Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

FixPro tackles the frustration of finding reliable handymen in Ghana. We connect people with skilled professionals for a hassle-free repair experience.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

FixPro is a mobile application designed to revolutionize the home maintenance industry in Ghana. Our platform connects clients with skilled handymen for various services, offering convenience, transparency, and reliability. Through detailed handyman profiles, user ratings, and secure online payments, FixPro ensures a seamless experience for both clients and handymen.

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

FixPro is a mobile application designed to revolutionize the home maintenance industry in Ghana. Our platform connects clients with skilled handymen for various services, offering convenience, transparency, and reliability. Through detailed handyman profiles, user ratings, and secure online payments, FixPro ensures a seamless experience for both clients and handymen.

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

Convenience: FixPro provides a user-friendly platform for clients to easily book a wide range of handyman services with just a few clicks, saving time and effort. Reliability: Clients can access detailed profiles of handymen, including user ratings and reviews, ensuring they hire trustworthy and skilled professionals for their needs. Accessibility: By leveraging technology, FixPro connects clients with local handymen, enhancing accessibility to reliable home maintenance services, even in remote areas. Job Creation: FixPro creates employment opportunities for local handymen, empowering them with a consistent stream of job opportunities and economic stability.

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

FixPro's services are aimed at serving homeowners, property managers, and residents of estates in Ghana who require reliable and convenient access to skilled handyman services. Additionally, FixPro benefits skilled handymen by providing them with a platform to showcase their expertise and connect with clients, thereby creating job opportunities and steady income streams.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-02-11

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

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

Abraham Ayitambu and Rose Tetteh, both final-year computer engineering students at Ghana Communication Technology University, are the driving force behind a promising business idea. With their combined expertise in technology and innovation, they aim to revolutionize the local handyman service industry. Alongside their academic training, they possess hands-on experience in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, essential for developing robust software solutions to support their business idea.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: home maintenance and repair industry

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

FixPro contributes to the goal by creating job opportunities for local handymen, empowering them to improve their economic status. By providing reliable income opportunities, FixPro helps alleviate poverty among skilled professionals, fostering economic growth and stability in local communities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

by creating job opportunities and facilitating economic growth, FixPro indirectly supports this goal by contributing to poverty alleviation. As households earn income through employment opportunities, they are better able to afford food and improve their nutrition, thereby indirectly promoting food security and reducing hunger in local communities.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

ensuring that households have access to skilled handymen for repairs and maintenance, FixPro helps create safer living environments, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries at home. Additionally, by promoting regular maintenance and repairs, FixPro supports the upkeep of healthy and sanitary living conditions, which are essential for overall well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

by creating job opportunities for skilled handymen, FixPro contributes to lifelong learning and skill development within the workforce, ultimately promoting a culture of continuous education and improvement.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

by providing equal opportunities for both men and women in the handyman industry. By creating a platform where skilled professionals can offer their services based on merit rather than gender, FixPro helps break down traditional gender stereotypes associated with certain occupations. Additionally, by offering flexible work opportunities, FixPro enables women to participate more actively in the workforce, empowering them to pursue economic independence and career growth. Through these initiatives, FixPro promotes gender equality and empowers women and girls to thrive in various professional fields.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By facilitating timely repairs and maintenance of water fixtures and sanitation systems, FixPro helps prevent water wastage, leakages, and contamination, ultimately promoting access to clean water and improving sanitation standards in households. Additionally, by providing efficient plumbing services, FixPro supports the sustainable management of water resources, contributing to the broader goal of ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

By offering services such as electrical maintenance and appliance repairs, FixPro helps ensure that electrical systems and appliances operate efficiently, thereby reducing energy consumption. Moreover, by facilitating the installation of energy-efficient fixtures and systems, FixPro indirectly promotes the use of clean energy sources and contributes to the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all

