Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The CEO - Connect, Employ, Outsource app is a corporate staffing and job forum app available on the web and iOS. It provides remote staff for companies and matches skilled professionals with businesses that need their services.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app is a comprehensive platform designed to streamline corporate staffing and job matching processes. Available on both web and iOS platforms, it caters to businesses seeking remote staff and skilled professionals looking for employment opportunities. Key features include a subscription-based model where companies can subscribe monthly or as needed to access the platform's services. The app focuses on matching companies with suitable digital nomads, primarily young skilled professionals from Africa. For digital nomads, the app offers basic training and onboarding to prepare them for remote work assignments. Upon subscription, companies can specify their staffing requirements based on services needed, and the app automatically assigns appropriate digital nomads to projects. Communication between companies and staff is facilitated through in-app messaging, allowing real-time updates and project monitoring.

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

The main problem the CEO app aims to solve is the challenge faced by businesses in accessing skilled remote talent efficiently and cost-effectively, especially in a global market. Many companies struggle with finding qualified professionals who can work remotely and effectively manage projects without geographical constraints. On the other hand, skilled professionals, particularly young digital nomads from Africa, often face barriers in accessing job opportunities that match their skills and preferences.

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

1. Global Talent Pool Access: Connects businesses with skilled remote professionals worldwide, including digital nomads from Africa, broadening hiring options beyond local constraints. 2. Efficient, Cost-effective Hiring: Subscription-based model reduces time and costs associated with traditional recruitment, offering flexibility in hiring frequency without overhead expenses. 3. Seamless Collaboration: In-app messaging and project monitoring features ensure transparent communication and effective project management, fostering productivity and responsiveness across distributed teams. 4. Support for Digital Nomads: Provides flexible remote work opportunities and prepares skilled professionals, including digital nomads, with training and onboarding, enhancing their employability and career development.

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

The main problem the CEO app aims to solve is the challenge faced by businesses in accessing skilled remote talent efficiently and cost-effectively, especially in a global market. Many companies struggle with finding qualified professionals who can work remotely and effectively manage projects without geographical constraints. On the other hand, skilled professionals, particularly young digital nomads from Africa, often face barriers in accessing job opportunities that match their skills and preferences. The CEO app addresses these issues by providing a platform where businesses can easily connect with and hire digital nomads based on their specific project needs. It streamlines the hiring process through a subscription model, offers basic training and onboarding for nomads, and facilitates seamless communication and project monitoring. Ultimately, the app seeks to enhance the productivity and flexibility of remote work arrangements while promoting employment opportunities for skilled

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-09-01

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?

1

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

1. Kelechi Israel Ali: A digital innovator and software developer with over 7 years of experience in technology and business. Handled over 70 successful projects for NGOs and companies, including GADEF International, New Leaf Foundation (USA) and Eki Co-net among others. 2. Joy Ali: Co-founder, seasoned marketer with over 8 years experience in business management. Successfully managed 3 businesses within Lagos, Nigeria.

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

https://ceo.bifixit.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app contributes to the goal of reducing poverty by providing young, skilled professionals from Africa with access to remote employment opportunities. By matching these digital nomads with companies worldwide, the app helps bridge the gap between talent and demand, enabling professionals to earn a stable income irrespective of their geographical location. The app also offers basic training and onboarding, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to excel in remote work environments. This empowers them to secure better-paying jobs, enhance their skills, and improve their economic status, thereby contributing to the reduction of poverty. By facilitating reliable employment and income generation, the CEO app plays a pivotal role in fostering economic empowerment and sustainable development.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app contributes to the goal of zero hunger by providing young skilled professionals from Africa with remote job opportunities, enabling them to earn a sustainable income. With this income, individuals can afford better nutrition and food security for themselves and their families. By ensuring steady employment and financial stability, the app helps alleviate the economic pressures that often lead to hunger. Additionally, as professionals gain skills and experience through their remote work, they can further improve their earning potential, leading to long-term food security and better living standards. The CEO app thus plays a crucial role in combating hunger by empowering individuals with the means to secure a reliable income and access adequate nutrition.

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

6

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

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app promotes good health and well-being by enabling young skilled professionals from Africa to secure remote employment opportunities. With stable income, individuals can afford better healthcare services, nutritious food, and a healthier lifestyle, leading to improved physical well-being. Additionally, remote work offers flexibility, reducing the stress and health issues associated with long commutes and rigid work environments. The app's provision of basic training and onboarding ensures that professionals are well-prepared for their roles, reducing job-related stress and enhancing mental well-being. Furthermore, the in-app messaging facilitates efficient communication and project monitoring, fostering a supportive work environment. By providing meaningful employment and fostering a balanced work-life dynamic, the CEO app significantly contributes to the overall health and well-being of its users.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app contributes to quality education by providing young skilled professionals from Africa with access to basic training and onboarding for remote work assignments. This educational support equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge required for the digital job market, enhancing their employability and career prospects. By connecting professionals with remote job opportunities, the app also incentivizes continuous learning and skill development to stay competitive in the global workforce. Furthermore, the income generated from remote work can be invested in further education and professional development, fostering a culture of lifelong learning. By integrating education into its core services, the CEO app helps bridge the skills gap and promotes access to quality education, ultimately empowering individuals to achieve better socio-economic outcomes.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app contributes to gender equality by providing equal employment opportunities for young skilled professionals from Africa, regardless of gender. By focusing on remote work, the app helps to eliminate traditional workplace barriers that often disadvantage women, such as gender discrimination, unequal pay, and limited access to certain industries. The app's subscription-based model allows companies to specify their staffing needs without gender bias, promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. Additionally, the flexibility of remote work enables women to balance professional and personal responsibilities more effectively, fostering greater participation in the labor market. The app's training and onboarding support further ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, are well-prepared for their roles, promoting equal career advancement opportunities.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app promotes decent work and economic growth by providing a platform that connects businesses with skilled remote professionals, primarily from Africa. By offering reliable remote job opportunities, the app helps young professionals secure stable and dignified employment. This, in turn, fosters economic growth by reducing unemployment and underemployment in the region. Moreover, by facilitating communication and project management through in-app messaging, the CEO app ensures a supportive and productive work environment. This approach not only boosts individual economic outcomes but also contributes to broader economic development by harnessing and nurturing talent, promoting fair labor practices, and fostering a dynamic and inclusive workforce.

