South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Overview: Yonke is an online platform designed to give small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) access to markets and working capital. By enhancing online visibility and providing innovative financing solutions, Yonke aims to accelerate the growth of SMEs

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Yonke is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) enhance their online presence, increase sales, and expand their brand into new markets. Our platform provides an all-in-one solution for SMEs to create an online footprint and become more accessible to potential clients and customers. Key Features: Service Search & Booking: Users can search for services in their area. Request quotes and book appointments directly through the app. Chat with service providers in-app. Business Profile Creation: Businesses can create online stores or profiles with images and videos showcasing their products and services. List available services and products for sale. Post service requirements or bid for business opportunities posted by customers and corporate partners. Transaction Fees: Yonke charges a 10% fee on each transaction conducted through the platform. Innovative Financing Solutions: SMEs can access short-term loans with a 10% interest rate, repayable within 90 days. Loan eli

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

Enhancing Market Access: Online Presence: By providing an easy-to-use platform where SMEs can create detailed business profiles, showcase their products and services, and engage with potential customers, Yonke helps businesses increase their visibility and reach a broader audience. Service Listings and Bookings: The app allows users to search for and book services, request quotes, and communicate directly with service providers, facilitating easier customer acquisition and retention. Providing Access to Working Capital: Innovative Financing: Yonke offers short-term loans to SMEs, with a streamlined application process and quick turnaround times. The loans are based on the business’s transaction history on the platform, making it easier for SMEs to qualify and access funds. Automated Credit Evaluation: The platform uses an automated credit model to assess the business’s cash flow patterns and determine suitable repayment structures, providing a tailored financial solution that traditi

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

Increased Market Visibility and Customer Reach:Enhanced Online Presence: Yonke provides a platform for SMEs to create comprehensive business profiles with images, videos, and detailed descriptions of their products and services. This helps businesses increase their visibility and attract more customers.Service Search and Booking: Potential customers can easily find, request quotes for, and book services directly through the app, simplifying the process of connecting with and acquiring new clients.Access to Working Capital:Innovative Short-Term Loans: Yonke offers SMEs access to short-term loans with a 10% interest rate, repayable within 90 days. The application process is quick and straightforward, with instant responses and funding based on the business's transaction history on the platform.Automated Credit Evaluation: The platform uses an automated credit model that assesses cash flow patterns and selects a suitable repayment structure (daily, weekly, or monthly), Streamlined Busine

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

Yonke is aimed at serving a broad spectrum of small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, and their customers. The platform offers tools and resources to help these businesses enhance their market presence, secure funding, and streamline operations. Additionally, financial institutions and event organizers benefit from the platform’s data insights and ticketing capabilities.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2018-06-01

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

4

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.)

The Three Developers have formal education in Software Development and one Lady has got formal education in Graphic design. But lack experience.

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

http://www.bigpcom.co.za/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By enhancing market access, providing financial support, creating jobs, and fostering entrepreneurship, Yonke directly contributes to reducing poverty. The platform’s comprehensive approach ensures that SMEs and entrepreneurs have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, thereby lifting individuals and communities out of poverty and promoting sustainable economic development

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Yonke contributes to the Zero Hunger goal by supporting SMEs in the food and agriculture sectors, providing them with market access, financial resources, and knowledge on sustainable practices. By enhancing the productivity and financial stability of these businesses, Yonke helps improve food security, reduce hunger, and promote sustainable agricultural development, benefiting local communities and the broader economy.

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

Yonke contributes to Good Health and Well-Being by supporting SMEs in the health sector, enhancing access to health services, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering economic stability. The platform’s comprehensive approach ensures that health service providers and related businesses can thrive, thereby improving health outcomes and overall well-being for individuals and communities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Yonke contributes to Quality Education by supporting SMEs in the education sector, enhancing access to educational services and resources, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and fostering economic stability. The platform’s comprehensive approach ensures that educational service providers can thrive, thereby improving educational outcomes and promoting lifelong learning for individuals and communities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Yonke contributes to Gender Equality by empowering women entrepreneurs, supporting women-led businesses, promoting inclusive business practices, providing educational opportunities, and advocating for equal economic opportunities. By fostering a supportive ecosystem and enhancing visibility for women in business, Yonke strives to create a more gender-balanced and inclusive marketplace where all entrepreneurs can thrive

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

It has no contribution to this space

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

It has no Contribution to the space or sector

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Yonke contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth by supporting SMEs, creating job opportunities, facilitating economic stability through financial access, promoting sustainable business practices, and fostering entrepreneurship. The platform’s initiatives aim to strengthen local economies, empower entrepreneurs, and contribute to sustainable economic development that benefits communities and individuals alike.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Yonke contributes to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by promoting technological innovation among SMEs, enhancing infrastructure accessibility, supporting sustainable business practices, and facilitating collaboration within industries. By leveraging digitalization and fostering a culture of innovation, Yonke helps SMEs adapt to technological advancements, improve efficiency, and contribute to sustainable economic development

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Yonke contributes to Reduced Inequalities by promoting inclusive economic growth, supporting marginalized entrepreneurs, reducing economic disparities, promoting fair business practices, and advocating for policies that foster diversity and equity. By empowering SMEs owned by women, minorities, and disadvantaged groups, Yonke helps create a more equitable business environment and contributes to sustainable development that benefits all members of society.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Not Sure How it can contribute at this stage.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Doesn't contribute

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

It doesn't contribute at this point

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Currently no Contribution

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

For now we don't.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Yonke contributes to the Partnership for the Goals by fostering collaborations, alliances, and initiatives that promote sustainable development, economic growth, and social equity. Through partnerships with stakeholders, advocacy for sustainable policies, and promotion of global citizenship, Yonke works towards creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous 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.

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

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.

4

05.08 Justification

Developing a product or service that responds to an unmet need not only satisfies customers better but also positions your business for sustainable growth and competitive advantage in the marketplace.developing an improved product/service builds upon established foundations while offering significant advantages in performance, innovation, customer satisfaction, cost efficiency, and competitive positioning. These factors collectively contribute to business growth and success in the marketplace.

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

Takealot and Amazone are the direct competitors but what set us apart is supporting entrepreneurs from the outset of their journey and providing them with essential tools and resources to succeed, we can differentiate our startup effectively from larger e-commerce giants like Takealot and Amazon. This approach not only addresses a specific market need but also builds a loyal customer base committed to our platform's mission of empowering small businesses Facilitate access to working capital through innovative financing solutions tailored to small businesses. This could include flexible loan options, invoice financing, or revenue-based financing tied to their sales on your platform.

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

Yes There was a Campaign or movement which i founded back in 2014 called Innovative Mind Group which