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

Through our platform, handymen can access a steady stream of clients, allowing them to secure reliable employment and generate income. By facilitating these job opportunities, FixPro supports economic growth by empowering individuals to participate in the workforce and contribute to the local economy. Additionally, the growth of our platform creates employment opportunities in areas such as customer service, administration, and technology development, further enhancing economic growth and promoting inclusive prosperity.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Through our digital platform, we are creating innovative infrastructure that connects clients with skilled handymen efficiently and reliably. By introducing digital solutions such as real-time booking, GPS tracking, and online payment systems, we are modernizing the way handyman services are accessed and delivered. This fosters innovation by introducing new technological solutions to traditional service industries and promotes inclusive growth by providing access to these innovations for both clients and handymen, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of Ghana's infrastructure and industrial sector.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Through our platform, skilled professionals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can showcase their services and connect with clients, leveling the playing field and reducing disparities in income and employment opportunities. Additionally, by promoting transparency and fair competition, FixPro ensures that handymen are selected based on their skills and reputation rather than socioeconomic status, further contributing to reduced inequalities within the local service industry.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By connecting clients with skilled professionals, FixPro helps to address maintenance issues promptly, contributing to the overall resilience and sustainability of cities and communities. Additionally, by promoting the use of local services and reducing the need for extensive travel, FixPro supports efforts to create more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban environments.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

FixPro promotes responsible consumption and production by facilitating the efficient use of resources in home maintenance services. By connecting clients with local handymen, we reduce the need for excessive travel and resource consumption associated with finding and hiring service providers. Additionally, our platform encourages the reuse and recycling of materials by promoting sustainable practices among handymen and clients. Through these efforts, FixPro contributes to the goal of ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, ultimately supporting the transition towards a circular economy.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

our platform encourages the adoption of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions in home maintenance tasks, further mitigating environmental impact. Through these initiatives, FixPro aligns with the goal of combating climate change and its adverse effects, fostering a more sustainable future for all.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

facilitating efficient home maintenance services, we reduce the need for frequent renovations or repairs that may generate waste or pollutants that could eventually find their way into marine ecosystems. Additionally, by fostering awareness about sustainable living practices among our users, FixPro contributes to a broader culture of environmental stewardship that supports the conservation of marine resources. Though our impact on marine ecosystems may be indirect, FixPro strives to promote behaviors that align with the goal of conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

FixPro encourages users to adopt environmentally friendly approaches to home repair and renovation, reducing the negative impact on land resources such as forests and soil. Additionally, FixPro is committed to promoting sustainable land management practices among our service providers, emphasizing the importance of conserving biodiversity and combating desertification. Through these efforts, FixPro aligns with the goal of protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, thereby contributing to the broader aim of halting biodiversity loss and ensuring the health and resilience of life on land.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

our platform promotes inclusivity by connecting clients with skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds, thereby creating economic opportunities for individuals from marginalized groups. Furthermore, FixPro is committed to building effective and accountable institutions by maintaining transparent and fair practices in our operations. Through these efforts, FixPro supports the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building strong, accountable institutions at all levels.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

We recognize the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving meaningful change and advancing sustainable development. FixPro seeks to collaborate with local communities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage collective expertise, resources, and networks for addressing societal challenges and promoting sustainable practices. By strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration, FixPro aims to contribute to the goal of revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development and enhancing the means of implementation for achieving the SDGs. Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

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

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

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

5

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

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

Our product introduces a novel approach to connecting clients with local handymen through a user-friendly platform, offering a seamless experience that addresses the inefficiencies of traditional methods. By integrating features like transparent ratings, real-time location tracking, and secure online payments, we enhance the accessibility, reliability, and trustworthiness of handyman services. This innovative solution fills a gap in the market by providing a comprehensive and efficient platform that caters to the unique needs of both clients and handymen.

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

Our main potential competitors include established online service platforms in Ghana, such as Jumia Home Services and HelloAza, as well as local handyman services like LAV Handyman Services and The Accra Handyman. What sets us apart is our focus on creating a seamless user experience through innovative features like real-time location tracking, transparent ratings and reviews, and secure online payments. Additionally, our commitment to empowering local handymen by providing them with consistent job opportunities distinguishes us from our competitors.

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

As the current ENGINEERING STUDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT of Ghana Communication Technology University, i organize seminars and workshops to demystify the concept of engineering and remove the stereotypical believes that discourages potential female engineers