Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Irdegira is a website and mobile application booking platform for tour operators and tourist that seeks to connect travelers, tourists and citizens to unforgettable activities and experiences within countries.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Irdegira is a digital marketplace that links tourists with local tour operators, offering a wide range of travel experiences, such as sightseeing tours, adventure activities, cultural events, and more. Irdegira is platform where tour operators can upload their tour packages with availability and time slot for tourists to book in advance before reaching destination.

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

Accessibility: Many local tour operators and experience providers in Ghana lack a strong online presence, making it difficult for travelers to find and book their services. This limits the visibility and reach of these businesses, making it hard for travelers to discover and access the experiences they offer. Irdegira aims to bridge this gap by providing a digital platform that connects travelers with local tour operators and experiences, making it easier for travelers to access and enjoy Ghana's rich cultural heritage and tourism offerings.

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

Convenience: we offer a one-stop platform for travelers to search, compare, and book tours and experiences, saving time and effort. Variety and Choice: we aggregates a wide range of tours and experiences from various local operators, providing travelers with a diverse selection to suit their interests. Reliability and Trust: we verify and vets local tour operators, ensuring that travelers can trust the services they book, Local Insights and Authenticity: we promote local experiences and tours, providing travelers with authentic insights into Ghana's culture, history, and natural beauty, while supporting local communities and economies. Additional benefits include: *Easy Booking and Management *Real-time Availability and Confirmation *Customer Reviews and Ratings *Multi-Language Support *Secure Online Payments

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

Irdegira is aimed at serving the following targeted beneficiaries: 1. Travelers: Irdegira is designed for travelers who want to explore Ghana's rich cultural heritage, history, and natural beauty. This includes: International tourists, Domestic tourists (Ghanaians exploring their own country), Adventure seekers etc. 2. Local Tour Operators: Irdegira aims to support and empower local tour operators, including: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Local guides, Community-based tourism. 3. Local Communities: By promoting local tours and experiences, Irdegira aims to benefit local communities in Ghana, including: Rural communities, Urban neighborhoods, Traditional villages etc. 4. Tourism Industry Stakeholders: Irdegira also aims to support the broader tourism industry in Ghana, including: Hotels & accommodations, Restaurants, Transportation providers, Travel agents and tour operators.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-15

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.)

Currently, it’s a sole proprietor business and am looking forward to transforming to a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with partners.

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

https://irdegira.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Irdegira aims to contribute to the reduction of poverty in Ghana by: Providing a platform for local tour operators to reach a wider market, increasing their income and economic opportunities. Supporting local communities by promoting their cultural heritage and traditional tourism initiatives, generating income and jobs. Encouraging sustainable tourism practices, reducing the environmental and social impact of tourism. Facilitating access to tourism services for low-income travelers, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the tourism industry.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Irdegira contributes to the goal of Zero Hunger by: Promoting agro-tourism initiatives, supporting local farmers and rural communities. Encouraging the consumption of local cuisine and traditional food products. Facilitating access to food experiences and culinary tours, boosting local food systems. Supporting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing the environmental impact of food production.

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

Irdegira contributes to the goal of Good Health and Well-being by: Promoting physical activity through outdoor tours and adventure experiences. Supporting mental well-being through cultural and nature-based experiences. Facilitating access to health and wellness tourism initiatives, such as yoga and spa retreats. Encouraging healthy lifestyles and nutrition through local food experiences and culinary tours.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Irdegira promotes quality education in several ways, justifying its impact on the educational landscape: Irdegira plans to introducing comprehensive Tuition and Boot Camp programs aimed at empowering individuals to excel as tour guides and operators within the travel industry. Cultural Exchange: Irdegira facilitates cultural exchange between travelers and local communities, promoting cross-cultural understanding and education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Women Empowerment: Irdegira supports women-led tour businesses and initiatives in local communities, promoting economic empowerment and independence. Equal Opportunities: Irdegira targets all genders for employment so far as the candidate qualifies for the position.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Sanitation Facilities: Irdegira ensures that tour operators in the field of water related activities and experiences meet minimum standards for sanitation and hygiene, improving overall health and well-being of tourists.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

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

Job Creation: Irdegira creates job opportunities for local guides & drivers contributing to employment and economic growth. Sustainable Tourism Practices: The platform promotes sustainable tourism practices, reducing the negative economic and social impacts of tourism. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Irdegira provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs to develop and showcase their products and services. Tax Compliance: The platform ensures tax compliance, contributing to government revenue and economic development

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

Digital Platform: Irdegira's digital platform leverages technology to connect travelers with local experiences, innovating the tourism industry. Industry Transformation: Irdegira aims to transform the tourism industry by promoting sustainable practices, community engagement, and cultural exchange. Data-Driven Decision Making: Irdegira utilizes data analytics to inform decision-making, driving industry growth and development.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Inclusive Tourism: The platform promotes inclusive tourism, providing access to travel opportunities for diverse groups, including those with disabilities. Accessibility: The platform ensures accessibility for all travelers, regardless of race, gender, age, or ability. Fair Pricing: The platform ensures fair pricing practices, preventing exploitation and ensuring that local communities receive fair compensation.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Habitat Preservation: By promoting tours related to nature reserves and parks, Irdegira contributes to preserving natural habitats, which help mitigate climate change. Sustainable Transportation: Irdegira aim at providing eco-friendly transportation options for our self organized activities , such as electric or hybrid vehicles. Green Tourism Certification: Encouraging tourism operators to adopt sustainable practices and obtain green certification. Sustainable Tourism: By promoting responsible tourism in nature reserves and parks, Irdegira encourages travelers to respect and protect the environment.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Responsible Water Activities: Encouraging responsible water activities, like kayaking and paddleboarding, that minimize environmental impact and promote appreciation for marine life. Ocean-Friendly Tours: Encouraging ocean-friendly tours that prioritize marine life conservation, such as whale watching and marine wildlife tours. Education and Awareness: Educating travelers and local communities about marine conservation and the importance of protecting marine life through sustainable tourism practices.

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

Education and Awareness: Educating travelers and local communities about the importance of terrestrial conservation and sustainable land use practices.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Supporting Local Economies: Promoting local economic development through sustainable tourism practices, reducing inequality and poverty.

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

Irdegira collaborates with local tour operators, hotels, and transport services, fostering partnerships that promote sustainable development and support the local economy.

06.01 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

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

2

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

2

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

Technology Integration: The platform seamlessly integrates technology to facilitate bookings, communication, and logistics, making it easy for travelers to access and enjoy cultural experiences. The platform is built with modern softwares and codes making it easier to be managed by a small team. Our new cutting edge Ai chat bot makes yet to be released will make searching, selecting and comparing of activities a game changer.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are Viator, Trip Advisor, GetTourGuide & Tourrader. We are able to standout as a result of offering affordable experience, flexible terms with tour operators, Ai assistance for users and the fact that our platform is built with modern technology.

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

I talk to females in my community about the importance and the flexibility which come with being an entrepreneur