Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

This is a Mini Ice Factory that is powered by the Sun, that is using solar energy to power freezers for ice making and selling the ice to the public. There is great demand for ice as there is epileptic power supply in Gwagwalada, a town in Abuja, Nigeria

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Making ice using chest freezers powered by solar panels is a practical and sustainable approach, especially in areas with limited or unreliable electricity supply. Here’s a guide to setting up such a system: Components Required 1. Chest Freezers: I have chosen energy-efficient solar powered chest freezers with good insulation. 2. Solar Panels: i have determined the number and capacity of solar panels required based on your freezer's energy consumption. 3. Battery Bank: Store excess energy generated by solar panels to power the freezer during the night or cloudy days. 4. Charge Controller: Protects the battery bank from overcharging and ensures efficient energy transfer. 5. Inverter: Converts DC power from solar panels and batteries to AC power required by the freeze. 6. A storage tank This Ice From Sun project has the potential of producing between seventy two tonnes to one hundred and fifty tonnes of ice while generating between N12,000,00.00 to N25,000,000 within its first year alone

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

This project is highly environmental friendly as the energy source is green. This project's aim is to resolve the lack and inadequate of availability of ice and cold drinks in the town where I reside which affects lost of business owners in terms off low sales and sometime no patronage by customers who want to buy cold drinks or preserve their products to be sold. This project will help to make ice available with little or no the reliance on the national grid of the country as the power supply from the national power grid is epileptic and below the required voltage need to made ice for the ever growing demand for ice. This project will also improve businesses as the availability of ice improves and help control the price as scarcity of ice can make the price of ice to raise to as high as twice the normal price if not more. This project will also help to reduce the constant increase in the cost of making ice due to reliance on generator, fueling and maintenance of generators.

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 advantages of using the products from this my project includes: 1. The products (ice) are made using green energy (Energy from the sun) 2. There will be constant supply of the Products (ice) due to the constant availability of power supply generated from the sun using the solar system thereby making this project highly energy independent. 3. It helps to promote grass root and local businesses as the availability of the product (ice) is regular and easier. 4. My products will be cheaper as there is zero cost of using generator and purchase of fossil fuel which drives up the price of ice. 5. Due to the energy independence, my products can be available to my customer when there is power outage, damaged local or district electrical transformers or collapse of national grid. 6. More of my products (ice) can be available to customers due to energy storage. (Energy stored during the day can and will be used at night to power the freezers)

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

The list of my project targeted beneficiaries are quite numerous but just to name s few include: 1. Local and small scale businesses that need ice. 2. Food vendors. 3, Restaurants and cafes. 4. Party planners and event planning companies. 5. Sea food vendors. 6. Food processing businesses. 7. It provides direct employment as few workers will be employed at the mini ice factory and indirect empowerment as the supply of ice will increase, it will drive up business opportunities, bulk ice vendors will be needed, distributors will be needed amongst others. 8. It helps to improve food security as freezing (using of ice) is one of the major way of food preservation. 9. Improved Storage of Medicines and Vaccines as very low or freezing conditions are required by farmers practicing animal rearing.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-12-01

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

1

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.)

I came up withe idea for the project, the processes and its execution while my partner and I will see to it smooth running in terms of administration. My partner is a graduate of Bsc. Education Administration and Planning and has been an entrepreneur for over 10years, and has directly and single handedly managed her business, workers and the processes needed to maintain the business even amid the covid-19 lockdown. She is very disciplined, highly energetic, and goal orientated.

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?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

This Project contributes to the no poverty goal of the United Nations(SDG 1) in the following ways: 1. Its a project that targets the grassroot businesses thereby helping to tackle poverty at the grassroot. 2. Helps to support the variety of businesses with it product thereby having a larger effect by contributing to multiple businesses with just one product creating a multiplier effect in business growth and development leading to the end of poverty. 3. It helps to drive down cost by providing businesses with cheaper and constant supply of ice. 4. Food preservation is a key entity in terms of ensuring food availability which helps to go a long way to end poverty. 5. it promotes Community Empowerment by providing communities with reliable access to ice with technology powered by solar energy, and empowers them to control have ice reduces dependency on other towns as this self-sufficiency is crucial for sustainable development and poverty reduction.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

My startup contributes to zero hunger (SDG 2) in the following ways: 1. Enhanced Food Preservation: The Solar-powered mini ice factory produces ice that can be used to preserve perishable food items such as fruits, vegetables, and fish. By extending the shelf life of these products, it reduces post-harvest losses and ensures a more stable food supply throughout the year. This is crucial for addressing food insecurity. 2. Support for Fishery and Aquaculture: ice can support fishery and aquaculture industries by enabling fishermen to store their catch in better conditions. This helps maintain the quality of seafood products, reduces waste, and expands market opportunities. 3. Increased Market Access: Reliable access to ice allows farmers and fishermen to participate more effectively in local and regional markets. 4. Climate Resilience: Solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions thereby promoting climate resilience and maintaining suitable agricultural climate conditions.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

