Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

SBM creates high-quality, durable, and affordable handmade bags in Nigeria, blending style with functionality. We support local artisans, promote sustainability, reduce import dependency, and empower women, aiming to showcase Nigerian craftsmanship.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

At SBM, we redefine handmade products in Nigeria. We address the financial losses caused by overpriced and counterfeit imports by offering high-quality, durable, and affordable bags that blend style with functionality. Our bags are meticulously handcrafted supporting community development and economic empowerment, especially for women and girls. By using sustainable materials and innovative designs (e.g. upcycled T-shirts into bags), we ensure our products are functional and stylish. Our ultimate ambition is to compete with global designers, showcasing Nigerian craftsmanship on the international stage.

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

The main problem we are addressing is the significant financial loss Nigeria incurs due to the influx of exorbitantly priced or counterfeit imported accessories. Additionally, many bag manufacturers prioritize fleeting trends over functionality, resulting in common frustrations such as difficulty in finding items in the bag or having to discard bags due to deteriorated parts. Our mission is to offer high-quality, durable, and affordable bags that combine style with functionality, while also supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable, locally made products. This approach aims to reduce dependency on imports, empower local communities, especially women and girls, and position Nigerian craftsmanship on the global stage.

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

High-Quality and Durability Style & Functionality Affordability Originality Customizability Sustainability

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

Women and Men of age group ranging from 22-55 years are the main target of SBM

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-05-24

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

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.)

N/A

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

https://instagram.com/sbmdesigns_

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

As SBM grows, SBM can provide significant employment opportunities contributing to poverty reduction.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

2

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

SBM strongly focuses on empowering girls through training, employment, and support

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

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

By creating jobs and supporting local artisans, SBM fosters economic growth and decent work conditions

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Through innovative design and sustainable production processes, SBM enhances local manufacturing capabilities and promotes industrialization.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

By promoting locally made products and reducing dependency on imports, SBM supports sustainable economic practices within communities and enhances local resilience.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

SBM commits to using eco-friendly materials, offering revamps, minimizing waste, and promoting a circular economy by turning old T-shirts to yarn that could be crocheted into bags, encouraging responsible production and consumption patterns.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

2

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

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

By collaborating with local suppliers, artisans, and community organizations, SBM can foster partnerships that strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

4

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.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

SBM is creating unique handmade bags in Nigeria, offering improved quality and style compared to mass-produced alternatives. While the concept of handmade bags isn't new, our focus on local craftsmanship, sustainability, and addressing the market's need for durable, affordable, and locally made bags sets us apart. We’re not introducing new technology but are innovating within the existing market to meet unmet demands and offer a fresh perspective on handmade fashion accessories. One way we do this also is by up-cycling old T-shirts into bags.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are other fashion accessory brands offering similar bags, but what makes us stand out is our focus on local craftsmanship, sustainability, and affordable pricing without compromising quality. Our social impact initiatives, innovative designs (including free storage bags for every bag ordered), and community engagement further differentiate us in the market, appealing to socially conscious consumers and those seeking unique, durable, and responsibly made products.

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

Training for young girls and collaboration with female entrepreneurs to provide special combo products.