Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Bringing affordable internet to underserved communities in Kenya! I'll use WISP towers to relay wireless signals from the signal backbone, offering a quicker & cheaper alternative to fiber optics. Focus on low-cost plans for homes & small businesses.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Envision a Kenya where remote villages are connected! Our innovative Wireless ISP startup will tackle the challenge of internet access. I bypass expensive fiber optic cable laying by utilizing Wireless Internet Service Provider(WISP) towers. This translates to faster deployment and lower costs, reaching areas major providers haven't touched. I understand affordability is key, so we'll offer tiered plans specifically designed for homes and small businesses. Let's join forces to bridge the digital divide and unlock the full potential of Kenyan communities. I envision bringing together a team so I can surround myself with a team of experts with background expertise needed in all areas vital for a proper product development, management, marketing and business growth. If successful with this application and together with that team, we can develop an affordable internet providing service to reach and fill the gap left by the existing internet service provider who are too expensive.

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

Many Kenyan communities lack affordable internet access due to expensive fiber optic infrastructure. Our Wireless ISP startup will tackle this by using Wireless Internet Service Provider(WISP) towers to relay signals wirelessly. This is faster to deploy and cheaper than laying cables, reaching remote areas major providers neglect but first we'll focus on more reachable areas then aim to quickly expand to underserved areas. We'll offer tiered plans prioritizing affordability for homes and businesses, bridging the digital divide, and empowering Kenyan communities.

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. Faster Deployment & Lower Costs: We leverage existing towers, eliminating expensive cable laying. This allows us to reach remote areas quicker and at a lower cost compared to major providers, making internet access a reality for underserved communities. 2. Focus on Affordability: We understand the financial limitations in these areas. Our tiered plans prioritize affordability, making internet accessible for homes and small businesses. This fosters economic growth and empowers communities. 3. Scalability & Flexibility: Expanding our network is easier with towers. We can strategically add them based on user demand, ensuring efficient growth and adapting to evolving needs in these communities. By investing in our WISP model, you're not just funding a business, you're investing in a more connected and empowered Kenya.

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

Our Wireless ISP specifically targets underserved communities in Kenya who currently lack affordable internet access. This encompasses several key beneficiary groups: 1. Residents in Remote Areas: Major internet service providers often overlook remote villages due to the high cost of laying fiber optic cables. Our WISP model, utilizing existing towers, allows us to reach these areas with a more cost-effective solution. 2. Low-Income Households: We understand the financial limitations in many Kenyan households. Our tiered pricing structure will prioritize affordability, making internet access a realistic possibility for families who might not be able to afford traditional high-speed plans. 3. Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs): A reliable and affordable internet connection is crucial for business growth in today's digital world. Our service will empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with the connectivity they need to compete, and market their products online.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-02-16

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

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Vincent Wabwire - A graduate with a Bachelor of commerce; Accounting from St Pauls University. He has good knowledge of accounting and business management.

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?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By providing affordable fast internet access to every user with a laptop and a smartphone, we can be a part of helping them get access to the job opportunities available online. Such as freelancing jobs which they're not making use of because of a lack of affordable internet access. Second, with affordable internet packages ranging from as low as Ksh 20 for Hours micro business owners or solopreneurs will now have the ability to market their products online. For those two reasons I believe bridging the internet access gap will aid in reducing the number of people who don't have an income source or have one that barely supports them.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

While a WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) business doesn't directly address food production or distribution, it can indirectly contribute to Zero Hunger by: Bridging the Digital Divide: Providing internet access to rural communities can: Empower farmers: Access to online resources like weather forecasts, market prices, and agricultural best practices can improve decision-making and yields. Facilitate communication: Farmers can connect with extension agents, agricultural cooperatives, and buyers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Promote e-commerce: Farmers can potentially sell produce directly to consumers online, bypassing intermediaries and increasing income. Improved Education and Awareness: Reliable internet enables access to educational materials and online courses on sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food waste reduction.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Our WISP brings vital internet access to underserved communities, directly contributing to: Good Health and Well-being (ensure healthy lives). By bridging the digital divide, we empower people with: Online health resources: Reliable internet allows access to educational materials, disease prevention info, and trusted health websites, enabling informed decisions. Telehealth services: Remote consultations with doctors and specialists become possible, improving access to quality healthcare, especially in areas lacking facilities. Mental health support: Individuals can connect with online therapy services, support groups, and mental health resources, combating isolation and promoting well-being. Additionally, WISP strengthens communication for healthcare workers: Collaboration: Doctors can share knowledge, best practices, and coordinate patient care more effectively. Disease outbreak control: Faster communication allows public health officials to track and contain outbreaks.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Our WISP bridges the digital divide in underserved communities, fostering economic growth and decent work opportunities. Here's how: Entrepreneurship and E-commerce: Reliable internet empowers individuals to start online businesses, sell products or services, and participate in the digital economy. Improved Job Skills: Access to online training platforms and educational resources allows individuals to develop in-demand skills, increasing their employability. Telework Opportunities: WISP facilitates remote work possibilities, enabling people to connect with employers in different locations and access a wider job market. Market Access for Local Businesses: Businesses can connect with a wider customer base online, expand their reach, and participate in national and international markets. Transparency and Efficiency: WISP improves communication and collaboration within businesses, streamlining operations and boost

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

Our WISP tackles inequality by bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. This empowers them with: Educational equity: Students access online resources, courses, and remote learning, fostering equal learning opportunities regardless of location. Healthcare access: Reliable internet allows telehealth consultations and online health information, improving healthcare equity for those lacking facilities. Economic opportunities: WISP facilitates online job searching, e-commerce participation, and digital skills development, promoting economic inclusion. Furthermore, WISP strengthens communication and collaboration for: Social inclusion: Online platforms connect isolated communities, fostering social interaction and reducing feelings of marginalization. Government transparency: Improved internet access allows citizens to access government services and information, promoting equal participation in the democratic process.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our WISP strengthens partnerships (Partnerships for the Goals) by: Bridging the digital divide: We connect underserved communities, fostering collaboration between local NGOs, healthcare providers, educators, and businesses. This facilitates knowledge sharing, joint initiatives, and resource mobilization – crucial for achieving other SDGs. Enabling technology for partnerships: Our reliable internet allows partners to communicate effectively, coordinate efforts, and share data efficiently. This strengthens collaboration and optimizes resource allocation towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Promoting transparency and accountability: The internet empowers communities to access information about development projects and hold stakeholders accountable. This fosters trust and strengthens partnerships for achieving a sustainable future.

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.

3

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

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

5

05.08 Justification

I envision a Kenya where everyone within the age of working can access the internet affordably to generate income or add their income to self-sustenance.

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

Our main competitors are mainly Konnect Internet and Poa Internet and potentially other WISPs in the region. We differentiate ourselves by: Focus on underserved communities: While MNOs prioritize urban areas, we target underserved regions often neglected by traditional providers. Community-driven approach: We partner with local organizations to address specific needs and offer culturally relevant content. Sustainable infrastructure: We explore renewable energy solutions (solar power) for base stations, minimizing environmental impact. Affordable pricing: We recognize economic limitations and aim to provide competitive subscription plans to ensure accessibility. Digital literacy training: We go beyond connectivity, offering training to bridge the digital divide and empower local residents.

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

No