This project contribute to good health and well-being (SDG 3) in several important ways: 1. Improved Storage of Medicines and Vaccines: The ice produced by this project can be used to refrigerate vaccines and medicines thereby maintaining cold chain integrity is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and availability of essential health interventions, especially in tropical regions where temperature control is critical. 2. Enhanced Access to Safe Drinking Water: ice can support water purification processes by chilling water for drinking, this reduces the risk of waterborne diseases and improves overall community health. 3. Better Nutrition: ice produced can be used to preserve perishable nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, ensuring access to a diverse and balanced diet contributing to better nutrition. 4. Reduction of Air Pollution and Health Risks: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Ice making from solar energy can contribute to quality education (SDG 4) in several ways: 1. Enhancing Learning Resources: Solar-powered ice factory can be used as an educational tool (Excursion, scientific and engineering purpose) to create the awareness of the possibilities that are available is the energy from the sun and the level of capacity to which it can be used. 2. Promoting Nutrition and Health: ice produced can contribute to school feeding programs by preserving perishable foods used for school meals. This ensures that students have access to nutritious meals, which is crucial for their cognitive development, concentration, and overall well-being, thus supporting their educational outcomes. 3. Fostering Sustainable Practices: Introducing solar-powered technologies in schools can serve as practical examples of sustainable energy solutions. This provides opportunities for students to learn about renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

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

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

This project can contribute significantly to the Clean Water and Sanitation goal (SDG 6) in following ways: 1. Water Purification and Treatment: Solar-powered ice can be utilized to cool water, facilitating the purification process. This is particularly beneficial in areas where access to clean drinking water is highly significant. 2. Storage of Potable Water: ice produced by this project can aid in storing clean and potable water, especially in tropical regions and regions with unreliable water supply. 3. Enhanced Sanitation Facilities: Ice from this project can be used for storing vaccines and medical supplies, supporting healthcare facilities and improving sanitation conditions. 4. Reduction of Environmental Impact: Solar energy is a clean, renewable and sustainable energy source that reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-powered alternatives.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

This is project is considered affordable and a clean source of energy for several reasons: 1. Initial Cost and Long-term Savings: the initial setup cost of solar panels, batteries and ice-making equipment may be higher than traditional ice-making methods, solar energy systems have minimal ongoing costs once installed and do not require fuel or extensive maintenance, leading to significant long-term savings. 2. Operational Cost Savings: Solar energy is essentially free once the initial investment is made. This contrasts with fossil fuels or grid electricity, which incur ongoing costs. 3. Energy Efficiency: Solar panels have a high energy efficiency rating, converting sunlight directly into electricity with minimal losses. This efficiency ensures that this project can generate sufficient energy to operate refrigeration units effectively. 4. Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, producing no greenhouse gas emissions.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

This project contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) in several ways: 1. Job Creation: The installation, maintenance, and operation of solar-powered ice making systems create jobs across various skill levels, from technicians and engineers to sales and support staff. This contributes to local economic growth by generating employment opportunities and fostering skill development within communities. 2. Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Solar-powered ice making can empower entrepreneurs to establish ice-making businesses that cater to local markets. 3. Cost Savings for Businesses: Businesses that rely on ice or cooling can benefit from reduced operational costs with cheap ice which translate into improved profitability, allowing businesses to reinvest in expansion, technology upgrades, or employee welfare. 4. Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs often struggle with high costs, cheaper ice provides these enterprises with constant supply and affordable solution.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

This project contributes to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) includes: 1. Promoting Renewable Energy Innovation: This project represents an innovative application of renewable energy technology in the industrial sector. It showcases how clean energy sources can replace traditional fossil fuel-based technologies, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. 2. Technological Advancements: The development and deployment of this project require technological innovations in solar panels, energy storage solutions, and refrigeration technologies. These advancements drive progress in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure development. 3. Infrastructure Development: Implementing this project involves establishing infrastructure for solar panels, energy storage units, and refrigeration equipment and contributes to the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

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

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

This project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities in following ways: 1. Reducing Energy Consumption and Emissions: Energy Efficiency: Using solar energy for ice production reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner air in urban areas. Carbon Footprint: Solar-powered ice makers have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional electric ice makers, contributing to overall reductions in urban carbon emissions. 2. Enhancing Resilience: Climate Adaptation: In areas prone to high temperatures such as my area (Gwagwalada), having access to ice can help communities cope with heat waves, preserving food and providing cooling. Energy Security: Solar energy provides a reliable source of power. 3. Economic Benefits: Cost Savings: Solar ice makers can reduce electricity bills for households and businesses, making it more affordable to produce and store ice.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

