Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

FOFT - For Our Future is a digital platform designed to help low-income individuals, known as Seekers escape poverty, by connecting them with essential resources like financial assistance, job training, education, and community support.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The main objective is to help individuals escape the cycle of poverty and lessen the risk of family separations due to financial difficulties. FOFT excels by providing personalized recommendations and guidance tailored to each Seeker's unique needs. Utilizing advanced algorithms and data analysis, the platform identifies the most relevant resources and support systems for each user, creating a more efficient and effective pathway out of poverty. The platform tackles four critical social issues essential to the well-being and future prospects of low-income individuals: Education, Food Security, Climate Action and Mental health. FOFT also serves as a platform for Donors, Experts, and Volunteers, giving them opportunities to make meaningful contributions to global and interpersonal change. Additionally, the platform gathers information and creates points that can enhance the CVs of Donors, Experts, and Volunteers (Mavens).

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

Below are the main problems we aim to solve: Poverty Cycle: FOFT aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing low-income individuals with access to financial assistance, job training, and educational opportunities. Family Separations Due to Economic Hardships: By improving economic stability, FOFT reduces the risk of family separations caused by financial struggles. Lack of Personalised Support: FOFT offers tailored recommendations and guidance to meet the specific needs of each individual, ensuring more effective support. Educational Barriers: The platform provides access to educational resources and scholarships, helping individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary for better job opportunities. Food Insecurity: FOFT connects users with food assistance programs and nutritional support, ensuring they have access to sufficient and healthy food. Climate Vulnerability Mental Health Challenges Lack of community engagement

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

Benefits Provided by FOFT: Enhanced Economic Stability: - Access to Financial Assistance: FOFT connects individuals with financial aid programs that help alleviate immediate economic pressures. - Job Training Opportunities: The platform offers pathways to job training, increasing employment prospects and earning potential. Personalised Support: - Tailored Recommendations: Using advanced algorithms, FOFT provides customized guidance and resources to meet each user’s specific needs. - Efficient Resource Matching: The platform identifies the most relevant support systems for users, streamlining their journey out of poverty. Educational Advancement: - Access to Educational Resources: FOFT provides educational materials, scholarships, and learning opportunities, empowering users to improve their skills and knowledge. - Career Development: Education and training enhance career prospects, leading to better job opportunities and long term financial stability.

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

Low-Income Individuals (Seekers): Primary Beneficiaries: The platform is specifically designed to support low-income individuals by providing access to financial assistance, job training, educational resources, and community support services. Economic Stability: Helps individuals escape poverty and reduce the risk of family separations due to economic hardships. Holistic Support: Addresses critical areas such as education, food security, climate resilience, and mental health, improving overall quality of life. Families at Risk of Separation: - Preventing Family Breakup: By alleviating financial pressures, FOFT helps prevent family separations caused by economic challenges. - Family Well-being: Ensures families can stay together and thrive in a stable environment. Donors, Experts, Volunteers, and Wider community.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-02-14

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

6

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

3

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

George Henry Adekunle - Digital Marketer with nearly 13 years of experience. Fenja Klages - Specialist in African culture and society, with 2 years of professional experience in Germany. Stina Katia - Holds a B.Sc. in Psychology from Germany and currently works with the Maven Heart Foundation in Ghana. Elias Muhyideen - Full-stack web developer and DevOps professional with 4 years of experience. Jacqueline Ochoki - Social Media Manager and Virtual Assistant with 6 years of experience. Raphael Okyere - UX Designer and Data Analyst with 4 years of experience.

