Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Shofa is a high-end chauffeur service that connects clients with vetted professional drivers. They prioritize discretion, safety, and a luxurious experience, providing a reliable and seamless solution for clients needing chauffeurs.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

• Chauffeur Services: We provide professional drivers for various needs, including airport transfers, corporate transportation, special events, hourly bookings, and long-distance travels. • Personalized Service: We offer customized service packages tailored to individual client needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The clients simply have to contact the company and request for a driver. The company then assigns one of the professional drivers. Everything is controlled by the company and no automatic sign up is offered. Every driver must be vetted to the uttermost to ensure they are up to task.

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

The main problem we are trying to solve is letting people enjoy their safe private travels within their own vehicles, since some people would prefer to be at the comfort of their familiar spaces such as their own cars while travelling and not have to be forced into a totally new environment.

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

Major benefits of this service are the safety, comfort and convenience provided by travelling by your own vehicle at your desired pace.

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

The targeted beneficiaries include clients across all fields from corporate executives to other people in need of the service given the large area covered. We can include airport transfers, corporate transportation, special events, hourly bookings, and long-distance, as well as daily drives.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-02-13

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.)

• Winnie Wanjiru (Head of Hospitality): Winnie brings her extensive hospitality expe-rience to Shofa, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for every client. With a background of years working in the hospitality industry, Winnie possesses a deep understanding of exceptional customer service standards and client relationship man-agement. She will be responsible for overseeing Shofa's driver training program, ensur-ing our chauffeurs deliver a professional and courteous experience that reflects Shofa's commitment to high-quality service. • Timothy Muchiri (Head of Technology & Security): Timothy is a tech and security expert with a proven track record in developing and maintaining secure and user-friendly platforms. He possesses years of experience in the technology industry. Timo-thy will be responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of Shofa's mobile app, ensuring its functionality, security, and scalability.

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?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By offering mentorship or skill development programs for our employees to help them advance in their careers. Advocating for policies that promote fair wages and working conditions in the transportation sector.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

By providing stable employment, we therefore ensure those involved in the program have food security since they can afford. And who knows? maybe they are looking after other people too by what they are earning.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The professional drivers are to be given full time access to the facility's gym and regular health checks. Other initiatives for better health are also put into place for the public utilization.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Part of proceeds from the company will be used to sponsor bright school going children who find it difficult to access school fees. Also, some higher education programs will be laid out for our drivers thus they are encouraged to pursue them.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By implementing programs or incentives to encourage more women to join our chauffeur service as drivers. Partnering with organizations that support women's empowerment or vocational training programs for female drivers.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By partnering with organizations that provide clean water and sanitization

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

By Partnering with companies that offer carbon offset programs to mitigate our environmental footprint. Advocating for clean energy infrastructure in our region

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

By offering flexible work schedules or part-time options to expand employment opportunities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By developing our own innovative solutions for the chauffeur service industry, such as a unique booking platform or customer service experience. Partnering with government agencies or urban planners to advocate for improved transportation infrastructure in our city

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By partnering with public transportation authorities to offer integrated services or first/last-mile solutions. Publicly advocate for policies that promote equitable access to transportation in our region.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By optimizing routes to reduce traffic congestion, and Consider offering services during off-peak hours to further reduce congestion.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

By partnering with companies that offer recycling or reuse programs for used car parts or materials (promotes circular economy). Partner with eco-friendly car cleaning services

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By partnering with organizations involved in renewable energy projects or clean technology development demonstrates a strong commitment to combating climate change.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Partnering with organizations that participate in life below water projects.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

We do this by partnering with organizations involved in land conservation and restoration projects, optimizing routes to reduce overall millage and fuel consumption.

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

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

We enhance and encourage safe transportation as well as inclusive employment by promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

We contribute to the Partnerships for the goal by partnering with other businesses or organizations that support sustainability goals

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.

6

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

5

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

The service could be considered as both new and improvement on the existing ones since it is a market that is yet to be exploited extensively.

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

Main competitor are those offering services such as "uber' However, what makes us stand out is that the services are tailored to match exactly the client's preference regarding style, comfort, security and convenience since the vehicles used in this are the clients'.

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

Yes. By inviting other female like-minded entrepreneurs to take on different ventures with me.