This project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production in several key ways: 1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Use: -Sustainable Energy Source: Solar-powered ice making utilizes a renewable energy source, reducing dependency on non-renewable, carbon-intensive energy sources. -Lower Energy Consumption: Compared to traditional ice makers solar-powered systems often consume less energy, promoting more responsible energy use. 2. Reduced Environmental Impact: -Lower Emissions: By harnessing solar power, the ice-making process emits fewer greenhouse gases, reducing the environmental footprint. -Minimized Pollution: Solar energy generate power with minimal air and water pollution compared to fossil fuel power plants. 3. Efficient Resource Utilization: this project is designed for longevity and durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering material waste.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

This project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action in the following ways: 1. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emission as it is a renewable energy that is used which has a very low carbon footprint. 2. It promotes energy efficiency through the use of efficient technology and decentralised energy production. 3. It enhance Climate Resilience in terms of adaptation to climate change as ice helps to cope with rising temperatures and promotes energy independence. 4. This project encouraging Sustainable Practices by creating the awareness and education about the capabilities of renewable energy thereby driving innovation and technology transfer to other regions.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

This project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water in several meaningful ways: 1. Reducing pollution as the there are no greenhouse gas emissions nor other pollutants that are washed off into waterways thereby protecting and improving marine ecosystems. 2. This project helps in promoting sustainable fishing practices as ice are used for preservation thereby reducing spoilage and wastage. 3. It helps in adapting to Climate Impacts on the communities consuming products from fishing by providing a sustainable and reliable means to preserve seafood. 4. Minimizing thermal pollution by lower Operational Heat as this project will typically operate with lower thermal outputs compared to some traditional industrial processes.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

My project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land in several ways: 1. It helps in reducing pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions resulting to reduction in air pollution benefits terrestrial ecosystems and helps mitigate climate change, which impacts land biodiversity. 2. Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices such as food preservation Reliable access to ice helps farmers store and transport their produce more effectively, increasing their income stability and reducing post-harvest losses. 3. This project promotes support for Biodiversity Conservation has Solar energy systems require less invasive infrastructure compared to fossil fuel extraction and processing resulting to reduction in habitat disruption and supports the conservation of land-based biodiversity. 4. This project has a smaller physical and environmental footprint compared to traditional energy-intensive ice-making facilities, helping to minimize soil degradation and land use changes

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

My project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals in several ways: 1. Research and Development: Developing the Ice From Sun project often involves collaboration between academic institutions, private companies, and government agencies. These partnerships drive innovation and technological advancements 2. Knowledge Sharing: Collaboration facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, fostering global progress towards sustainability goals 3. Investment and Funding: Public-private partnerships can mobilize financial resources for the development and deployment of this project to more towns and cities. Governments can provide incentives, while private companies can invest in the technology, creating a synergistic effect 4. Implementation and Scaling: These partnerships can help scale up the deployment of this project, reaching more communities and regions, thereby amplifier the impact

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

2

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.

5

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

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

6

05.08 Justification

The Ice From sun is a project that brings innovation too the process of ice making by changing the majorly the power generation process of ice making from the non stable, fossil fueled and high greenhouse gas emitting source to a more stable, environmental friendly, zero greenhouse gas emitting and biodiversity friendly energy generating method. This project also utilises climate friendly freezer that consume less energy, emits little or no greenhouse gas when compared to the traditional freezers used for ice making which consume high quantity of energy, have very low energy conversion rate and are mostly locally made thereby having very low performance in terms of energy consumed to ice production rate. Also the cost of this project is significantly lower in the long run when compared with the traditional method of ice making. Finally the project is highly sustainable and scalable.

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

The main competitors of this project are the traditional or local ice maker. The Ice From Sun project stands out with the following features when compared to my competitors: 1. Lower energy consumption. 2. Access to constant electricity through the solar power generation. 3. Low or no running cost or cost of maintenance. 4. High level of energy storage. 5. Sustainability and Scalability of my project. 6. My project is environmental friendly. 7. This project has very low carborn footprint no matter the scalability. 8. This project has a high return on investment within a year of start up. 9. This project has the ability to give out more products (ice) in a shorter time frame due to the constant power supply and lower energy consumption of the freezers. 10. My product will be cheaper when compared to my competitors due to low running cost and no cost on fossil fueling, repairing and maintenance of generators.

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

This project is how I plan to initiate actions with the community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs because this project will have interactions and patronage from more female entrepreneurs than male entrepreneurs, thereby making the process of their various businesses easier and more profitable for them.