Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

This project aims to establish a vocational training center that offers courses in fashion design with a specialization in tailoring/dressmaking. The school will provide demand-driven skills training to unemployed youth and women in Makurdi.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Makurdi is a major commercial hub in Benue State with a vibrant fashion scene from design to production. However, there is a shortage of skilled tailors and dressmakers to meet the increasing demand. Many youth are unemployed or underemployed due to a lack of vocational training opportunities. Establishing a specialized fashion design school offering tailoring courses can help bridge this skills gap, provide economic opportunities for disadvantaged youth/women, and support entrepreneurship and the local fashion industry's growth. TNT aims to out into place a Fashion & Design School offering tailoring courses in Makurdi. 2. To enroll and train people in tailoring and fashion design courses. 3. To facilitate internships and job placements for 80% of graduates by project end. 4. To support at least 50 graduate tailors/designers to start their own businesses. 5. To develop a network of partners from the local fashion industry by project end.

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

TNT Fashions will potentially address several problems and provide numerous benefits. Here are some objective issues it could help solve: Unemployment: A fashion and design school would help address the problem of youth unemployment by equipping individuals with marketable skills hence creating job opportunities in design, manufacturing, and retail.

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

Some other major benefits of the establishment are: 1. Entrepreneurship opportunities. 2. Economic diversification 3. Regional development 4. Preservation of cultural heritage

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

The targeted beneficiaries are: 1. Young people and aspiring professionals who would be the students that will enroll in the fashion and design school. 2. The artisans and craftspeople: The fashion and design school could provide a platform for local artisans and craftspeople to showcase and preserve their traditional textile techniques, embroidery styles, and cultural motifs. 3. The the local community, businesses, and the government could also benefit from the potential economic growth, cultural preservation, and skill development resulting from the establishment of such an institution.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-04-16

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?

Other: Fashion and Design

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The fashion and design school can equip students with skills that enhance their employability or enable them to become self-employed entrepreneurs. Economic empowerment and financial independence can contribute to overall well-being by reducing poverty, improving living standards, and increasing access to healthcare and other essential services.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

By providing skills and training in fashion design, textiles, and entrepreneurship, the school can empower individuals to start their own businesses or find employment in the fashion industry. This can lead to increased income levels, which can improve access to food and reduce poverty-related hunger.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Fashion and design are creative outlets that can promote mental well-being. Engaging in creative pursuits like fashion design, textile art, and garment construction can provide a sense of accomplishment, self-expression, and stress relief, which are beneficial for mental health.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

The fashion and design school would offer vocational and technical education programs in areas such as fashion design, textile design, garment construction, and pattern making. These programs can equip students with practical skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the job market, thereby increasing their employability and contributing to the quality education goal.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By providing access to quality education and training in fashion and design, the school can offer equal opportunities to both men and women. This can challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes that may have previously limited women's participation in certain fields. Furthermore, The curriculum of the fashion and design school can incorporate gender perspectives and address issues such as gender-sensitive design, ethical production practices, and the empowerment of women in the fashion value chain. This can raise awareness and promote a more inclusive and equitable industry.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

The school can promote the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials in fashion design, such as organic cotton or recycled fibers. The production of these materials often requires less water and generates less water pollution compared to conventional materials like synthetic fibers or conventionally grown cotton.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Even though the primary focus of a fashion and design school may not be directly related to affordable and clean energy, its potential to promote sustainable practices, encourage eco-friendly material use, foster innovation, raise awareness, facilitate partnerships, and promote sustainable transportation can indirectly contribute to achieving this goal. However, the extent of this contribution would depend on the specific initiatives and partnerships developed by the school.

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

The establishment of a fashion and design school in Makurdi can contribute to the Decent Work and Economic Growth goal, which is the eighth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) set by the United Nations, in the following ways: The fashion and design school can serve as a catalyst for the growth of the fashion industry in Makurdi and the surrounding region. As the industry grows, it can create job opportunities along the entire value chain, including design, manufacturing, retail, and related services. This can contribute to economic diversification, reducing reliance on traditional sectors and promoting sustainable economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By fostering innovation, developing technical and vocational skills, promoting sustainable infrastructure, facilitating technology transfer, supporting related industries, and encouraging entrepreneurship, the fashion and design school in Makurdi can play a significant role in achieving the Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure goal.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

While the direct impact of the fashion and design school on reducing inequality among countries may be limited, its potential to provide access to quality education, promote economic empowerment, preserve cultural heritage, facilitate knowledge exchange, and contribute to regional development can indirectly help reduce inequalities within Nigeria and potentially in the broader region. However, it is important to note that addressing inequalities among countries often requires concerted efforts at national and international levels, involving policies, programs, and initiatives that go beyond the scope of a single educational institution.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The potential of fashion and Design to promote sustainable practices, support local economic development, preserve cultural heritage, encourage sustainable transportation, foster partnerships, adopt sustainable building practices, and provide educational opportunities can indirectly contribute to achieving this goal in Makurdi and the surrounding region.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Promoting sustainable fashion practices: The curriculum can emphasize sustainable practices in fashion design and production, such as the use of eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing, waste reduction techniques, and circular economy principles. By equipping students with knowledge and skills in sustainable fashion, the school can foster a new generation of designers and professionals who prioritize responsible consumption and production practices. Encouraging the use of sustainable materials: The school can promote the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in fashion design, such as organic cotton, recycled fibers, or biodegradable textiles. This can reduce the environmental impact associated with the production and consumption of conventional materials, supporting responsible consumption and production.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Promoting sustainable transportation: The school can encourage and facilitate the use of sustainable machines and transportation methods, such as public transportation, cycling, or electric vehicles, for students and staff. This can help reduce emissions associated with transportation and contribute to mitigating the impact on climate change.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Adopting sustainable waste management practices: The school can implement sustainable waste management practices, including proper disposal of textile waste and chemical effluents, to prevent pollution of water bodies and protect marine life.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Promoting circular economy principles: The curriculum can incorporate principles of the circular economy, such as designing for longevity, encouraging upcycling and recycling, and exploring innovative business models that reduce waste and minimize the exploitation of natural resources.

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

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Fashion and design projects can definitely contribute to partnership goals in various ways. By collaborating on a fashion and design project, partners can showcase their creativity, innovation, and ability to work together towards a common objective. This can help strengthen the partnership by fostering a sense of teamwork and mutual respect. Additionally, fashion and design projects often involve strategic planning, problem-solving, and attention to detail, all of which are valuable skills that can be applied to achieving partnership goals. For example, creating a cohesive brand identity through a fashion project can help partners communicate a unified message to their target audience, ultimately driving business growth and success. Furthermore, fashion and design projects can also serve as a platform for partners to showcase their shared values, vision, and commitment to sustainability or social responsibility. By aligning their efforts in a creative endeavor, partners can demonstr

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

6

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

2

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

2

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

Here's an assessment of how this project can be considered unique in the environment of Makurdi: Pioneering Specialized Education: Makurdi and the surrounding areas currently lack educational institutions that offer specialized training in fashion design, textile design, garment construction, and related fields. The proposed fashion and design school would be the first of its kind in the region, filling a significant gap in the provision of vocational and technical education opportunities. Promoting a Nascent Industry: While agriculture and trade have traditionally been the mainstays of Makurdi's economy, the fashion industry remains largely underdeveloped in the region. The establishment of a dedicated fashion and design school would be a unique endeavor, fostering the growth of a nascent industry and diversifying the local economic landscape.

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

None

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

TNT Fashions