Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Operation Feed the Starved: A humanitarian project providing meals to the homeless, promoting Nigerian cuisine, and drawing global attention to food scarcity in Nigeria.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Operation Feed the Starved is a mobile kitchen initiative aimed at addressing food scarcity among the homeless in Nigeria. We travel to different locations, cooking and serving meals to those without access to food. Our project not only fills stomachs but also promotes Nigerian cuisine, showcasing our rich culinary heritage to the world. In addition to providing meals, we create a sense of community at each location. These gatherings serve as platforms for joy, camaraderie, and informal education. We believe that by sharing a meal and engaging in conversation, we can empower individuals, promote social cohesion, and raise awareness about the pressing issue of food scarcity. Our goal is to alleviate immediate hunger, provide educational opportunities, and draw global attention to the issue of food scarcity in Nigeria, all while celebrating our unique food culture.

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

The main problem we are trying to solve is the pervasive hunger and lack of community in Nigeria. With the current economic challenges, many Nigerians are struggling to feed themselves, leaving little to spare for the homeless. This situation has not only led to widespread hunger but also a breakdown in community spirit. Through ‘Operation Feed the Starved’, we aim to address these issues by providing meals to those in need, fostering a sense of community, and rekindling hope. We believe that food is a universal language that can bring people together, create joy, and inspire hope, even in the most challenging times. Our goal is to alleviate immediate hunger and create lasting social connections, thereby contributing to a happier, more hopeful Nigeria.

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

First, our project will directly address the pressing issue of hunger among the homeless in Nigeria, providing nutritious and delicious meals to those who lack access to food. Second, by creating a shared dining experience, we will foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. This will not only provide emotional support but also help to rebuild the social fabric that is often eroded by poverty and hardship. Third, our gatherings will serve as platforms for informal education, empowering individuals with knowledge and skills that can improve their lives. Fourth, by promoting Nigerian cuisine, we aim to draw global attention to the diversity of Nigeria through food, while potentially attracting support and resources to address food scarcity issues. Finally, in the face of the current economic hardship, our project will offer a beacon of hope, demonstrating that positive change is possible and that every effort matters no matter how small it may seem.

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

Operation Feed the Starved is primarily aimed at serving the homeless and food-deprived individuals in Nigeria. These are people who, due to various circumstances, lack regular access to nutritious meals. In addition to the direct beneficiaries who will receive the meals, our project also has the potential to serve the broader community. By fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie through shared meals, we aim to strengthen community bonds and promote social cohesion. Furthermore, our initiative targets those interested in Nigerian cuisine globally. By showcasing our rich culinary heritage, we hope to draw international attention to Nigerian food and culture. Thus, our project will serve not just the immediate needs of the hungry, but also the broader community, both locally and globally.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

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.)

Isabella Chukwu is a seasoned businesswoman with over twenty years of experience in the business sector. She possesses an exceptional strategic sense and charisma that have been instrumental in her success. Isabella is known for her problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking, which enable her to find her way through complex business challenges and drive growth.

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?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The project will directly address poverty by providing essential food services to the homeless and food-deprived individuals. This immediate relief can help alleviate the hardships faced by those living in poverty and potentially provide them with more opportunities to improve their situation.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The primary aim of “Operation Feed the Starved” is to combat hunger, a mission that directly aligns with this goal. By providing meals, we are ensuring that more people have access to the food they need for survival and health.

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By providing meals to the homeless and food-deprived individuals, the project will help to reduce inequalities within Nigeria. Access to food is a fundamental right, yet it is often denied to the most vulnerable populations due to socioeconomic disparities. “Operation Feed the Starved” seeks to bridge this gap by ensuring that this essential service reaches those who need it the most, regardless of their social or economic status. This contributes to a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Moreover, by promoting Nigerian cuisine globally, you’re also contributing to cultural understanding and appreciation, which can help reduce inequalities and prejudices on a broader scale. So, your project indeed plays a significant role in reducing inequalities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

While the connection may not be as direct as with some of the other SDGs, by bringing diverse groups of people together around shared meals, the project has the potential to encourage social cohesion and peace. Shared experiences like these can help to break down barriers, reduce conflicts, and promote understanding and peace within communities.

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.

3

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.

3

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

3

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.

2

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

2

05.08 Justification

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

Our main potential competitors are other non-profit organizations and initiatives that aim to address hunger and homelessness. However, what sets ‘Operation Feed the Starved’ apart is our unique approach to addressing these issues. We will not only provide meals but also create a sense of community and offer informal education. Our project will be mobile, allowing us to reach different communities and adapt to their specific needs. We will also celebrate and promote Nigerian cuisine, contributing to cultural preservation and global awareness.

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

Not yet, but I am currently a member of the team of experts at SheUnitesAfrica, a non-profit focused on aiding women, and we recently concluded a mentorship program that motivated the founder to initiate an entrepreneurship training/mentorship program which I will be involved in at a later point.