Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

RefreeG is a crowdfunding web application designed and built to serve as a platform to connect the more privileged in society to the less privileged so that they can assist them with monetary aid and foster socio-economic growth.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

RefreeG is a crowdfunding web application designed and built to serve as a platform to connect the more privileged in society to the less privileged so that they can assist them with monetary aid and foster socio-economic growth. The platform aims to empower the poor in Nigeria by offering them access to educational resources, palliatives/aid, vocational training, and employment opportunities, thereby fostering self-reliance and socioeconomic growth. Donations made on our platform are powered and done through the blockchain, ensuring transparency and reliability. Donors can track how their money is being spent and also see whether or not their donations are being used for the causes they were donated for.

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

The main problem RefreeG is addressing is the severe lack of support for the less privileged individuals in Nigeria, particularly in rural and terrorist-torn areas. This includes inadequate access to vocational training, education, support for victims of gender-based violence, and basic life necessities such as food, healthcare, shelter, and clothing. The government has been unable to sufficiently fund these crucial areas, leading to high unemployment, widespread poverty, and a significant out-of-school population. RefreeG aims to bridge this gap by connecting the more privileged with those in need through a transparent, blockchain-based donation platform.

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

1. Transparency and Trust: RefreeG uses blockchain technology to ensure all donations are transparent and traceable, building trust among donors and recipients. 2. Targeted Assistance: The platform efficiently connects privileged individuals with those in need, focusing aid on vocational training, education, support for GBV victims, and basic necessities in underserved areas. 3. Socioeconomic Impact: By providing vocational training and education, RefreeG empowers the less privileged, helping them become self-reliant and contributing to Nigeria’s GDP growth and socioeconomic development.

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

1. Less Privileged Individuals: Those in rural and terrorist-torn areas of Nigeria, particularly individuals who lack access to basic life necessities like food, healthcare, shelter, and clothing. 2. Unemployed and Unskilled Workers: People who need vocational training to become skilled artisans, enabling them to join the labor force and contribute to the nation's GDP. 3. Victims of Gender-Based Violence: Individuals who require support to heal from emotional and physical trauma. 4. Out-of-School Children: Children who need educational support to improve their lives and contribute to a better future for Nigeria. 5. The community at large: The community grows by fostering socio-economic growth.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

4

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.)

1. Gbiyede Oghenetega Victor, Chief Operations Officer: As a software engineer with a strong passion for educational reforms in Africa, Victor is dedicated to improving access to quality education and operational efficiency within RefreeG.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/102040636

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

g) Financial services

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

RefreeG directly addresses poverty by providing monetary aid, vocational training, and basic necessities to the less privileged, helping them improve their living standards and become self-reliant.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

RefreeG aims to provide food to those in need, particularly in rural and terrorist-torn areas of Nigeria, reducing hunger and food insecurity among the less privileged.

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

By offering healthcare support and aiding victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), RefreeG contributes to the overall health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

RefreeG focuses on sending out-of-school children back to school and providing educational resources, significantly improving access to quality education for disadvantaged youths.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

The platform supports victims of GBV, promoting gender equality by helping women and girls heal and reintegrate into society with dignity and empowerment.

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

Although not a primary focus, the provision of basic necessities could include clean water and sanitation in some initiatives.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

RefreeG does not directly address clean energy solutions, making its impact on this goal minimal.

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

By providing vocational training and facilitating employment opportunities, RefreeG directly contributes to decent work and economic growth in Nigeria.

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

By empowering individuals, fostering economic opportunity, and potentially promoting environmental well-being, RefreeG contributes to the creation of more sustainable and prosperous communities, a core objective of SDG 11.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

RefreeG aims to reduce inequalities by connecting privileged individuals with those in need, ensuring that aid reaches the underserved populations.

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

RefreeG's comprehensive approach goes beyond immediate poverty alleviation. By empowering individuals, fostering economic opportunity, promoting social inclusion, and potentially contributing to environmental well-being, RefreeG lays the foundation for the creation of more sustainable and prosperous communities, a core objective of SDG 11.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

RefreeG's mission does not directly align with responsible consumption and production practices.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The platform does not directly address climate change issues.

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

RefreeG does not engage in activities related to marine conservation.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Indirectly, by improving rural livelihoods, there could be a minor positive impact on land use and conservation.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

By supporting victims of violence and fostering transparency through blockchain, RefreeG contributes to building trust and promoting justice.

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

RefreeG’s model relies on partnerships with privileged individuals and organizations, aligning well with the goal of fostering partnerships 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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

RefreeG is a unique and innovative platform that leverages blockchain technology to ensure transparency and trust in the donation process. This approach distinguishes us from traditional crowdfunding platforms by providing verifiable and immutable records of all transactions. Our focus on connecting privileged individuals with the less privileged in Nigeria to provide targeted aid for vocational training, education, GBV victim support, and basic necessities sets us apart. Additionally, the use of AI for fraud detection, content moderation, and personalized recommendations enhances security and user experience, making our solution both effective and scalable.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Main Competitors: Charity donation platforms: These platforms connect donors with various charities, but often lack the focus on skills development and long-term empowerment that RefreeG offers. (e.g. GoFundMe) Microfinance institutions: While they provide financial aid, they typically target existing businesses and may not cater to the specific needs of individuals in rural or conflict-affected areas. What Makes RefreeG Stand Out? Focus on empowerment: RefreeG goes beyond simply providing aid by offering education, vocational training, and employment opportunities. This fosters self-reliance, creating a long-term solution to poverty. Data-driven impact: RefreeG focuses on areas most affected by poverty and instability, maximizing impact. It aims to track its contribution to GDP growth, demonstrating a measurable economic impact. Technology-driven platform: The mobile app facilitates easy connections between donors and beneficiaries, potentially streamlining the aid process.

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

We are trying to promote the roles of female entrepreneurs by providing a leveled playing ground for them in our company's workforce and also by offering gender-based services on our platform.