Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The Gen-Z Accountants project aims to address the scarcity of finance professionals, primarily focused on converting Potential School Dorp Outs in slums and public schools with inadequate funding, by providing a platform for young finance aspirant

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The Gen-Z Accountants project aims to address the scarcity of finance professionals, primarily focused on converting Potential School Dorp Outs in slums and public schools with inadequate funding, by providing a platform for young aspiring finance professionals to develop their skills, network, and access job opportunities. Through its 6-year career peering fellowship program, the project seeks to empower young minds, promote professional ethics, and contribute to alleviating unemployment rates in Nigeria. Key Highlights: Finance Career Peering Model Gender Equality No Academic or Background Discrimination Alleviate the rate of unemployment in Nigeria To reduce the level of illiteracy Reduction in High School Drop – Out Rate, prevent potential Hoodlums & cultism in Schools Furthering the education of S.S.C.E Holders up until their Msc in Professional Accountancy, and awarded a good job or establish a Start-up.

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

The main problem that Gen-Z Accountants is trying to solve is the scarcity of finance professionals in Nigeria, particularly in underprivileged schools in slums and public schools with inadequate funding. The project aims to address this issue by providing a platform for young aspiring finance professionals to develop their skills, network, and access job opportunities, thereby alleviating unemployment rates in Nigeria. More specifically, the project is addressing the following issues: High school dropout rates among students who have chosen finance as a career path, leading to a potential talent pool being wasted. The lack of academic guidance and mentorship for students who are interested in pursuing a career in finance. The scarcity of skilled professionals in the finance industry, leading to a high rate of unemployment among young people in Nigeria High level of illeteracy and potential hoodlums and cultism in schools among dropouts

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

Career Guidance: Providing young minds with a sense of purpose and a feasible career path to become a seasoned professional accountant in various fields Professional Skills Development: Empowering fellows with leadership and soft skills to empower them to be positive influencers in their various institutions and sociality. Reduced Unemployment Rate: Alleviating the rate of unemployment in Nigeria by providing a platform for young aspiring finance professionals to develop their skills, network, and access job opportunities. Improved Education: Furthering the education of S.S.C.E Holders up until their Msc in Professional Accountancy, and awarded a good job or establish a Start-up. Illiteracy and High School Drop-Out Reduction: Reducing the rate of high school drop and preventing potential hoodlums and cultism in schools, by providing education and training to young people. Building a community of young aspiring finance professionals who support each other to achieve their career goals.

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

The Gen-Z Accountants project aims to address the scarcity of finance professionals in Nigeria, particularly in underprivileged schools in slums and public schools with inadequate funding. The targeted beneficiaries of the project are: Young aspiring finance professionals, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds Students from Senior Secondary School (S.S 1 and above) interested in pursuing a career in finance

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-31

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

2

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.)

Gbaruko Onyekachi Esther is a Nigerian researcher, teacher, and leader with a strong background in sociology. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Ibadan, where she also completed her undergraduate research project on freelance music in Ibadan, Nigeria. She has extensive research experience, having conducted a study on freelance music in Ibadan, and has presented her findings at various conferences. Gbaruko has also taught primary and secondary school students, and has volunteered at several events, including conferences, debates, and outreach programs. She has held leadership positions in student organizations, including Vice President of the Faculty of the Social Sciences Literary and Debating society, University of Ibadan. Her research, teaching, and leadership experiences make her a strong partner for Gen-Z Accountants, bringing valuable skills and expertise to the organization.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gen-z-accountants/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_companies%3B%2Byyydj%2FBSr2Op1f5Py%2Fi%2Fw%3D%3D

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

The Gen-Z Accountants project aims to address the scarcity of finance professionals in Nigeria by providing a platform for young aspiring finance professionals to develop their skills, network, and access job opportunities. Through its 6-year career peering fellowship program, the project seeks to empower young minds, promote professional ethics. By targeting students from underprivileged schools in slums and public schools with inadequate funding, the project aims to reduce high school dropout rates, prevent potential hoodlums and cultism. The project also aims to further the education of SSCE holders up to their Msc in Professional Accountancy, and award good jobs or establish startups. The project aligns with the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Quality Education (SDG4) by providing education and training to yo

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Yes, the Gen-Z Accountants project aims to promote the role of female entrepreneurs through its programs and activities. The project provides a platform for young aspiring finance professionals, regardless of gender, to develop their skills, network, and access job opportunities. The project also emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, leadership, and soft skills to empower fellows with the skills and confidence to succeed in their careers. Additionally, the project's focus on providing educational and career guidance to students, particularly in underprivileged schools, aims to empower them to pursue their goals and achieve their potential, regardless of their gender. Overall, the Gen-Z Accountants project promotes gender equality and empowers young professionals, including female entrepreneurs, to achieve their goals and succeed in their careers.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

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

Specifically, the project aims to: Reduce the global shortage of finance professionals: Gen-Z Accountants addresses the shortage of skilled professionals in the finance industry, which is crucial for economic growth and development. Empower young people with leadership and soft skills: The project provides training and mentorship to young people, enabling them to develop leadership and soft skills, which are essential for personal and professional growth. Foster a culture of professionalism and ethics: Gen-Z Accountants promotes a culture of professionalism and ethics among its members, which helps to mitigate future crime rates and ensure that young people are equipped to make responsible decisions in their future careers. Reduce unemployment rates: By providing job opportunities and skills training, Gen-Z Accountants help to reduce unemployment rates among young people in Nigeria. Reduce illiteracy rates: The project's focus on education and training helps to reduce illiteracy rate

