Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The 'P.D Impact Hub is a start-up social impact enterprise aimed to empower college and tertiary students in Nigeria with soft skills and community development experiences that will propel them to excel in their personal development and career journeys.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The 'P.D Impact Hub is a start-up social impact enterprise in Lagos, Nigeria, and intends to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a Limited Liability Company. We aim to empower college and tertiary students in Nigeria with soft skills and community development experiences that will propel them to excel in their personal development and career journeys. The motivation for setting up this organization is hinged on the fact that more than 60% of undergraduates are unprepared for life outside the four walls of their schools. Many of these targeted individuals struggle to find their footing in their chosen careers and often require a lot of coaching which is not readily accessible and available. The Hub was birthed to bridge the gap between going to college and experiencing a fruitful career. This social impact initiative is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goals 4 and 8.

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

The main problem the 'P.D Impact Hub is trying to solve is the lack of preparedness among Nigerian college and tertiary students for life and careers after graduation. Specifically, more than 60% of undergraduates in Nigeria struggle with transitioning from academic life to professional careers due to inadequate soft skills and community development experiences. This gap leaves many graduates ill-equipped to excel in their personal and professional journeys, hindering their potential for successful and fulfilling careers. The Hub aims to bridge this gap by providing mentorship, training, and practical experiences that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goals 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), ultimately empowering students to thrive in their careers and personal development.

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 product/service provided by the 'P.D Impact Hub include: 1. Enhanced Employability and Career Readiness: The Hub equips undergraduates with essential soft skills and practical experiences that are often overlooked in traditional academic curricula. By focusing on skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, the Hub ensures that students are better prepared for the workforce, enhancing their employability and readiness for diverse career opportunities after graduation. 2. Active Community Engagement and Leadership Development: The Hub emphasizes participation in community development projects, allowing students to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world settings. 3.Accessibility and Affordability of Personal Development Resources: By providing an online platform with free or subsidized personal development courses and mentorship, the Hub makes crucial resources accessible to a wider range of undergraduates across Nigeria.

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

The Personal Development Mentorship Hub is aimed at serving the following targeted beneficiaries: 1. Undergraduates in Nigeria 2. Out-of-school students 3. NYSC Corps Members 4. Recent Graduates 5. Community Impact Institutions

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-08-01

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

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

Chiemeka Peter is a social impact educator focused on helping teenagers and young adult explore their potentials and develop their genius.

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?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

2

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Supplementary Role to Academic Institutions: 1. Supporting Learners at Different Levels: The academy enhances the educational experience of college and university students by offering additional resources and training that complement their formal education. This ensures a more holistic educational experience. 2. Soft Skills Development: Traditional academic curricula often emphasize technical and theoretical knowledge. The Hub fills a critical gap by providing training in soft skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for personal development and professional success. 3. Active Community Engagement: By encouraging students to participate in community development projects, the Hub promotes experiential learning. This hands-on approach helps students apply their skills in real-world scenarios, reinforcing their learning and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

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

1. Career Readiness: The hub’s focus on soft skills and practical experiences prepares students for the workforce. This increases their employability and readiness for diverse career opportunities, directly contributing to economic growth. 2. Leadership Development: By fostering leadership qualities and community engagement, the Hub prepares students to take on leadership roles in their future careers. Effective leaders drive innovation, productivity, and growth within their organizations and communities. 3. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Offering free or subsidized courses ensures that students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds have access to quality personal development resources. This inclusivity helps to level the playing field, enabling more individuals to contribute to economic growth. 4. Application of Skills in Communities: The practical nature of the Hub’s programs encourages students to use their skills to benefit their immediate communities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

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

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

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

3

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

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.

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.

6

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

The 'P.D Impact Hub offers a unique and innovative approach to mentorship and personal development, specifically targeting undergraduates in Nigeria. While traditional mentorship programs exist, the Hub stands out by integrating soft skills training with community development projects, addressing a clear gap not fully met by existing services. Although not a new technology, it improves upon current services and extends the range of educational support available. The Hub’s approach is a modern adaptation of traditional mentorship, tailored to meet the unmet demand for career and personal development support for undergraduates, ensuring practical application of learned skills and fostering economic and social growth in the region.

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

Main Potential Competitors include: University Career Services and Alumni Programs; Private Career Coaching and Mentorship Programs; NGOs and Non-Profits Offering Youth Development Programs. What Makes the 'P.D Impact Hub Stand Out: 1. Integration of Soft Skills and Community Development 2. Targeted Focus on Undergraduates 3. Accessibility and Affordability 4. Cultural Sensitivity and Regional Relevance 5. Holistic Approach to Career Readiness 6. Community Engagement and Impact

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

The 'P.D Impact Hub Hub aims to promote inclusivity and support for all aspiring entrepreneurs, including females. While our primary focus is on empowering undergraduate students with essential skills and experiences, we recognize the importance of promoting the role of female entrepreneurs in our community. Initiatives such as tailored mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and resources specifically designed to support female entrepreneurs are integral parts of our efforts to foster diversity and inclusivity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.