Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our Project (OpenDonate) will allow anyone from anywhere to crowdfund towards their dream project without restriction on the basis of country of residence. We are building a trusted solution that will open up the Nigeria and Africa border to receive help.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

When people have problem like paying medical bills for a serious health issue, raising enough capital to start a small business or pay school fees, etc, they often resort to crowdfunding and seeking for help from family members, friends and people on the internet especially on social media platforms like Facebook. In 2020, I was in similar condition when I wanted to help a friend raise an amount of money for her mother medical bills. Unfortunately the only and most trusted fundraising platform was not available for Africans and Nigeria specifically. It is still not available today. Our platform, (OpenDonate), powerful, liable web and mobile solution that will allow anybody, from anywhere, to create a campaign and seek for funding to pursue his/her dreams.

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

The main problem we aim to solve is the lack of accessible, reliable crowdfunding platforms for many individuals, particularly in regions like Africa and Nigeria. Existing services often exclude these areas, leaving people without effective ways to raise funds for urgent needs such as medical bills, educational fees, or starting small businesses. OpenDonate addresses this gap by providing a global platform where users can easily create campaigns, reach a broad audience, and securely manage donations, regardless of their location

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

In summary, the benefits of our service include but not limited to; 1. Accessibility and Growth: One of the biggest challenge we have as African is lack our access to important resources. With OpenDonate, we want to open another window for people to be able to raise funds to pay for important medical bills, start a business or pursue an educational goal. We believe that with more people that we can help to access fundings, then we have also help to indirectly foster faster community growth. 2. Trusted and Reliable platforms: After accessibility, the next BIG issue that people seeking for crowdfunding platform have is Trust. Their are scatter and unstructured platforms offering similar services, our mission is to launch the most reliable one ensuring that we follow all regulations that guide crowdfunding and fund protection thereby building users trust. 3. Broad Reach: OpenDonate will enables users to reach a more wider audience, expanding their potential donor base far beyond the

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

OpenDonate is designed to serve a broad range of users: 1. Individuals in Need: Those facing financial challenges such as medical bills, educational fees, or emergency expenses. 2. Aspiring Entrepreneurs: People seeking capital to start or expand small businesses. 3. Students: Individuals needing funds for tuition, books, or other educational expenses. 4. Nonprofits and Community Groups: Organizations looking to raise money for community projects or charitable causes. 5. Artists and Creatives: Those seeking funding for artistic projects or creative endeavors. 6. Families and Friends: Groups supporting a loved one through tough times or personal milestones

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-10-08

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.)

We are currently a two man team; 1. Samuel Kufre Willie: Co-founder and CTO Gender: Male Education: B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering at Michael Okpara university of Agriculture Kufre is skilled in web and mobile app development, with extensive experience in secure payment systems and user experience design. He has worked as a COO in a tech startup in Umuahia, assisted a lecturer during his national youth service at Bayero university, Kano and taught several students software engineering. His most exciting project is starting an ice cream store with his friends in the university. 2. Sophia Chinonye Ofomata: Co-founder and community Manager Gender: FeMale Education: B.Eng in Computer Engineering at Michael Okpara university of Agriculture Sophia is our co-founder and currently the community managers overseeing our community of beta-testers. She has a range of experience working in a tech company during her internship in Lagos and currently working as a computer teacher while waiting

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://facebook.com/Opendonate

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

g) Financial services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

OpenDonate helps alleviate poverty by enabling individuals to raise funds for essential needs such as medical bills and educational expenses. By providing a platform that connects those in need with potential donors globally, we empower individuals to overcome financial barriers and improve their livelihoods.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Our platform supports fundraising for medical emergencies and healthcare expenses. By facilitating access to financial resources for medical treatments, OpenDonate contributes to improving health outcomes and ensuring individuals receive necessary care, thereby promoting good health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

OpenDonate assists students in raising funds for educational purposes, including tuition fees, school supplies, and educational resources. By increasing access to education through financial support, we contribute to SDG 4 by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

OpenDonate provides a platform for women to raise funds for various needs, including healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. By offering equal access to crowdfunding opportunities, we support women's financial independence and empowerment. Women can start or expand their businesses, pursue educational goals, and cover personal or family-related expenses, contributing to their economic and social advancement. Our inclusive platform ensures that women, regardless of their location or background, have the tools they need to achieve their aspirations, thereby promoting gender equality and reducing disparities.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

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

Through crowdfunding campaigns for small business ventures and entrepreneurial projects, OpenDonate promotes economic growth and decent work opportunities. By facilitating access to capital for aspiring entrepreneurs, we support job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic development within communities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

OpenDonate fosters innovation by providing a platform for entrepreneurs and startups to raise capital for innovative projects and business ventures. By facilitating access to funding, we support the development of new technologies and business models that drive industrial growth. Additionally, our digital infrastructure empowers users from underserved regions to participate in the global economy, bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive economic development. OpenDonate's user-friendly and secure platform enhances the financial infrastructure, making it easier for individuals and businesses to access the resources they need to innovate and grow.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

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

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

This project does not contribute this this goal except if users will raise campaign for it

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

OpenDonate will leverages partnerships to expand its impact and reach. By collaborating with financial institutions in user's country, nonprofits, and community organizations, we enhance our platform’s effectiveness and accessibility. These partnerships will help us integrate diverse payment sources, provide better support for campaigners, and connect users with a broader network of potential donors. By fostering collaborations with various stakeholders, OpenDonate will strengthens the ecosystem of support for fundraising, enabling more efficient and impactful resource mobilization. This collective approach aligns with SDG 17 by enhancing the means of implementation and revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development.

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

4

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

OpenDonate stands out by offering a global crowdfunding platform that prioritizes accessibility, security, and user-friendliness. Unlike many existing platforms limited by geographical restrictions or high fees, OpenDonate provides a seamless experience for users worldwide to create and manage campaigns for diverse needs. Our focus on cultural sensitivity, multilingual support, and transparent fee structures ensures inclusivity and trust, setting us apart as a reliable choice for individuals and organizations seeking effective fundraising solutions.

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

Potential competitors include: 1. GoFundMe: Known for its global reach and user-friendly interface. - Differentiation: OpenDonate offers lower fees and focuses on accessibility in regions typically underserved by major platforms. 2. Kickstarter: Popular for creative projects and innovative ventures. -Differentiation: OpenDonate supports a wider range of funding needs beyond creative projects, such as medical expenses and educational fees. 3. Indiegogo: Similar to Kickstarter but with a broader scope of projects. - Differentiation: OpenDonate emphasizes cultural sensitivity and multilingual support, catering to diverse global communities. 4. Local crowdfunding platforms: Regional platforms tailored to specific countries or communities. - Differentiation: OpenDonate provides a unified global platform with transparent fee structures and a commitment to inclusivity and trust

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

In my service year, I am a member of Digital Onboarders CDS in Kano, one of our programmes is onboarding female led small businesses to Google my business account for free