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The project's compliance with Industry Innovation and Infrastructure is evident in several ways: Mentorship: The project's Career Peering Model provides a framework for mentorship, where experienced professionals guide and support young accountants in their career development. Skill Development: The project's Accounting Yard and Online Learning Platform provide opportunities for fellows to develop their accounting skills and knowledge, which is essential for industry innovation and growth. Networking: The project's network of young aspiring finance professionals and industry partners facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and access to job opportunities, promoting industry innovation and infrastructure. Partnerships: The project's partnerships with multinational accounting firms, educational institutions, and government agencies demonstrate a commitment to industry innovation and infrastructure, ensuring the project's long-term sustainability and impact. Accessibility

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Yes, the Gen-Z Accountants project aims to promote the role of female entrepreneurs through its programs and activities. The project provides a platform for young aspiring finance professionals, regardless of gender, to develop their skills, network, and access job opportunities. The project also emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, leadership, and soft skills to empower fellows with the skills and confidence to succeed in their careers. Additionally, the project's focus on providing educational and career guidance to students, particularly in underprivileged schools, aims to empower them to pursue their goals and achieve their potential, regardless of their gender. Overall, the Gen-Z Accountants project promotes gender equality and empowers young professionals, including female entrepreneurs, to achieve their goals and succeed in their careers.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The project aligns with the United Nations' SDGs, specifically Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The project aims to: Reduce the level of illiteracy among youth (SDG 4: Quality Education) and improve their employability (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth); Empower young professionals with leadership and soft skills to contribute to the development of their communities (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals); Foster a sense of purpose and career direction among young people, thereby reducing the rate of high school dropout and preventing potential hoodlums and cultism in schools (SDG 4: Quality Education); Contribute to the reduction of unemployment rates in Nigeria (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth); Promote gender equality and inclusion (SDG 5: Gender Equality); Develop a diverse and inclusive community of young finance professionals who can contribute to the growth and development of their communities (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

The project promotes peace by providing a platform for young people to develop their skills and gain employment, reducing the likelihood of delinquency and conflict. The project upholds justice by giving young people from disadvantaged backgrounds an opportunity to access education and career advancement, promoting social justice and equal opportunities. The project strengthens institutions by fostering partnerships with educational institutions, corporate entities, and government agencies, promoting collaboration and coherence between different sectors. The project promotes transparency and accountability by providing guidance on professional behaviour, including integrity, humility, and self-leadership. The project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goal 4 on quality education, goal 8 on decent work and economic growth, and goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Overall, the Gen-Z Accountants project aligns with peace, and justice.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

This project focus on building a limitless network of young aspiring finance professionals aligns with SDG 17, "Partnerships for the Goals." By partnering with multinational fellowships, grant-giving institutions, and companies, Gen-Z Accountants facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing, which is essential for achieving 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.

4

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

6

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

4

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

4

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

6

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.

4

05.08 Justification

s unique and innovative, it stands out from other programs due to its focus on converting potential school dropouts in slums and public schools with inadequate funding into skilled professionals in the finance industry. The project's approach of providing a 6-year career peering fellowship program, non-discrimination, diversity, and inclusion, and emphasis on professional ethics, leadership, and soft skills sets it apart from other initiatives. Additionally, the project's ambition to empower fellows with lifelong learning, mentorship, and job opportunities, and its goal to reduce the level of illiteracy and prevent potential hoodlums and cultism in schools, make it a unique and innovative approach to addressing the scarcity of finance professionals in Nigeria.

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

As the Gen-Z Accountants project aims to address the scarcity of finance professionals in Nigeria, particularly among underprivileged schools and slums, the main potential competitors may be Organizations providing similar educational and career development programs for young people, such as ALX Africa, CFI, Udmey, Professional accounting bodies and others. However, Gen-Z Accountants stands out from these competitors with its unique approach of providing a 6-year career peering fellowship program, which combines mentorship, networking, and job opportunities. The project's focus on actively empowering young minds with professional ethics, leadership, and soft skills also sets it apart from others whose leaning model are selfpaced posing difficulties for Student with insufficient discipline to Excel. Additionally, its commitment to reducing unemployment rates in Nigeria, improving literacy rates, and preventing potential hoodlums and cultism in schools is a unique value proposition.

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

Yes, spearheading Gen-Z Accountants project aims to promote the role of female entrepreneurs through its programs and activities. The project provides a platform for young aspiring finance professionals, regardless of gender, to develop their skills, network, and access job opportunities. The project also emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, leadership, and soft skills to empower fellows with the skills and confidence to succeed in their careers. Additionally, the project's focus on providing educational and career guidance to students, particularly in underprivileged schools, aims to empower them to pursue their goals and achieve their potential, regardless of their gender. Overall, the Gen-Z Accountants project promotes gender equality and empowers young professionals, including female entrepreneurs, to achieve their goals and succeed in their careers.