South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

A Community centric e-commerce platform that utilizes a combination of data analytics, and machine learning to provide you with seamless and a personalized shopping experience.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Thara's Crafts is a one-stop shop for: Unveiling hidden gems: Exploring a diverse range of unique and authentic products from local businesses across South Africa. Supporting local entrepreneurs: Empowering local communities and businesses by contributing to their growth and success. Embracing affordability: Enjoying competitive prices without compromising on quality, making it easy to refresh your style and home. Family/Group Discounts: Up to 70% off for groups purchases of more than 10.

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

In South Africa, only 20% can buy new tech, decor, or fashion often, 60% aren't happy with what's out there, and 65% of local entrepreneurs battle to reach more customers. Current Interventions have failed because of: A lack support for local businesses, Ineffective marketing and promotion. Existing retail options often cater to a specific demographic. South Africa’s socio-economic issues have forced a shortage in affordable decor, fashion, and technology of high quality. This has caused an over dependence of foreign sourced poor quality products, as citizens look for cheap alternatives in a tough economic climate. As a result Local entrepreneurs, distributors, and suppliers are struggling to compete in addition to existing issues such as difficulty with to reach a wider audience.

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

CONVENIENT SHOPPING: SAME-DAY DELIVERY IN SELECT AREAS. CUSTOMER SERVICE: 24/7 TO HELP CUSTOMERS WITH THEIR ORDERS. DIVERSE PAYMENT OPTIONS: CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS, EFT, AND PAYFAST. COMPETITIVE PRICES: ATTRACTIVE PROMOTIONS AND DISCOUNTS FAMILY/GROUP DISCOUNTS: UP TO 70% OFF FOR GROUPS PURCHASES OF MORE THAN 10. SMME BULK BUYING: SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES ON BULK ORDERS. PRINTING SERVICES: ACCESS TO MERCHANDISE PRINTING

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

Our customers are value-conscious consumers, style-savvy individuals(Gen-Z) as well as local suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2021-08-01

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

5

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.)

Ole Matlala UJ Information Technology Diploma. Watson Institute Fellow. 11 Years Marketing Experience Ramabu Mahopo UJ Information Technology B-Tech. 14 Years Development Experience. 10 Years Technology Support Operations Thabiso Mabogwana Eng & PGCE University of Tshwane, Unisa Karabo Boikanyo: IT University of Johannesburg Collen Motimele: IT University of Johannesburg

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

https://tharascrafts.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

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

5

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

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

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Our platform offers potential for more Job Opportunities, reduced social isolation and reduced Inequality and also Access to Education.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

our e-commerce platform utilizes a combination of data analytics, and machine learning to provide a seamless and personalized shopping experience.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our platform offers potential for more Job Opportunities for all classes of human form.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

2

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

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

3

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.

4

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

4

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

The unique features of Thara’s Crafts include a wide selection of over 400 000 electronics ,gadgets. Quick deliveries 24/7 customer support Significant discounts : up to 70% off group discounts

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

Our competitors are: Takealot – Market leader in e-commerce. Loot - Strong mobile app with user-friendly interface. Makro - Established brick-and-mortar presence with a large customer base. Some of their weaknesses are limited product variety, over dependence on foreign products and a lack of personalized shopping experience. We will partner with local businesses, logistics providers, payment processors, marketing agencies, and social media influencers to achieve our goals. These stakeholders form part of our value chain.

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

We promote role of female entrepreneurs through various initiatives, and campaigns and also building brand awareness.