South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

where we are revolutionizing the way university students access delicious and convenient meals.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

We are NourishU, an upcoming unlaunched business that aims to revolutionize the way surplus food is utilized. Our business model involves gathering surplus food from local farmers and transforming it into delicious meals through the efforts of our team of local volunteers. These meals will be packaged for easy consumption and offered through pre-packaged meals, on-the-go options, and subscription plans for university students

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

Many university students struggle to find nutritious and affordable meal options, leading to unhealthy eating habits. At the same time, local farmers often have surplus produce that goes to waste.

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

. Healthy meal options among university students . Budget-friendly meal solutions for students on the go . Subscription options for month on month meals

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

NourishU addresses these issues by rescuing surplus food from local farmers and turning it into delicious meals for students. Our convenient, healthy, and budget-friendly meal options provide students with access to nutritious food on the go. Our target market ranges from Millennials to Generation Z, covering individuals aged 17 to 25 years. This demographic consists of younger people who have been immersed in social media

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-11-01

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

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

I have 5 years of experience in both freelancing and corporate work, as well as 5 years of experience working on multiple businesses. My skills include digital marketing and design graphic, and I am a professional in visual communication with additional qualifications in digital marketing and footwear technology. My business partner is a student of agricultural sciences, with hands-on experience in social media marketing and strong people skills.

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

https://www.facebook.com/lerato.khomphiri.528/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

3

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

My project contributes to the Good Health and Well-Being goal by addressing the issue of food waste and providing nutritious, convenient meal options for students. By rescuing surplus food and transforming it into healthy, ready-to-eat meals, we aim to improve students' access to nutritious food, promote better eating habits, and support overall well-being. Our efforts not only help reduce food waste but also ensure that students have the energy and nutrients they need to thrive academically and personally.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

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

My project contributes to the Decent Work and Economic Growth goal by creating employment opportunities and supporting local farmers. By rescuing surplus food and transforming it into nutritious meals, we provide jobs for local workers involved in food preparation and distribution. Additionally, by purchasing produce directly from local farmers, we support their economic stability and growth. Our initiative helps stimulate the local economy, reduces food waste, and ensures that both workers and farmers benefit from sustainable and ethical practices.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

My project contributes to the Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure goal by introducing innovative solutions to address food waste and enhance food distribution systems. By utilizing surplus food from local farmers and transforming it into nutritious, ready-to-eat meals, we leverage existing resources in new and efficient ways. Our use of strategically placed containers for cooking and storage creates a robust infrastructure that supports sustainable food distribution. Additionally, our integration of technology for online ordering and delivery optimizes the supply chain, ensuring that nutritious meals are accessible to students with minimal waste. Through these innovative approaches, we aim to build a more resilient and efficient food system that benefits both the community and the environment.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

My project contributes to the Responsible Consumption and Production goal by effectively addressing food waste and promoting sustainable practices. By rescuing surplus food from local farmers and transforming it into nutritious, ready-to-eat meals, we ensure that edible food is not wasted but instead used to nourish those in need. Our emphasis on eco-friendly packaging further supports sustainable consumption by reducing environmental impact. Additionally, we educate students and the community on the importance of mindful consumption and the value of reducing waste. Through these efforts, we aim to foster a culture of responsibility and sustainability in food production and consumption.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

My project contributes to the Climate Action goal by actively reducing food waste and promoting sustainable practices that help mitigate climate change. By rescuing surplus food that would otherwise contribute to greenhouse gas emissions in landfills, we significantly lower the carbon footprint associated with food waste. Our focus on eco-friendly packaging further minimizes environmental impact by reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclable materials. Additionally, by sourcing food locally, we decrease transportation emissions, supporting a more sustainable food supply chain. Through these actions, we aim to create a positive environmental impact and contribute to broader climate action efforts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

My project contributes to the Life on Land goal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing food waste, which in turn supports healthier ecosystems. By rescuing surplus food from local farmers, we help to minimize the environmental impact of food production and decrease the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, where it can release harmful methane gas. Our use of eco-friendly packaging reduces plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on terrestrial habitats. Furthermore, our project supports local farmers by providing them with an additional revenue stream, encouraging sustainable farming practices that preserve soil health and biodiversity. By turning inedible food waste into organic fertilizer, we contribute to healthier soil and promote sustainable land use. Through these efforts, we aim to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring a balanced and thriving environment for future generations.

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

3

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.

5

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.

6

05.08 Justification

The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an established concept. By combining the time-tested approach of providing ready-to-eat meals with innovative practices such as rescuing surplus food, utilizing eco-friendly packaging, and offering flexible subscription plans, we are revitalizing and modernizing the traditional meal service. This new version not only addresses contemporary issues like food waste and sustainability but also caters to the specific needs of today’s students, making nutritious and convenient meals accessible and affordable.

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

In our market, our main potential competitors include local cafeterias and food outlets on campus, meal kit delivery services, grocery stores, and fast food chains. Each of these competitors serves a segment of our target market by offering convenience, variety, and sometimes affordability. However, what sets us apart at NourishU is our holistic approach to addressing both student needs and broader societal challenges. Unlike traditional options, NourishU focuses on sustainability by rescuing surplus food from local farmers and using eco-friendly packaging. This not only reduces food waste but also appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. Our meals are designed to be nutritious and balanced, accommodating various dietary preferences including vegetarian and vegan options. We prioritize convenience with ready-to-eat meals that require minimal preparation, catering to students' hectic schedules. Moreover, our commitment to affordability ensures that healthy eating is accessible.

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