Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

An innovative app designed to facilitate the sharing of items on an as-needed basis, promoting sustainable consumption and allowing users to monetize their latent assets.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The project aims to promote sustainable consumption through the development of an innovative app that facilitates the sharing of items on a need basis. This app will empower users to borrow and lend everyday items, reducing the need for frequent purchases and encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. This will facilitate exhaustive use of underutilized items

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

The main problem we are trying to solve is the overconsumption and underutilization of everyday items, which leads to unnecessary expenditures and environmental waste. The project addresses this by providing a convenient platform for users to share items on a need basis, thereby reducing the need to purchase new items, promoting sustainable consumption, and allowing individuals to monetize their underutilized assets.

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. Cost Savings for Users: By allowing users to borrow items instead of purchasing them, the app helps individuals save money on items they might only need occasionally. This is particularly beneficial for costly items or those that are used infrequently, reducing the financial burden on users. 2. Environmental Sustainability: The app promotes sustainable consumption by reducing the need for new product purchases, which in turn lowers manufacturing demand and decreases waste. This helps reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of consumer goods. 3. Monetization of Underutilized Assets: Users can earn extra income by lending out items they own but don't frequently use. This transforms idle possessions into sources of revenue, providing financial benefits to individuals and encouraging the efficient use of resources within the community.

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

The project is aimed at serving a diverse group of people and communities who can benefit from a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to consumption. The targeted beneficiaries include: Environmentally Conscious Consumers Cost-Sensitive Consumers Owners of Underutilized Items DIY enthusiasts Sustainability Advocates and Influencers Community-Oriented Individuals

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-01

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.)

The one partner is a research fellow at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research and has experience in project management and data analysis. She doubles up as a businesswoman running a couple of small side businesses.

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

https://www.qodisha.com

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Online Platform

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By enabling users to monetize their underutilized assets, our app provides an additional income stream, helping to alleviate financial pressures and reduce poverty. This economic empowerment is particularly beneficial for low-income individuals who can generate extra income without significant upfront investment.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

By leveraging the power of sharing and community support, the project can play an indirect role in enhancing food security, reducing hunger, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices by providing access to gardening and farming equipment.

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

Sharing items like sports equipment, books, and educational materials can encourage healthier lifestyles and continuous learning. Access to these items can promote physical activity, mental well-being, and educational enrichment, contributing to overall health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By providing accessibility to all, the project reduces the gender disparity that exists in terms of access to professional and personal development equipment, thus reducing economic barriers that often affect women more severely. Also, by providing a platform where items can be shared or borrowed instead of purchased outright, financial burdens can be alleviated, promoting economic empowerment and gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

N/A

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

The project fosters economic growth by creating new opportunities for income generation through sharing. This promotes micro-entrepreneurship and supports the gig economy, contributing to economic resilience and the creation of decent work opportunities.

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 represents technological innovation in the sharing economy. It leverages digital infrastructure to facilitate efficient and sustainable resource utilization, showcasing how technology can drive industry innovation.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By providing a platform that facilitates access to a wide range of items regardless of income, the project will help reduce inequalities. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their economic status, can benefit from shared resources, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.

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 encourages the creation of sustainable communities by promoting the sharing of resources. This reduces the overall demand for new products, decreases waste, and fosters a sense of community and collaboration among users, contributing to more sustainable urban living.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The core of the project aligns with responsible consumption and production by encouraging the sharing and reusing of items. This reduces the need for new product manufacturing, minimizes waste, and promotes the efficient use of resources, thus supporting a circular economy.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By reducing the demand for new products, the project helps lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of goods. This contributes to climate action by mitigating the environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The project thrives on partnerships with local communities, sustainability advocates, and businesses. By collaborating with various stakeholders, we can amplify our impact and contribute to the achievement of multiple SDGs through collective effort and shared resources.

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.

5

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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 uniqueness and innovativeness of the project lie in its ability to transform consumption patterns, leverage technology for convenience, promote sustainability, empower individuals economically, and foster community engagement. These characteristics not only differentiate it from conventional business models but also position it as a progressive solution to contemporary societal and environmental challenges.

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

The main competitors are specialized sharing platforms like Uber and Airbnb. We stand out from the competitors by leveraging the diversity of items, convenience, and cost savings.

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

Yes, I am actively involved in initiatives within my community to promote and support female entrepreneurs. I believe in the importance of creating equal opportunities and empowering women to thrive in business. Some actions I’ve taken include organizing networking events specifically for female entrepreneurs, participating in mentorship programs to provide guidance and support, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality in entrepreneurship. I’m committed to fostering a supportive environment where women have equal opportunity to contribute to our community’s economic growth.