Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Transforming street-collected garbage into innovative products through community-driven initiatives, fostering sustainability and urban renewal.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The "Urban Renewal Initiative" is a community-driven project aimed at transforming street-collected garbage into innovative and sustainable products. By gathering discarded materials such as plastic bottles, cans, newspapers, and old furniture from urban areas, the initiative repurposes these items into new creations, reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.Through collaborative efforts involving local residents, volunteers, and artists, the project seeks to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and upcycling, while also beautifying urban spaces. Workshops and educational programs are organized to teach participants creative ways to reuse materials and inspire them to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.The initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters social cohesion and economic opportunities within the community. By engaging residents in the collection and transformation process, it empowers individuals to take owne

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

The main problem addressed is waste accumulation in urban areas, specifically street-collected garbage, which poses environmental and aesthetic challenges.

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) Environmental sustainability by repurposing discarded materials, (2) Community engagement through collaborative initiatives, and (3) Economic opportunities by creating products from recycled materials.

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

The project aims to serve urban communities, including residents, local businesses, and organizations, by promoting sustainable practices and revitalizing public spaces.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2020-12-01

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

4

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.)

Partner 1 (Male):Experience: Holds a degree in Environmental Science and has worked for five years in waste management and recycling initiatives.Skills: Expertise in project management, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.Partner 2 (Female):Experience: Has a background in Marketing and has worked in the advertising industry for eight years, specializing in social impact campaigns.Skills: Proficient in marketing strategy, branding, and communication, with a passion for driving positive change.Partner 3 (Male):Experience: Brings extensive experience in carpentry and woodworking, with over ten years of practice in creating furniture from reclaimed materials.Skills: Highly skilled in woodworking, craftsmanship, and product design, with a keen eye for repurposing materials creatively.Partner 4 (Female):Experience: Holds a degree in Community Development and has worked in grassroots organizations for seven years, focusing on urban renewal projects.Skills: Experienced in co

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

https://www.facebook.com/kochola.philip.7

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By creating economic opportunities through the production and sale of upcycled products, the project can provide livelihoods for marginalized individuals, lifting them out of poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The project can contribute to zero hunger by organizing community gardens in urban areas, utilizing compost from recycled materials to grow fresh produce, thereby increasing access to nutritious food.

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

Through initiatives promoting clean water and sanitation, such as plastic bottle recycling for water filtration systems, the project helps prevent waterborne diseases, improving overall health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

The project offers educational workshops and programs on recycling, upcycling, and environmental stewardship, empowering individuals with practical skills and knowledge for sustainable living.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By actively involving both male and female partners and stakeholders in decision-making processes and ensuring equal opportunities for participation, the project promotes gender equality and empowerment.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Utilizing recycled materials for water filtration systems and promoting proper waste management practices, the project contributes to clean water and sanitation, reducing pollution and health risks.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Through the implementation of renewable energy solutions like solar-powered workshops or energy-efficient production processes, the project promotes affordable and clean energy access.

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 creating employment opportunities in the green economy sector and fostering entrepreneurship through upcycling initiatives, the project contributes to decent work and economic growth.

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 encourages innovation in sustainable materials and production processes, driving industry innovation towards more eco-friendly practices and infrastructure.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Through inclusive participation and economic empowerment initiatives, the project aims to reduce inequalities within communities by providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of background or status.

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 promoting waste reduction, green spaces, and community engagement, the project contributes to building sustainable cities and communities that prioritize environmental conservation and social well-being.

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 repurposing discarded materials and promoting conscious consumption habits, the project advocates for responsible consumption and production patterns, reducing waste and environmental impact.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Through carbon footprint reduction, waste diversion from landfills, and promotion of sustainable practices, the project supports climate action efforts by mitigating environmental degradation and promoting resilience.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

By preventing plastic pollution and promoting proper waste management, the project helps protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity, contributing to the conservation of life below water.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Through reforestation initiatives, habitat restoration, and promotion of sustainable land use practices, the project contributes to preserving terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity, supporting life on land.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

By fostering community engagement, promoting environmental justice, and advocating for equitable resource distribution, the project contributes to peace, justice, and strong institutions within society.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Through collaboration with local and international organizations, businesses, and stakeholders, the project strengthens global partnerships for sustainable development, leveraging collective efforts towards common 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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

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.

6

05.08 Justification

Since the project focuses on upcycling and creating unique, eco-friendly products from street-collected garbage, it's unlikely that there is a large existing market for such specific and environmentally conscious items.

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

Our main potential competitors are likely traditional furniture manufacturers and retailers, as well as artisanal craft makers who may produce similar upcycled products. However, what sets us apart is our unique approach of utilizing street-collected garbage as our primary source of materials. This not only distinguishes us in terms of sustainability but also allows us to offer truly one-of-a-kind pieces with a compelling story behind each creation. Additionally, our focus on community engagement, transparent production processes, and commitment to preserving local culture and values further differentiate us in the market, appealing to eco-conscious consumers seeking both quality craftsmanship and social impact.

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

Yes, we are actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community. Examples of our initiatives include organizing workshops and networking events specifically tailored to support and empower female entrepreneurs, providing mentorship opportunities, and highlighting the achievements of female-led businesses through our marketing channels and partnerships. Additionally, we actively seek out partnerships with organizations that focus on women's entrepreneurship to further amplify our impact and support networks.