Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Zero Starter is a climate focused Educational Technology platform that focuses on helping people who are interested in taking climate action get started by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to combat climate change and empowering them.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Zero Starter is a climate focused tech company that helps people that are interested in tackling climate change start from point start zero by equipping them with resources needed to the start a climate focused enterprise. We act as a catalyst for transformative solutions towards combating climate change and empowering people. We will support offer courses and trainings to empower and unlock their potentials on climate action, environmental sustainability, sustainable agricultural, water conservation, waste management, tackle health matters among others. We would also partner with organizations that are in the industry to offer our students internships and job shadowing opportunities so they can get on-the-job experience. We hope to get international backings so we can issue our students a globally recognized certificates. However to earn this certificate, they need to carry out a project in this community related to what they were trained on.

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

Although Nigeria is at the forefront of Climate Action in Africa it still has not fully tapped into the opportunities in climate change in order to proffer lasting solutions to combat climate change. According to the AfroBarometer Survey, 70% of Nigerians are not aware of climate change. It takes knowing about a solution to seek solutions for it. As the world's seventh most populous country, Nigeria's futures hinges on the awareness and engagement of its youth in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. We want to solve the problem of climate change in a way that it promotes education, empowers people and reduce employment.

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

One of the benefits is that you would become skilled in various aspect of environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Additionally, it is an opportunity to get supports towards creating a solution to combat climate change, get a means of livelihood and create green jobs for others. We provide them with on-the-job experience through internships and job shadowing in our partner firms and a globally recognized certificate. Another benefit is that we help to reduce the rate of poverty, unemployment and social vices in the society.

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

Our target customers are youths and women within the age of 18 - 45 years who are undergraduates, school dropouts, recent graduates, unemployed and women who are looking to start an impactful business. We are focused on helping people understand the problem better and helping them finetune their solutions.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-02-06

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

2

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.)

Moronkeji Blessing is the Chief Technology Officer. He is a Computer Engineering graduate from the Federal University of Technology Akure. He is a full stack developer and had built several websites for various organization. He would be in charge of building our website and our Learning Management System. Sakeanat Fatai is the Chief Climate Officer. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Management and Toxicology. She is WHO Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Certified and in the process of obtaining an M.Sc. in Environmental System and Climate Change. She has previous experience as an Environmental Scientist in NOSDRA and as an HSE Intern in TotalEnergies.

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?

Other: Climate focused Educational Technology

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

We are impacting people with inter-generational knowledge and ensuring that innovation and critical thinking is encouraged to catalyze transformational change in people’s lives and communities. It stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship by inspiring solutions in renewable energy, resource efficiency, and sustainable business practices. This can create new economic opportunities and contribute to poverty reduction. This goes a long way in creating jobs and eradicating poverty. Also, we foster skill development by providing training in green technologies and sustainable farming techniques. These skills are increasingly valuable in a green economy, offering better job opportunities and income generation for individuals, which in turn can lift them out of poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Zero Starter contributes to Zero Hunger by playing a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture. We will disseminate knowledge on sustainable farming practices such as agroecology, permaculture, and organic farming. These methods does not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also promote efficient land use and resilience to climate change. By equipping farmers with these techniques, we empower them to improve crop yields sustainably, thereby enhancing food security for communities. In addition, we will educate them on on climate-resilient crop varieties and adaptation strategies. This would go a long way in mitigating the impact of climate change on Agriculture. This resilience ensures stable agricultural production, even in the face of extreme weather events, thereby reducing the risk of food insecurity

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

Our Startup contributes to Good Heath and well being by providing essential knowledge about how climate change influences human health. It highlights issues such as increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems from air pollution, and the spread of vector-borne diseases due to changing ecosystems. Understanding these impacts helps individuals recognize health risks and take preventive measures, thereby improving overall well-being. In addition, we focus on promoting sustainable living practices. This includes educating about energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction strategies, sustainable diets, and transportation choices. These practices not only reduce carbon footprints but also contribute to cleaner environments and improved health outcomes by minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Zero Starter as a Climate focused Educational Technology contributes to Quality Education by enabling students gain a global and local perspective on climate change and sustainability issues. By infusing Virtual and Augmented Reality, case studies, and collaborative projects with peers, students learn about diverse environmental challenges, cultural perspectives, and global efforts to mitigate climate impacts. This exposure fosters empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and a sense of global citizenship among learners. Also, students engage in practical activities that allow them to explore complex environmental concepts, analyze environmental data, and simulate climate scenarios. These hands-on experiences promote critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific inquiry, enhancing their learning outcomes. In addition, one of the criteria for graduating our students is carrying out a project on the aspect they got trained on to be sure they know that they understood well.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our Startup contributes to Gender Equality by leveraging technology to provide access to education for girls and young women worldwide. In many regions, girls face significant barriers to attending school due to cultural norms, economic constraints, or lack of nearby educational facilities. We break these barriers by delivering educational content online, thereby reaching girls who might otherwise be excluded from formal education. This increased accessibility empowers girls to learn about critical issues like climate change and sustainability, equipping them with knowledge to become informed advocates and leaders in environmental stewardship within their communities. Also, we contribute to Gender Equality by empowering them with knowledge. This gives them a voice in major discussions, help them make informed decisions and take meaningful actions. We are also closing the gap in the STEM fields where women are underrepresented through skills development.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

