Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Ecogold enterprises is a women-led social enterprise that recycles used oil to make multi purpose grease a lubricant for both domestic and industrial uses. Recycling used oil saves the environment,creates job opportunities and also reduces health risks.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Ecogold enterprises is a start up at an early developmental stage,our business idea is recycling used oil to make multipurpose grease. A multi purpose grease lubricant is a chemical product utilized to lubricate, clean, and provide machine or tool protection.We use oil drained from engines and vegetable oil residue to produce multi purpose grease for domestic and industrial uses. Multipurpose grease can be used on windows,doors and other domestic machines. It can also be used for various industrial uses mainly to reduce friction in objects. We began in March of 2023, coming up with the idea, trying to gather the needed resources and the location for our small business. It is a work in progress but so far so good. We have done our market research and through sampling, our product has been well received in the local market, at this time we are currently working on the next stage which would be branding and marketing the product so we can start generating income from the business.

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

Ecogold enterprises aims to solve 2 main problems, which are as follows ; 1.ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND DEGRADATION-It takes only a small amount of used oil to contaminate a large volume of water, making it harmful to aquatic life and affecting ecosystems. By recycling used oil, we can prevent this contamination and contribute to environmental conservation. Oil spills and improper disposal have effects on marine life and birds, disrupting ecosystems. Ecogold enterprises promotes the circular economy culture, the idea is not only recycling oil, the plan is to encourage the consumers to return the packaging material(tin or plastic can) for re-using,offering a cheaper price for every returned can. 2. POVERTY - In Kenya, 16.1% of our population lives below the poverty line.One of the major causes is economic inequality. Ecogold enterprises is therefore committed to solve the issue of reducing poverty by creating sustainable job opportunities,to empower the women and youth living in slums.

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

Our product involves recycling waste oil to produce multipurpose grease and the following are 3 major benefits; 1. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION- When used oil is improperly disposed of, it can contaminate soil, water sources, and wildlife habitats. Therefore recycling used oil to produce a quality product is a major contribution to the preservation of our environment and natural resources. 2. ECONOMIC BENEFITS- recycling used oil creates jobs and contributes to the local and national economy. Our project will not only help support the youth in slums through employment but also empower women to be financially independent so they can support themselves and their families . 3.REDUCING HEALTH RISKS -Improper disposal of used oil can pose significant health risks to humans and animals. When oil seeps into the ground or contaminates water sources, it can release harmful toxins and chemicals. We will therefore help reduce the health risks posed by spills and the improper disposal of used oil.

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

We are currently facing very harsh and difficult economic challenges in our country Kenya and our company Ecogold's main agenda is not only to save the environment but also help us make a living as women and youth residing in Mukuru slums Nairobi. The main beneficiaries of this project would be ; 1. THE WOMEN-The reason as to why we are focusing on this demographic is because women’s economic empowerment reduces gender-based violence, increases political and social participation and leadership, and facilitates disaster risk reduction. 2. THE YOUTH- with careful considerations, our project will not only employ and enable the youth , we will also train the youth on the processes of recycling to help them support themselves even without formal employment. 3. THE COMMUNITY - Our community will also benefit as a whole because the project is based in Mukuru slums Nairobi and the project depends on local suppliers and distributors for raw materials to enable the production of our product

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-03-01

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.)

Ecogold enterprises is my creation,I came up with the idea and plan, I however have 2 involved and active team members whom I closely work with to create the brand. 1. Production manager- John ,33 yrs old, he is the one in charge of the production of the multipurpose grease, with his years of experience in the field, he has found innovative ways to produce the product by using local materials such as a big boiling pot and stirring stick and other available resources to make a more quality product. Through a combination of both our skills, and efforts we were able to come up with a fine product as a team. 2.Assistant- Diana, she's a 24 year old young lady, she is very passionate about her job. She manages all the official duties of the business , she is currently the acting secretary at the moment, she helps with the research,planning and all other work related activities. At this time we don't have an official office, she mostly works remotely and physically whenever she's needed.

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/in/selvine-b-nyabuti-8a0a2248/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our project will create job opportunities for women and youth living in Mukuru slums.We will not only employ but train them to be independent so they can sustain themselves and their families. Therefore we shall help curb the issue of joblessness in our community,thus helping reduce the levels of poverty not only in our community but also in our country as well.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

To some extent, our project will address the issues of zero hunger through economic empowerment. When women and youth are empowered the whole community becomes stable..with economic empowerment,we shall solve the issue of hunger because people will be able to provide themselves with basic needs and food is one of the most essential needs for human survival.

