Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The business and educative social network is a dynamic online platform that will converge business and education, fostering connections, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among professional, entrepreneurs, and learner focusing on e-commerce by sellers

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Buying and Selling : Sellers can meet customers to make seamless transactions. Buyers can search for desired and new products, engage in private conversation with seller of choice to make transactions. Networking: Users can create profiles, connect with others, join groups, and engage in discussions. Classified products listing : Easy navigation for members interested in particular goods and/or services Learning Hub: Access to courses, webinars, workshops, and resources on business, entrepreneurship, and professional development. Project Showcase: Members can share their projects, receive feedback, and find potential collaborators. Job Board: List of job opportunities, internships, and freelance work. Blogs and Channels : Members can share market information, their expertise through blog posts and Channels Events and Meetups: Organized events, auctions, conferences, and meetups for networking and learning.

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

My project will solve several problems, including: Discovery and visibility: Buyers struggle to find and discover desired and new products, services, and suppliers. Trust and credibility: Most buyers doubt the reliability and quality of products or services from unknown sellers. Price comparison and transparency: Buyers often find it difficult to compare prices and find the best deals. Access to global markets: Small businesses and entrepreneurs struggle to reach international customers and markets. Efficient communication and transactions: Buyers and sellers face challenges in communicating and completing transactions efficiently. Payment security and fraud protection: Buyers and sellers need a secure and trustworthy platform for transactions. Reviews and feedback: Most buyers lack access to genuine reviews and feedback from other customers. Student friendly platform: Students find it hard to get information, collaboration for researches, products for academics and scholarships

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

1. Global Reach: Connecting with customers and suppliers worldwide, expanding market presence. 2. Increased Visibility: Showcasing products and services to a targeted audience, enhancing brand awareness. 3. Efficient Communication: Streamlined messaging and transaction management. 4. Trust and Credibility: Verified profiles and reviews building trust among buyers and sellers. 5. Competitive Pricing: Easy price comparisons and transparent pricing. 6. Personalized Recommendations: Tailored suggestions based on user behavior and preferences. 7. Secure Transactions: Protected payments and fraud prevention. 8. Data Insights: Access to valuable market data and analytics. 9. Networking Opportunities: Connect with potential partners, investors, and collaborators. 10. Cost-Effective: Reduced marketing and transaction costs. 11. 24/7 Availability: Buying and selling at any time, from anywhere. 12. Diverse Product Offerings: Access to a wide range of products and services.

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

SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises): Businesses looking to expand their reach, find new customers, and connect with suppliers. Freelancers: Independent professionals seeking to showcase services, find clients, and collaborate with others. Entrepreneurs: Startups and founders looking for resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Professionals:Individuals seeking career development, networking, and access to industry insights. Students: Students looking for collaborations for researches, scarce academic resources and scholarships. Artisans and Makers: Creators of handmade products looking for a platform to showcase and sell their goods. Online Sellers: E-commerce businesses and individuals selling products online. Service Provider:Consultants, coaches, and experts offering services like marketing, legal, or financial advice. Global Traders: Importers and exporters seeking to connect with international buyers and suppliers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2021-12-05

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

3

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.)

Barakat: an entrepreneur on skin products with excellent marketing skills , social media use and publicity Mariam: an entrepreneur on perfumes and deodorant with excellent digital skills, marketing and product publicity

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?

i) Communication services (telecommunications, media, interactive services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

My startup contributes to ending poverty in all its form 1. Connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners in underserved communities with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities. 2. Providing access to global markets, enabling them to sell their products and services nationwide. 3. Facilitating skills development and training through online courses and webinars. 4. Promoting financial inclusion by offering digital payment solutions and microfinance services. 5. Encouraging sustainable business practices and social entrepreneurship. 6. Fostering collaboration and innovation among stakeholders to address poverty-related challenges. 7. Providing access to market information, enabling data-driven decision-making. 8. Supporting local economies and community development initiatives. 9. Empowering individuals and communities to break the poverty cycle through economic empowerment.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

My startup contributes to ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition and promotingvsustainable agriculture by: 1. Connecting farmers with buyers, reducing food waste, and increasing access to markets. 2. Facilitating trade and commerce in agricultural products, improving supply chain efficiency. 3. Promoting contents on urban agriculture, vertical farming, and innovative farming methods. 4. Supporting small-scale farmers, especially women and youth, through training and capacity building. 5. Facilitating access to financing, insurance, and credit for farmers and agribusinesses through our channels 6. Showcasing nutritious and diverse food options, promoting healthy eating habits. 7. Supporting food fortification and supplementation programs to address micronutrient deficiencies. 8. Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to address food system challenges.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

My startup contributes to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages 1. Providing access to health education, awareness campaigns, and resources. 2. Connecting healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers for knowledge sharing and support. 3. Facilitating online consultations, telemedicine services, and remote health monitoring. 4. Promoting health and wellness products, services, and solutions. 5. Supporting health entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup incubation. 6. Encouraging and promoting contents on healthy lifestyles, fitness, nutrition, mental health, stress management, and emotional well-being. 7. Fostering collaboration and research in healthcare, medicine, and wellness.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

My startup contributes to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all by: 1. Providing easy access to online courses, tutorials, and educational resources through classified listings by different sellers 2. Connecting students, teachers, and educators for knowledge sharing and collaboration. 3. Offering professional development opportunities for educators and professionals. 4. Promoting equal access to education for marginalized groups, including women and girls through specific channels. 5. Showcasing innovative education technologies and solutions. 6. Promoting skills development and vocational training for employability. 7. Encouraging mentorship, coaching, and career guidance. 8. Fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industries.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

