Malawi - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Gourmet Graze transforms the culinary landscape with affordable, healthy gourmet experiences empowering youth & supporting local farmers. Inspiring generations of food lovers & entrepreneurs, Our culinary revolution celebrates flavor& environmental safety

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Gourmet Graze, a pioneering food service startup in Malawi, revolutionizes the culinary scene with unique gourmet experiences at affordable prices. Our diverse menu features different foods like fries and drinks, made with locally sourced ingredients from small-scale farmers. We empower youth through job creation and financial literacy training, promote environmental sustainability with eco-friendly practices, biodegradable packaging, and gas cooking. Additionally, we reduce food waste by implementing innovative solutions like upcycling food scraps into value-added products and donating excess food to local communities. Our mission is to transform Malawi's food culture, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts, while supporting local economies and creating a positive impact on the community.

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

Gourmet Graze is trying to solve four main key issues in Malawi: first and foremost food security, by providing healthy, affordable, and delicious gourmet meals, addressing hunger and nutrition deficiencies in local communities. We're trying combat unemployment and poverty by creating jobs for youth, empowering them with a stable income and skills development opportunities as the business grows. We foster skills development by teaching management, cooking, sales, and marketing skills, preparing young people for entrepreneurial ventures and career advancement. And lastly By adopting environmentally friendly practices like biodegradable packaging and gas cooking, we reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and inspire others as well to embrace sustainable solutions for a better future.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Here are the major benefits and advantages of gourmet graze Access to Nutritious Food: Gourmet Graze provides healthy, balanced, and nutritious meals, addressing food security and malnutrition in Malawi. Our meals are designed to meet dietary needs, promoting overall well-being and health. Empowerment through Employment: By creating jobs for youth, Gourmet Graze empowers them with a stable income, skills development opportunities, and a sense of purpose. This contributes to reducing unemployment and poverty in the community. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly: Our eco-friendly practices, such as biodegradable packaging and gas cooking, reduce our carbon footprint and promote environmental conservation. We inspire others to adopt sustainable solutions, contributing to a better future for Malawi. -Convenience: Gourmet Graze offers a convenient food solution for busy individuals and families. -Skill Development: Our training programs equip youth with valuable skills in management

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Gourmet Graze's product&service is aimed at serving the following targeted beneficiaries: 1.Low-to-middle-income individuals and families: Our affordable and nutritious meals cater to those seeking healthy food options without breaking the bank. 2.Young professionals and students: Our convenient and portable meals suit their busy lifestyles. 3 Environmentally conscious consumers: Our eco-friendly practices and sustainable packaging appeal to those who prioritize environmental responsibility. 4.Local farmers and suppliers: We source ingredients from local small-scale farmers, supporting the local economy and promoting agricultural development. 5 Youth and young adults: Our job creation and skills development programs target young people, empowering them with employment opportunities and skills for future success. 6.Communities in Malawi: By addressing food security, unemployment, and environmental concerns, we aim to positively impact the overall well-being of communities in Malawi. By

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-02

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Gourmet Graze has one other owner, Stella Mitchell, who serves as the Co-Founder and project Manager. Stella brings the following skills and strengths to the team: - Skills: Financial management, accounting, and business strategy. - Strengths: Passion for cooking and food, determination to environmental safety, and excellent customer service skills. With Stella's expertise in financial management and her love for cooking and food, we are able to create delicious and sustainable meals that delight our customers. Her commitment to environmental safety aligns with our eco-friendly practices, and her excellent customer service skills ensure that our customers have an exceptional experience with Gourmet Graze. Our partnership enables us to complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, making us a formidable team in the food industry in Malawi.

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

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

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

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze contributes to the No Poverty goal by providing employment opportunities to youth, empowering them with skills and a stable income. We also source ingredients from local farmers, supporting the local economy and promoting agricultural development. Our affordable and nutritious meals help low-income individuals access healthy food, addressing hunger and malnutrition. By addressing these aspects, we contribute to reducing poverty in our community.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze is a food business that aims to provide healthy, affordable, and sustainable meals, which aligns with the goal of ending hunger and achieving food security. By providing nutritious food options, sourcing ingredients from local farmers, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, Gourmet Graze is contributing to the Zero Hunger Gourmet Graze addresses Zero Hunger by providing nutritious meals, sourcing ingredients from local farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and making healthy food accessible and affordable for low-income individuals and communities, hereby contributing to food security and improved nutrition.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze is a food business that prioritizes healthy and nutritious meals, which aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being. By providing balanced and nutritious food options, Gourmet Graze contributes to the health and well-being of its customers, particularly in low-income communities where access to healthy food may be limited. Gourmet Graze promotes Good Health and Well-being by providing nutritious and balanced meals, made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, catering to diverse dietary needs, and educating customers on healthy eating habits, thereby contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze has female founders and prioritizes empowering women and girls through its business model. By providing employment opportunities and skills development for women, sourcing ingredients from women-led farms, and promoting gender equality in the workplace, Gourmet Graze contributes to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. Gourmet Graze promotes Gender Equality by having a female founders , providing employment opportunities and skills development for women, sourcing ingredients from women-led farms, and fostering an inclusive workplace that promotes gender equality and challenges gender stereotypes, thereby empowering women and girls in the community.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze prioritizes sustainable practices, including responsible water management and sanitation. By implementing eco-friendly packaging, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, Gourmet Graze contributes to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Gourmet Graze promotes Clean Water and Sanitation by implementing sustainable practices such as eco-friendly packaging, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices that conserve water and reduce pollution, thereby contributing to ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze prioritizes sustainable practices, including reducing energy consumption and promoting renewable energy sources. By implementing energy-efficient equipment and processes, sourcing ingredients from local farms that use sustainable energy practices, and promoting eco-friendly transportation options, Gourmet Graze contributes to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Gourmet Graze promotes Affordable and Clean Energy by implementing energy-efficient equipment and processes, sourcing ingredients from local farms that use sustainable energy practices, and promoting eco-friendly transportation options, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a sustainable energy future.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth by providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for skills development and advancement for our employees. We also promote sustainable economic growth by sourcing ingredients from local farmers, supporting small businesses, and contributing to the local economy. Our startup fosters a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equality, ensuring decent work for all. Gourmet Graze promotes Decent Work and Economic Growth by providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for skills development and advancement for our employees, sourcing ingredients from local farmers, supporting small businesses, and contributing to the local economy, thereby fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equality, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