When we educate individuals and communities on water conservation, efficient water use, and the effects of climate change on water quality and availability, we promote sustainable water management such as such as rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and water recycling, which are essential for ensuring long-term water availability and quality.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Zero Starter contributes to Affordable and Clean Energy by facilitating skills development in renewable energy, equipping individuals with the expertise needed to participate in the growing clean energy job market. We educate people on renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and the environmental benefits of transitioning away from fossil fuels.

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

Decent work and Economic Growth is one of the goals we are aiming to achieve.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Zero Starter plays a role in contributing ti

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Zero Starter plays a role in contributing to Reduced Inequalities by providing equal access to climate related education and resources. We aim to bridge the knowledge gap between different communities, empowering people in marginalized communities with skills for sustainable practices. By creating awareness about climate change, we reduce the disparities and help more Nigerians be aware of climate change.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

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

Our trainings influence behavioral change by promoting sustainable consumption ad production habits such ad reducing waste, consumption patterns, sustainable lifestyles, conserving resources, making environmentally friendly choices and the impact of making these choices.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

As a climate focused educational technology startup, we are a significant contributor to enhancing climate action and combating climate change. We equip our students with essential knowledge about climate science, including the causes, impacts, and potential solutions of climate change. By democratizing access to knowledge and empowering marginalized communities, we expand the reach of climate action initiatives and promotes equitable solutions to environmental challenges. By empowering individuals and communities to engage actively in climate solutions, we play a pivotal role in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change and creating a more resilient and equitable world.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Zero Starter contributes significantly to Life Below Water by providing training, skill development and raising awareness about marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the importance of ocean conservation. By fostering a deeper understanding of these issues, we encourage behavioral changes and promotes stewardship of marine resources, aligning with SDG 14's objectives to increase awareness and knowledge on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. In addition, we will promote local participation in marine biodiversity monitoring, habitat restoration, and sustainable livelihoods linked to marine resources. Community engagement initiatives empower local communities to contribute actively to Life Below Water's objectives by promoting sustainable fishing practices, reducing marine pollution, and conserving marine habitats. Through these, we support global efforts to achieve SDG 14's targets and create a sustainable future for our oceans and marine ecosystems.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Zero Starter contributes to Life on Land by enhancing education and awareness about the importance of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity conservation by leveraging digital platforms such as online courses, educational videos, and interactive modules, We will educate students, educators, and communities about the role of forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other terrestrial habitats in supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing essential ecosystem services. By equipping farmers, land managers, and communities with skills and resources through online training courses and digital resources, we encourage the adoption of practices that enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and promote biodiversity conservation.

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

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our Startup contributes to Partnerships for the goal in the sense that we intend to partner with local and international organizations in the industry so our students can get internship and job shadowing opportunities to get on-the-job experience on what they have learnt so far. We also intend to partner with local and international organizations that are focused on empowering people and combating climate change in other to get grants so our services can be made accessible to more people through part or full scholarships

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.

3

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

3

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

3

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.

5

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

5

05.08 Justification

The product we envision creating is an extension of variety of other services because there are organizations that teaches, for instance, waste management, water conservation etc. We are focused on every aspect of Climate action including Renewable Energy, water conservation, sustainable agricultural practices etc. Our product is a new version of an old product because we intend to utilize technology to create climate awareness and education. Our product creates a response to a demand that has not been satisfied by other products in the sense that it is a one stop destination for all form of training on climate resilience and adaptation.

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

Our main potential competitors are organizations that also offer trainings on environmental sustainability such as Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC). We stand out because we use technology to reach a wider range of people and help people learn at their own pace. We also ensure that our students carry out a project in their community in relation to what they learnt as a requirement for graduation and getting a recognized certificate. This is a way of ensuring that they know what they have learnt well enough and also give back to the society. In addition, we help them get on-the-job training opportunity which is useful in transitioning into entrepreneurship.

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

One of our aims into help females start, grow and scale a environmentally sustainable and climate focused ventures. We aim to achieve this by equipping them with knowledge and skills on different aspects of climate change, business opportunities in these areas and how to start and/or run the business. For those that have ideas already, we would help them incubate, refine and finetune these ideas in other to make a great solution out of it. In addition, for women that are not a environmentally sustainable business, we will teach them how to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily operations.