My startup contributes to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls by: 1. Providing access to and showcasing products on education and skills development resources. 2. Promoting women's entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth. 3. Connecting women with mentors, role models, and industry leaders through specific channels. 4. Creating a safe online space for women to share experiences and support one another. 5. Promoting contents on women's participation in STEM fields and technology. 6. Showcasing women's achievements and successes to challenge gender stereotypes. 7. Supporting policy reform and advocacy for gender equality. 8. Providing resources and promoting support for survivors of gender-based violence.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

My startup contributes to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by: 1. Raising awareness about water conservation and sanitation practices. 2. Connecting water experts, researchers, and innovators to share knowledge and solutions. 3. Promoting water-saving technologies and sustainable sanitation systems. 4. Supporting water management and sanitation infrastructure development projects. 5. Facilitating access to funding and investment opportunities for water and sanitation initiatives. 6. Promoting contents on water-efficient agriculture and industry practices. 7. Promoting contents and education on water management and sanitation best practices. 8. Showcasing successful water management and sanitation case studies and models.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

My startup contributes to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by: 1. Promoting renewable energy sources products like solar, wind, and hydro power. 2. Connecting energy experts, innovators, and investors to share knowledge and solutions. 3. Showcasing products on energy-efficient technologies and sustainable energy solutions. 4. Supporting energy access initiatives and off-grid energy projects. 5. Pushing for funding and investment opportunities for energy projects. 6. Encouraging sustainable energy practices and energy conservation. 7. Promoting education and training on renewable energy and energy efficiency. 8. Encouraging the development and use of modern energy technologies like energy storage and smart grids.

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

My startup contributes to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all through channels by: 1. Connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and job seekers to promote employment opportunities. 2. Showcasing education, training, and skills development resources through classified listings by different sellers . 3. Showcasing innovative and sustainable business models and practices. 4. Facilitating access to funding, investment, and mentorship opportunities. 5. Encouraging entrepreneurship, especially for marginalized groups. 6. Promoting fair labor practices, decent work conditions, and social protection. 7. Promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local economies. 8. Fostering international trade and commerce connections. 9. Encouraging the development of sustainable industries and sectors.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

My startup contributes through specific channels to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation by: 1. Connecting infrastructure developers, investors, and experts to share knowledge and resources. 2. Promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure development projects. 3. Showcasing innovative technologies and materials for infrastructure development. 4. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in infrastructure development. 5. Encouraging public-private partnerships for infrastructure development. 6. Fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing in infrastructure development. 7. Promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization through education and training. 8. Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in infrastructure and industry. 9. Encouraging the development of green infrastructure and industries.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Providing a platform for underrepresented voices to share their experiences and perspectives.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

My startup via various channels contributes to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by: 1. Promoting sustainable urban planning and development practices 2. Showcasing products for sale on green technologies and infrastructure for sustainable cities. 3. Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in urban sustainability. 4. Promoting contents on citizen engagement and participation in urban planning and development.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

My startup contributes via various modules and channels to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns through a circular economy by: 1. Promoting sustainable consumption practices and responsible resource use. 2. Connecting businesses and innovators to share circular economy solutions. 3. Showcasing from various sellers sustainable products and services that reduce waste and emissions. 4. Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in sustainable production and consumption. 5. Encouraging the leasing and product-as-a-service models. 6. Promoting contents on the reuse, recycling, and upcycling of materials.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Through different modules and channels my startup can take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts: 1. Hosting webinars, workshops, and conferences on climate change mitigation and adaptation. 2. Promoting carbon offset programs to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Developing a sustainable supply chain management system. 4. Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. 5. Promoting and facilitating climate change research and development. 6. Providing climate change-related data and analytics through a specified channel 7. Promoting climate change education and awareness. 8. Connecting climate experts, innovators, and businesses to share knowledge and solutions. 9. Showcasing climate-friendly technologies and sustainable products. 10. Promoting contents on sustainable land use and forest conservation.

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

My startup can and will 1. Promote and support contents on reforestation and afforestation efforts. 2. Promote contents on sustainable urban planning and development. 3. Encourage eco-friendly consumer practices. 4. Support conservation of biodiversity hotspots.

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

2

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

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

Similar existing platforms such as facebook, twitter, YouTube, linkedin have large number of users. The product/service we envision creating is an improvement andvfocuses on responding to demands and needs that has not been satisfied by other existing platforms, for instance, focusing on aiding students access to educational equipments from scarce sellers/suppliers, one on one customer care real time chat, centralized industry-specific networking groups. Dedicated forum and channel for sustainable and affordable energy.

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

Meta, twitter, linkedin, quora, reddit are my main competitors. The following makes us standout.: 1. One on one customer care real time chat 2. Exclusive features for professionals and businesses 3. Provision to create either a personal profile or organizational profile showing the top staff e.gCEO, COO letc)with specific features 4. Prioritized privacy and data security 5. Creating dedicated communities, forums and channels for professionals and businesses 6. Sellers and organizations verification to strengthen authenticity and prevent scam and fraud. 7. Advanced search and classified listings for easy navigation and products location and discovery. 8. Middleman for digital products purchase to prevent scam and fraud 9. Provision for students looking for partners for researches. 10. Promoting SMEs and young innovators 11. Onsite Html editors for users 12. Enhanced data analytics to help professionals, organizations and students track their network growth and engagement

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

Not at the moment