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

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by leveraging technology to streamline corporate staffing and job matching processes. The app provides a digital platform that connects businesses with skilled remote professionals, primarily young digital nomads from Africa, thereby fostering a more dynamic and flexible workforce. Furthermore, the app’s training and onboarding programs ensure that professionals are equipped with up-to-date skills, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. By providing access to a diverse pool of talent, the app supports businesses in scaling their operations and driving economic growth. The CEO app thus plays a significant role in enhancing industry infrastructure and promoting innovation through the integration of advanced digital solutions in the employment market.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app contributes to reducing inequalities by providing equitable employment opportunities to young skilled professionals from Africa, who may otherwise face barriers to accessing the global job market. By facilitating remote work, the app helps bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, enabling professionals from underserved regions to compete on an equal footing with their counterparts worldwide. The app’s subscription-based model allows companies to access a diverse pool of talent without biases related to location, race, or socio-economic background. By offering basic training and onboarding, the app ensures that all professionals, regardless of their previous access to resources, are well-prepared for remote work assignments. This promotes inclusive growth and reduces disparities in employment opportunities.

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

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app contributes to sustainable cities and communities by promoting remote work, which reduces the strain on urban infrastructure and supports more sustainable living arrangements. Firstly, by connecting businesses with skilled professionals from Africa, the app reduces the need for extensive commuting and office spaces in urban areas. This alleviates congestion, reduces carbon emissions from transportation, and eases the burden on city infrastructure. Secondly, the app encourages the growth of digital nomadism, allowing individuals to work from anywhere and choose living environments that align with sustainable practices. This can lead to the development of eco-friendly communities and reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional office-based work models. Additionally, the CEO app supports economic diversification in both urban and rural areas by providing employment opportunities beyond traditional city centres.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The CEO (Connect, Employ, Outsource) app contributes to climate action by promoting remote work and reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional office-based employment. Here’s how: Reduced Commuting: Remote work facilitated by the app eliminates the need for daily commutes to office spaces. This reduction in commuting translates to lower emissions from vehicles, contributing to a decrease in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Conservation: With fewer people commuting to centralized offices, there is a reduction in the energy consumption of office buildings, including heating, cooling, and lighting. This aligns with climate action goals by conserving energy resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with building operations.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

Partnerships with NGOs: We collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on youth empowerment, digital skills training, and employment opportunities. This partnership helps reach a wider pool of young professionals and provide them with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in remote work environments. One of our partners is Gadef International. Collaboration with Educational Institutions: We partner with universities and vocational training centers e.g. Campus Hive, to offer specialized training programs tailored to the needs of the digital workforce. This partnership bridges the gap between academic education and industry requirements, preparing students for remote work opportunities. Corporate Partnerships: We seek to forge partnerships with companies that are committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainable practices. These partnerships can create pathways for underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities, to access remote job opportunities.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

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

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our startup envisions creating a product/service that responds to a demand or need that has not been fully satisfied by existing products/services. We recognize that there are similar products/services in the market, but our approach incorporates unique features and functionalities that address specific pain points and offer a more comprehensive solution to our target audience. Our product/service combines innovative technology with user-centric design, providing a seamless and efficient experience that sets us apart from competitors. Additionally, we prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical practices, ensuring that our offering resonates with the values and aspirations of modern consumers. Overall, our startup's focus on addressing unmet needs, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and embracing a customer-centric approach positions us as a unique and innovative player in the market.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include platforms like Jobberman, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Remoteli. Jobberman primarily matches jobs from companies to freelancers, while Fiverr and Freelancer are well-known for offering a wide range of freelance services. Remoteli, although similar to us in facilitating remote work, focuses solely on tech-related services and lacks in-app communication between companies and digital nomads. What distinguishes us from these competitors is our comprehensive approach to remote staffing and job matching. While Jobberman focuses on matching freelancers with job opportunities and platforms like Fiverr and Freelancer offer various freelance services, we go beyond job matching by providing basic training and onboarding for remote work, specifically targeting businesses seeking skilled professionals from Africa, including digital nomads.

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

Yes! We hold free training sessions - virtual and physical - to teach women on how to start and grow their businesses using digital platforms.