Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Amaa is digital platform that connects entrepreneurs, SME owners, and business founders with experienced mentors (Elders) through asynchronous video chat.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Amaa offers entrepreneurs, founders, and SMEs access to world-class experts who provide invaluable mentorship and advice, typically difficult to access one-on-one. Our platform utilizes an asynchronous video chat system, providing flexibility for mentors ("Elders") and mentees. By leveraging technology and expert guidance, Amaa aims to harness the transformative power of SMEs to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster innovation throughout Africa. Our commitment to excellence and inclusivity sets us apart, ensuring businesses of all sizes and backgrounds have the support they need to succeed. Some features of Amaa include unparalleled access to world-class experts, flexible mentorship options, and a supportive community environment, setting it apart from traditional mentorship programs and online platforms. By leveraging technology and human expertise, Amaa empowers entrepreneurs, founders, and SMEs to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth.

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

The inability of African entrepreneurs to access mentorship and business support has resulted in the following; - High Business Failure Rates - Limited Access to Industry Knowledge - Challenges in Scaling Businesses, limiting growth potentials - Limited Exposure to Successful Business Role Models - High Costs of Learning from Mistakes - It impacts the economic development in Africa.

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

Amaa's benefit revolves around providing a comprehensive and accessible platform that addresses these key challenges African SMEs, entrepreneurs, and startup founders face. Here are the benefits; Mentorship and Consultancy: Access to Mentors (Elders), Asynchronous Video Chat, Personalized Matching, Experienced Mentors, growth mentorship and consultations Community Engagement: Discussion Forums, Events and Webinars Funding Opportunities: Access to Investors, Investor Network, Pitch Events, Funding Resources Talent Acquisition and Development Business Tools and Resources: Resource Library, Integrated Tools

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

Amaa's target market includes entrepreneurs, founders, and SME owners across various industries and sectors. These individuals seek expert guidance, mentorship, and resources to overcome challenges and scale their businesses. Key demographics include: Entrepreneurs and startups seeking mentorship and support in launching and growing their ventures. Established SME owners looking to expand their businesses, access funding, and enter new markets. Founders of social enterprises and impact-driven businesses aiming to create positive change in their communities.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-03-29

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

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

Kingsley Whitegod is a software Engineer with five years of experience. He has had the privilege of working in various industries, such as entertainment, fintech, healthcare, and logistics. His expertise encompasses a range of front-end technologies, including Javascript, Sass, Tailwind, React, React Native, NextJs, and PWA. Additionally,He has an experience in managing teams and working with backend technologies such as Nodejs, MYSQL, MongoDB, and Digital Ocean.

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?

Other: Social Enterprise for Business Owners in Africa

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Amaa by Innovative Village contributes to the "No Poverty" goal by providing African SMEs and entrepreneurs access to mentorship, skill development, funding opportunities, and community support. By empowering businesses to grow and succeed, Amaa creates job opportunities, enhances economic stability, and reduces poverty

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Amaa contributes to Zero Hunger by providing mentorship and business support to SMEs and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. Amaa helps improve agricultural productivity, supply chain efficiency, and market access by providing these businesses with the necessary resources and support. This leads to increased food production, reduced food insecurity, and enhanced livelihoods for those involved in the agriculture industry, ultimately contributing to the reduction of hunger and malnutrition in Africa.

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

2

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

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

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

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

We empower SMEs and entrepreneurs with mentorship and business support.. This support helps businesses grow, create quality jobs, improve working conditions, and drive economic development, leading to sustainable economic growth and reduced unemployment in Africa.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Entrepreneurs get access to the resources that give them the right infrastructure to drive innovation

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

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

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

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

We partner with this goal by connecting African entrepreneurs with global mentors, investors, and resources. By fostering international collaborations and leveraging the expertise and funding from the diaspora and global community, Amaa enhances the capacity of local businesses to thrive. This platform promotes knowledge exchange, investment, and innovation, thereby supporting sustainable development and building resilient economic partnerships across borders.

06.01 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

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

3

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

3

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

4

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

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

Here are some existing similar product currently in Singapore - ADPlist.com, Mentor Cam, Growth Mentors Amaa is not the first in this industry, but instead, we would be the leading company here in Africa as there very few companies that have this model

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Here are some of our competitors: MEST Africa (Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology) Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Seedstars Africa VC4A (Venture Capital for Africa) BongoHive AfricArena Y Combinator Startup School Founders Factory Africa Startupbootcamp Africa Enpact Our competitive difference: Flexible and affordable Mentorship and Consultancy for entrepreneurs, founders and SME owners in Africa Engagement with the Africans in Diaspora Community to give back to the Africa continent Inclusive and Pan-African Focus Asynchronous Video Chat System

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

Yes We hosted the Africa SME Assembly and had 60% of women-led businesses registered and benefited from the event