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

instagram.com/theblacshrec

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) by: Providing Financial Assistance: Connecting low-income individuals with aid and job training for financial stability. Enhancing Education: Offering resources and scholarships to improve skills and employability. Ensuring Food Security: Linking users with food assistance programs for nutritional support. Offering Personalised Guidance: Delivering tailored recommendations to maximise resource efficiency. Supporting Mental Health: Facilitating access to mental health services for overall well-being. Promoting Climate Resilience: Providing resources for sustainable living and climate adaptation. Engaging the Community: Involving donors, experts, and volunteers in poverty alleviation efforts.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through several key initiatives: Direct Nutritional Support: Links low-income individuals with food aid programs to ensure access to sufficient and nutritious food. Community Food Resources: Connects users with local food banks, community kitchens, and other food distribution services. Nutritional Education: Provides information on healthy eating habits and nutrition, empowering individuals to make informed food choices. Cooking and Budgeting Tips: Offers guidance on preparing nutritious meals on a budget, helping users maximize their food resources. Improving Food Security(Sustainable Agriculture): Shares resources and training on sustainable farming practices and urban gardening, enabling individuals and communities to grow their own food.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through several initiatives: Access to Mental Health Services: Facilitates connections to mental health professionals, support groups, and wellness programs. Holistic Well-Being: Offers resources for mental health care, stress management, and emotional support. Nutritional Support: Healthy Eating: Connects users with food assistance programs that provide access to nutritious food. Nutritional Education: Provides information on healthy eating habits and the benefits of balanced diets. Wellness Resources: Offers educational materials on various health topics, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and healthy lifestyles. Health Literacy: Enhances users' understanding of health issues and empowers them to make informed decisions about their health.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) through several initiatives: Scholarships and Financial Aid: Connects individuals with scholarships, grants, and financial aid to make education more affordable and accessible. Learning Materials: Provides access to textbooks, online courses, and other educational materials to support learning at all levels. Skill Development and Job Training (Vocational Training): Offers job training programs that equip individuals with practical skills needed for employment. Professional Development: Provides opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement to improve career prospects. Personalised Recommendations: Uses data analysis to offer tailored educational pathways and guidance based on individual needs and goals. Mentorship Programs: Connects learners with mentors who can provide advice, support, and professional connection.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) through several targeted initiatives: Job Training and Employment: Provides job training programs specifically aimed at women to enhance their skills and improve their employment opportunities. Entrepreneurship Support: Offers resources and mentorship for women entrepreneurs, helping them start and grow their businesses. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Facilitates access to scholarships and financial aid for girls and women, promoting equal educational opportunities. Reproductive Health Services: Ensures access to reproductive health services and education, empowering women to make informed health decisions. Mental Health Support: Provides mental health services and support groups tailored to the needs of women and girls.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through several key initiatives: Digital Inclusion: Ensures that low-income individuals have access to digital tools and resources, reducing the digital divide and enabling participation in the modern economy. Training in Technology: Provides education and training in digital literacy and advanced technologies, preparing individuals for jobs in tech-driven industries. Entrepreneurship Support: Offers resources and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs, including business training, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. Job Creation: Connects individuals with job training programs and employment opportunities in various industries, stimulating economic development.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality) through several initiatives: Economic Empowerment (Financial Assistance): Connects marginalised individuals with financial aid programs, helping to alleviate economic disparities. Job Training: Provides access to job training and employment opportunities, enhancing economic prospects for disadvantaged groups. Inclusive Education: Ensures access to educational resources, scholarships, and learning opportunities for marginalized and disadvantaged groups, promoting equal educational opportunities. Tailored Support: Offers personalised educational guidance and mentorship to help individuals overcome barriers to learning and advancement.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through several initiatives: Housing Assistance: Connects individuals with programs that provide access to affordable housing options, reducing homelessness and housing insecurity. Support for Housing Projects: Facilitates the development of sustainable, affordable housing projects that meet the needs of low-income populations. Community Development: Promotes local community projects that enhance living conditions, such as clean-up drives, community gardens, and public space improvements. Community Engagement: Encourages active participation of residents in planning and decision-making processes to ensure developments meet their needs. Green Building Practices: Supports the adoption of sustainable construction practices, promoting energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production through several initiatives: Educational Resources: Provides information and resources on sustainable living practices, including tips on reducing waste, recycling, and using eco-friendly products. Workshops and Training: Offers workshops and training sessions on sustainable consumption and production techniques for individuals and businesses. Recycling Programs: Facilitates access to recycling programs and initiatives that encourage the proper disposal and recycling of materials. Waste Reduction Strategies: Promotes strategies for reducing waste, such as composting, minimizing single-use plastics, and encouraging the reuse of products. Food Waste Reduction: Educates users on reducing food waste through better planning, storage, and cooking practices.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) through several initiatives: Educational Campaigns: Conducts educational campaigns to increase awareness about climate change and its impacts. Workshops and Seminars: Offers workshops and seminars on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Sustainable Living Resources: Provides information and resources on sustainable living practices, such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and eco-friendly transportation. The platform would provide resources and information on climate change awareness, sustainable living practices, and environmental conservation initiatives that families can participate in. It would offer guidance on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly lifestyle choices to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis on vulnerable communities.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

FOFT supports SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals through several initiatives: - Building Alliances: Establishes partnerships with governmental bodies, NGOs, private sector companies, and academic institutions to leverage diverse expertise and resources. - Global Networks: Joins global networks and coalitions focused on sustainable development to share knowledge and best practices. - Funding Opportunities: Facilitates access to funding from international organizations, foundations, and donor agencies to support sustainable development projects. - Shared Resources: Promotes the sharing of financial, technical, and human resources among partners to achieve common goals. - Training Programs: Offers training programs and workshops to build the capacity of local organizations and communities in sustainable development practices. - Technical Assistance: Provides t

05.01 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

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

6

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

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

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

FOFT faces competition from various platforms addressing specific social issues: nonprofit organizations like Charity Navigator and GiveDirectly for financial assistance, educational resources like Coursera and Khan Academy, mental health services like BetterHelp, advocacy like Global citizen and sustainability platforms like Greenpeace. What makes FOFT stand out is its integrated approach, offering comprehensive services across multiple domains (education, food security, climate action, and mental health) in one platform. It uses advanced AI to provide personalized recommendations, ensuring tailored support for each individual. Additionally, FOFT emphasizes empowerment through economic opportunities, documents users' community impact for professional development, fosters collaboration among users, and promotes sustainable practices. This holistic and personalised support system, combined with a focus on long-term empowerment and sustainability, sets FOFT apart from its competitors.

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

Yes, I own and operate a school within my community where an impressive 90% of my staff are women. I am committed to empowering these women by regularly involving them in entrepreneurial activities, enabling them to enhance their earnings and economic independence. Beyond my school, I actively support the broader community by organizing and providing a variety of skill acquisition training programs specifically for women. These initiatives are designed to equip them with valuable skills, improve their employment prospects, and foster their overall personal and professional growth. Through these efforts, I aim to contribute to the economic empowerment and upliftment of women in my community.