South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

OpenSolution is a marketplace where companies can post their challenges, tasks, and problems, inviting a global talent pool of freelancers, consultants, and subject matter experts to pitch solutions.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Imagine having access to a global pool of experts ready to tackle your business challenges at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional consulting firms. Introducing OpenSolution – an innovative platform where companies can post their toughest challenges and receive solutions from a diverse network of talented freelancers and consultants worldwide. Whether it's streamlining operations, developing new products, or crafting cutting-edge marketing strategies, the answer is out there – and OpenSolution connects you to it. OpenSolution leverages a global talent pool to encourage diverse and creative problem-solving approaches beyond a company's internal team. By enabling anyone, whether inside or outside the company, to pitch solutions and receive remuneration, we offer a freelance consultancy model where the perfect solution to your problem could be found beyond your organisation.

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

The main problem OpenSolution addresses is the limitation of in-house expertise and resources in solving complex business challenges. Companies often face difficulties in finding innovative and cost-effective solutions within their internal teams. This can lead to stagnation, inefficiency, and missed opportunities for growth and improvement. By tapping into a global network of freelance consultants and experts, OpenSolution provides businesses with access to a diverse range of skills and perspectives, enabling them to find creative, efficient, and impactful solutions that might not be available within their own organisation. Our platform democratises problem-solving, making high-quality expertise accessible to businesses of all sizes, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.

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

Cost-Effective: Access high-quality solutions without the overhead of traditional consulting fees. Diverse Expertise: Tap into a vast network of professionals with specialised skills and innovative ideas. Speed and Flexibility: Quickly post challenges and receive multiple solutions, tailored to your needs and timeline. Global Reach: Leverage insights and expertise from experts around the world, bringing fresh perspectives and cutting-edge strategies.

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

The initial focus will be on tech companies, startups, and SMEs that are more open to external collaboration. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly benefit from access to top-tier expertise without the high costs of traditional consulting. Any company facing complex challenges and seeking innovative, cost-effective solutions can benefit. Companies looking to enhance their problem-solving approaches through diverse perspectives and ideas from a global talent pool. Independent experts and freelancers looking for new opportunities to showcase their skills and solve diverse business problems. OpenSolution provides a platform for them to connect with a variety of clients and get remunerated for their expertise.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-01

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

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

Mandisa is a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the energy and engineering sectors. Her skills encompass leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking, evident in her successful venture Ntsika Uhuru - a distribution services firm specialising in mechanical equipment for the mining and power generation industries.. Her journey began at a young age when she ventured into entrepreneurship, starting with an Internet café at 19. Beyond her business ventures, Mandisa is deeply involved in advocacy and leadership initiatives. She co-founded The Policy Project SA, advocating for youth-inclusive public policy, and served as the Curator of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers, highlighting her dedication to shaping global dialogue and fostering youth leadership. With business administration qualifications from the Wits Business School and upcoming studies in energy and environmental economics, Mandisa continues to expand her knowledge and expertise in her field.

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?

g) Financial services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Lifelong Learning: Freelancers and consultants using the platform can gain new skills and experiences, contributing to lifelong learning. Access to Knowledge: By solving diverse problems, individuals can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhancing their expertise and professional growth.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

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

Job Creation: By connecting companies with freelancers and consultants, OpenSolution can create job opportunities and support gig economy workers. Economic Growth: Facilitating the solving of business challenges can help companies grow, innovate, and contribute to economic development. Inclusive Employment: Offering opportunities to a diverse pool of freelancers, including those from marginalized communities, can promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Innovation: By crowdsourcing solutions, companies can access a wide range of innovative ideas and approaches that might not be available internally. Sustainable Industrialization: Encouraging sustainable business practices and solutions can contribute to more resilient and sustainable industries. Infrastructure: The platform itself serves as digital infrastructure that supports innovation and economic activity.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Equal Opportunities: Providing a platform where anyone can pitch solutions regardless of their geographical location or background can help reduce inequalities. Economic Inclusion: By enabling access to job opportunities for people in developing regions, the platform can contribute to reducing economic disparities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Sustainable Cities and Communities Urban Innovation: Challenges posted by city governments or urban planners can lead to innovative solutions that make cities more sustainable and resilient. Community Engagement: Involving local talent in solving community-specific problems can foster a sense of ownership and community development.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Sustainable Solutions: Encouraging sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to business challenges can promote responsible consumption and production practices. Resource Efficiency: Innovative solutions can help companies optimize their use of resources, reducing waste and environmental impact.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

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

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Collaboration: The platform can foster partnerships between businesses, freelancers, consultants, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals. Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise can contribute to achieving the SDGs through collective efforts.

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.

4

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.

5

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

4

05.08 Justification

Without specific market research or data on existing products or services similar to the one we envision creating, it's challenging to determine the exact number of customers using such products or services. However, OpenSolution introduces a unique platform that connects businesses with freelance experts to solve challenges, which is a novel approach in the consulting space. OpenSolution is not fundamentally about introducing groundbreaking new technology, but rather on leveraging existing technology (such as online platforms and communication tools) to facilitate connections between businesses and freelance experts. OpenSolution can be seen as an improvement on existing methods of accessing consultancy services. Traditional consulting firms often have higher costs and longer turnaround times, whereas OpenSolution addresses a demand or need for cost-effective, efficient access to expertise and solutions for business challenges.

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

OpenSolution stands out by offering businesses a more efficient, solution-driven, and cost-effective alternative to our competitors which are traditional consulting firms, freelance platforms, and generic marketplaces for professional services. OpenSolution distinguishes itself from traditional consulting firms by offering cost-effective, rapid, and diverse solutions to businesses' challenges through a global network of freelance experts. Unlike generic freelance platforms, OpenSolution focuses specifically on addressing business needs, ensuring quality through vetting processes and ratings, and providing an integrated platform for streamlined consulting engagements. In comparison to online marketplaces, OpenSolution offers specialised expertise tailored to solving specific business challenges, fostering collaboration between businesses and experts, and providing a solution-oriented approach that emphasises results.

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

As a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum, I've actively promoted the role of female entrepreneurs. During my tenure as curator in the Soweto Hub, I spearheaded the establishment of an entrepreneurial incubator in collaboration with the US Consulate in South Africa. Remarkably, 70% of the entrepreneurs who participated in the incubation program were female. This initiative, which is still ongoing after my tenure, exemplifies my dedication to fostering gender diversity and empowering women in entrepreneurship within my community.