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

Toxic chemicals from used oil seeping into the soil and water sources pose a significant threat. These contaminants, once introduced into our ecosystems, can have devastating effects on both human health and wildlife. For humans,the exposure to these toxins can result in a range of health issues, from skin irritations to more serious diseases. The impact extends to the animal kingdom too, affecting the health of birds and other wildlife. By ensuring that used oil is properly utilized, we prevent these harmful chemicals from entering our environment. where the effects of pollution can be both widespread and long-lasting.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Not applicable

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

We come from a society where women are often undermined and our opinions overlooked. our enterprise is not only led by a female but also intend to have opportunities for both genders. we all play different roles and I believe together we can achieve more. Therefore we contribute to gender equality by ensuring that both genders are equally integrated in decision making,planning and overseeing projects.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Our project contributes to clean water and sanitation because Oil contamination can make water unsuitable for irrigation and damage how water treatment plants work.Oil spills can make water sources unfit for use both for agricultural and domestic uses such as drinking ,cooking,cleaning and others. Therefore by ensuring that we there's proper utilization of used oil we help reduce the health risks that come with water contamination.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Not applicable

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

Ecogold Enterprises contributes to economic growth by creating employment to jobless youth and also empowering women economically to help enable stability and growth both locally and nationally.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

We are very innovative with the limited and available resources that we have. we therefore contribute to industry innovation by using local tools to make a very high quality product that is ready for use.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

We promote inclusion because we intend to work with people of different demographics. our enterprise does not discriminate people based on gender,religion,race,ethnic background or social status.This is therefore our contribution to reduced inequalities which is still a big challenge in our county and even globally.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

we enable and promote the circular economy culture which makes cities more sustainable ,inclusive and safe for all.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

our project thrives in recycle culture because we use old and used oil to make a new product that is ready for use. we also promote and encourage the re-using of the packaging materials such as the plastic and metal tins so that we help minimize the production of plastics which have been a menace to the environment for years. we combine different raw materials and we manufacture locally with very minimal wastes without any industrial and hazardous effects to the environment.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Spilled oil can pollute streams, rivers and, if it seeps through the soil and rock, groundwater.Oil is naturally toxic and harmful to the environment . Our project therefore contributes to climate action by ensuring we curb the issue of careless disposal of oil waste that goes to the ground to harm the enviroment and to release the harmful toxins that affect the climate.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

When used oil is not properly disposed, it is likely going to make it's way into the nearest water bodies,It takes only a small amount of used oil to contaminate a large volume of water,thus making it harmful to aquatic life and affecting ecosystems. By recycling used oil, we can prevent this contamination and contribute to the preservation of the marine life, which is an important aspect in

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Our project will help protect the life on land because Improper disposal of used oil can pose significant health risks to humans and animals. When oil seeps into the ground ,it's likely to contaminate the soil and water resources, this therefore can release harmful toxins and chemicals. The released toxins can enter the food chain, leading to health problems for both wildlife and humans. By recycling used oil, we can mitigate these health risks and ensure a safer environment for all life on land.

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

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Not applicable

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

our project is community oriented , we therefore seek to collaborate with various bodies such as the private sector entities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to work together in advancing 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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

6

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

6

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.

6

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

5

05.08 Justification

We are very innovative because we use available resources for production to make it locally available and affordable for all the users. Traditional processing plants have big machines that enable smooth operations and also mass production,but our company's innovation involves using local and available resources to make a very high quality product at a cheaper cost. At the moment we use a very big metallic pot(big sufuria),firewood for energy and a big mixing stick to mix all our materials, go through the required process, scoop by hand and then sealed without the use of any machines. Through product sampling, we have caught the attention of local mechanics and hardwares which means that the product has been well received and it has the potential to hit bigger markets both locally and nationally with a vision of hitting the international market some day. we are innovative because we use available res

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

1. Powerex 2. Lacheka 3. Molyslip Well, these companies are big and well established,what makes us stand out is that none of these companies are run by women it is mainly a male dominated field. Secondly , our product is made locally produced by traditional tools yet we produce a very high quality product.. The advantage of our product is that we can reach all types of customers and serve the same purpose as them except our product is not only of very high quality but also affordable compared to the competition . We are easy to access and a customer to purchase a can directly from us unlike big companies where you must go to a retailer to purchase the product. Thirdly,our company is not only business oriented,we are a social enterprise and we work closely with the community sourcing local material to ensure that no one is left out..we also train and mentor others therefore our enterprise is a double-edged company,we aim to make profit as we make a difference in our community at large.

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

Yes ,as a female myself,I have gone through different societal challenges and stereotypes. I have been undermined and my capabilities ignored..I have also been harassed in different ways but through Patience,hard work and resilience I have done and achieved so much for myself. This therefore being my journey,I have always championed for women empowerment and through training at a local learning center which I founded in 2019 known as the milestones learning center Mukuru,I have trained women on the importance of independence through economic empowerment. So far we have trained more than 500 young girls and women through campaigns and various programs to help support women entrepreneurship. We have worked with local institutions and local leaderships to ensure a full and maximum participation in ensuring that women are properly educated and empowered to learn difference skills which would later help them start their own small businesses to help support themselves and their families.