostering a diverse and supportive workplace. Through mentorship and skill development, we empower women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields, contributing to broader societal equality goals.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to decent work and economic growth by creating opportunities for full and productive employment. We prioritise fair labour practices, provide skills development, and foster a supportive work environment. These efforts aim to enhance job quality and contribute to sustainable economic growth, ensuring that our workforce is empowered and our operations benefit the broader community.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by expanding our space to accommodate more students, enhancing educational offerings and innovation programs. This supports sustainable industrialisation and fosters creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Our investment in infrastructure aligns with building resilient systems and promoting inclusive growth, contributing to broader goals of fostering innovation and sustainable development.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

My startup strongly contributes to reducing inequalities by ensuring equal opportunities for both genders in learning and advancement. With a female and male ownership team, we advocate and implement policies that promote gender equality throughout our organization. This commitment extends to creating a supportive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to our collective success. By fostering inclusivity and diversity, we actively work towards reducing disparities and promoting fairness both internally and in our broader community efforts.

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

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

My startup promotes responsible consumption and production through a circular economy approach. We reuse materials like car tyres for shoe soles and continuously explore new recyclable materials for our products, reducing waste and environmental impact in our manufacturing processes.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to climate action by ensuring proper waste disposal through responsible use of rubbish collection bins. While this action helps manage our immediate environmental impact, we recognise the need to further integrate sustainable practices and actively pursue initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to partnerships for the goal by actively seeking collaborations with local artisans to promote the shoemaking industry in Ghana. While we are in the process of forming these partnerships, we recognise the importance of collective action and shared resources to achieve sustainable development goals effectively. These collaborations will enable us to leverage local expertise, expand our reach, and collectively work towards fostering economic growth and sustainable practices within our industry and community.

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

5

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

6

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.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

My startup's project idea innovatively improves and extends existing educational platforms by integrating advanced features and customisation options to enhance learning outcomes. We address specific gaps in current offerings by providing personalised tools that cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring our product stands out in the educational technology sector.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Arkishuz's main competitors are established shoe retailers and local cobblers. Arkishuz differentiates itself through bespoke customisation, offering a wider range of personalised design options compared to mass-produced shoes. It uses premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship for exceptional durability. Additionally, Arkishuz focuses on community empowerment by training young artisans and fostering local economic growth. Unlike competitors that offer a broader range of products, Arkishuz specifically caters to men's accessories, providing superior quality and customisation in leather and suede belts and shoes.

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

Yes, Arkishuz is actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs in our community. We prioritise partnering with women for affiliate marketing opportunities and offer them our products on consignment, allowing them to sell for profit before payment. Additionally, we economically empower women by providing training in belt and shoe manufacturing, equipping them with valuable skills to start their own businesses. This approach not only supports female entrepreneurship but also contributes to the broader economic development of our community.