My startup, Gourmet Graze, contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by introducing sustainable and innovative food production and processing methods, creating a resilient and inclusive food system. We promote sustainable industrialization by sourcing locally, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly packaging. Our innovative approach to healthy meal kits and education programs fosters a culture of sustainability and wellness, supporting the development of a resilient infrastructure for the food industry in Malawi.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze contributes to reduced inequalities by providing access to healthy food and education on nutrition and wellness, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. We partner with local farmers, supporting small-scale agriculture and promoting economic empowerment. Our inclusive approach bridges the gap in access to healthy food, education, and economic opportunities, reducing inequalities in Malawi.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze contributes to sustainable cities and communities by promoting sustainable food systems, reducing food waste, and supporting eco-friendly practices in urban areas. Our meal kits and education programs empower individuals to make sustainable choices, fostering a culture of sustainability in Malawi's cities. By partnering with local farmers, we support urban-rural linkages, enhancing the resilience andsustainability of urban food systems.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze embodies responsible consumption and production through our circular economy approach. We source ingredients from local farmers, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the local economy. Our meal kits minimize food waste, and our eco-friendly packaging is biodegradable or recyclable. We also educate customers on sustainable consumption practices, promoting a culture of responsibility and environmental stewardship in Malawi's food industry.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze contributes to climate action by promoting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing carbon footprint through local sourcing, and minimizing food waste. Our eco-friendly packaging and distribution methods also reduce emissions. Additionally, we educate customers on climate-friendly food choices, supporting a culture of sustainability in Malawi's food industry. By addressing food system emissions, we take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze is a land-based food production and processing startup, and our operations do not directly impact oceans, seas, or marine resources. Therefore, we do not contribute to the Life Below Water goal. Our focus is on sustainable practices in agriculture, food production, and education, which aligns with other SDGs like Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze contributes to the Life on Land goal by promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems through our sustainable agriculture practices, supporting eco-friendly land use, and reducing land degradation. We source ingredients from local farmers who use regenerative practices, restoring soil health and biodiversity. Our education programs also raise awareness about sustainable land use, supporting a culture of environmental stewardship in Malawi.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze contributes to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, providing access to healthy food and education, and supporting equitable opportunities for all. Our startup fosters a culture of peace and justice through ethical business practices, transparent operations, and community engagement. By empowering local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture, we contribute to building a more just and peaceful society in Malawi.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze contributes to Partnerships for the Goal by fostering collaborative relationships with local farmers, suppliers, and community organizations, promoting sustainable development and resource sharing. We partner with NGOs and government agencies to support sustainable agriculture initiatives and education programs, strengthening the global partnership for sustainable development. Our startup's inclusive and impact-driven approach embodies the spirit of SDG 17, driving progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

06.01 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

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

6

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

Gourmet Graze's innovative approach combines sustainable practices, technology, and community engagement to revolutionize the food industry. Our product/service is unique in its focus on eco-friendly packaging, locally sourced ingredients, and educational programs for healthy eating. By addressing unmet needs in the market, we're creating a new standard for the industry. Our innovative solution responds to the demand for sustainable, healthy, and community-driven food options, making us stand out in the market.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors are existing meal kit services, local food delivery services, and health food stores and meal prep services. However, what sets us apart is our commitment to sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients, as well as our educational programs for healthy eating and cooking. Additionally, we prioritize community engagement and events, personalized meal planning and nutrition coaching, and flexible subscription options and affordable pricing. Our unique approach combines convenience, sustainability, education, and community, making us stand out in the market and providing a comprehensive solution for health-conscious consumers in Malawi.

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

Yes I am, for example i try my best to buy materials from females,not only that but also I first consider females when presenting job opportunities as shown at how my stuff is mostly female