Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

CivilHire is an online platform connecting certified Nigerian civil engineers with clients, offering verified engineer profiles, project matchmaking, and secure project management tools to streamline hiring and enhance engineering services.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

CivilHire is an innovative online platform designed to revolutionize the way civil engineers and clients connect and collaborate in Nigeria. The platform serves as a centralized hub where certified civil engineers can showcase their expertise, connect with clients, and access professional development opportunities. Engineers create detailed profiles highlighting their qualifications, experience, and skills. Clients, ranging from individuals to large corporations and government agencies, can post projects and browse profiles to find the perfect match for their needs. CivilHire's advanced matching algorithms ensure accurate and efficient project matchmaking, while integrated project management tools streamline communication, collaboration, and payment processes. BuildConnect aims to elevate the standard of engineering services, drive economic growth, and foster innovation in the construction industry.

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

CivilHire addresses following key problems: • For Civil Engineers: Difficulty in finding suitable projects that match their expertise, area of specialization and location, lack of visibility, and limited networking opportunities. • For Clients: Difficulty in finding qualified and certified civil engineers, evaluating their capabilities, and coordinating projects efficiently. • For the Industry: Fragmented market and failure in delivery by quack civil engineers.

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

The major benefits of using the platform are: • The platform provides a centralized place where civil engineers access a wide range of project opportunities tailored to their skills and preferences. [FIND OPPORTUNITIES] • The platform offers community features, including forums and networking events, to facilitate connections and professional growth. [NETWORK AND COLLABORATE] • The platform allows civil engineers to create detailed profiles and portfolios, thus enhance visibility and credibility. [SHOWCASE THEIR EXPERTISE] • The platform features only NSE/COREN/NICE registered civil engineers, ensuring clients can easily find and hire qualified professionals. [HIRE THE BEST] • The platform offers integrated communication tools and project management features to streamline coordination and project execution. [SEAMLESS PROJECT MANAGEMENT]

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

The targeted beneficiaries of CivilHire are: • Certified Civil Engineers: Providing a platform to showcase their skills, connect with potential clients, and access project opportunities. This includes COREN and NSE-registered engineers looking to enhance their visibility and career prospects. • Clients (Individuals, Companies, Government Agencies): Offering a reliable and efficient way to find, vet, and hire qualified civil engineers for various projects. This includes homeowners, construction firms, and government bodies seeking professional engineering services.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-05-01

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

4

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.)

Nil

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?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

CivilHire contributes to the 'No Poverty' goal through the following: 1. Job Creation: By connecting certified civil engineers with clients, the platform creates job opportunities for engineers, which in turn supports their livelihoods and economic stability. 2. Income Generation: Engineers can access more projects and clients, leading to increased income and financial security. 3. Economic Growth: By facilitating more efficient and successful engineering projects, CivilHire supports the growth of the construction and infrastructure sectors, which are significant contributors to the national economy. 4. Accessibility and Inclusion: The platform aims to bridge regional disparities by providing equal access to job opportunities and resources for engineers across Nigeria, including those in rural or less-developed areas.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

CivilHire supports the construction of safe and effective healthcare facilities by connecting clients with qualified civil engineers. This contributes to improved healthcare infrastructure, directly impacting public health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

CivilHire promotes continuous professional development and training for engineers, enhancing their skills and knowledge.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The platform actively promotes the inclusion of female engineers by offering targeted outreach, mentorship programs, and highlighting their achievements, thereby supporting gender equality in the engineering profession

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By connecting clients with skilled engineers, BuildConnect facilitates the development of water and sanitation infrastructure projects, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for communities.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The platform supports the construction of renewable energy projects and efficient energy systems by connecting experts in sustainable engineering practices with clients, promoting the use of clean energy solutions.

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

CivilHire stimulates economic growth by creating job opportunities for engineers and supporting the efficient execution of construction projects. This leads to improved infrastructure, increased productivity, and overall economic development.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The platform enhances the development of resilient infrastructure by ensuring that clients can hire qualified engineers. It also promotes innovation through the adoption of advanced engineering practices and technologies.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

CivilHire provides equal opportunities for engineers from various regions, including underserved areas, to access job opportunities and professional development resources, thereby reducing regional and economic inequalities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By facilitating the construction of sustainable and resilient infrastructure, CivilHire contributes to the development of safe, inclusive, and sustainable cities and communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

CivilHire promotes sustainable engineering practices and encourages the use of eco-friendly materials and methods in construction projects, contributing to responsible consumption and production.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

CivilHire supports projects that focus on climate resilience and the mitigation of environmental impacts. By promoting sustainable engineering solutions, the platform helps address climate change challenges.

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

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

CivilHire promotes sustainable land use and the development of infrastructure projects that minimize environmental impacts, thereby contributing to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

By ensuring transparency and accountability in project execution and promoting professional ethics, CivilHire supports the development of strong institutions and contributes to peace and justice in the engineering sector.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

CivilHire fosters collaborations between engineers, clients, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders. These partnerships enhance knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and the achievement of sustainable development goals.

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

2

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

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

Main Potential Competitors are Jobberman, LinkedIn, Upwork, EngineersHub What makes CivilHire stand out? • Focus in Civil Engineering: Unlike general job boards and freelance platforms, CivilHire is specifically designed for civil engineering professionals and projects, ensuring tailored features and a more relevant user base. Verification and Credibility: CivilHire verifies certifications and credentials in collaboration with COREN and NSE, providing a trustworthy environment for clients and engineers. • Integrated Project Management: The platform offers comprehensive tools for project coordination, communication, and secure payments, streamlining the entire project lifecycle. • Community and Networking: The platform facilitates networking and collaboration among engineers, fostering a supportive community that enhances professional relationships and knowledge sharing. • Localized Focus: CivilHire is tailored to the Nigerian market, addressing specific regional needs and challenges.

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

Yes, I have been initiating a particular action, which is showcasing success stories of female engineers on my social media platform to inspire and motivate other women to pursue similar paths. But, from this project idea, there is forum on the platform where female civil engineers can connect, communicate and even address the unique challenges they face, and also, there is a provision for resources for balancing work-life commitments.