Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

For the past two years, I have been running a successful greenhouse farm business. With a passion for sustainability and healthy eating, I have been able to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables using environmentally friendly methods.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

The start up of my greenhouse farm business involved a lot of planning and hard work. I first had to research and choose a suitable location for the greenhouse, considering factors such as sunlight, access to water, and soil quality. Then, I had to purchase and install the necessary equipment, such as irrigation systems, heating and cooling systems, and lighting. I also had to source and purchase seeds or seedlings for the plants I wanted to grow. Once everything was set up, I had to carefully monitor and tend to the plants, ensuring they were receiving the right amount of water, nutrients, and sunlight. It was a challenging but rewarding process to see my business grow and thrive.

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

As a greenhouse farmer, the main problem I am trying to solve is the limitation of traditional farming methods in producing high-quality crops year-round. By utilizing greenhouse technology, I am able to control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, creating an optimal growing environment for plants. This allows me to provide consistent, high-quality produce to consumers, while also reducing the impact of weather and pests on my crops.

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

As a greenhouse farmer, there are several major benefits and advantages that we experience. Firstly, operating a greenhouse allows me to have control over the growing environment, allowing us to grow plants all year round regardless of weather conditions. This lead to higher crop yields and consistent production. Additionally, our greenhouse farming also protect crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. Moreover, using our greenhouse method also save water and energy, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. Lastly, greenhouse farming also provide job opportunities and contribute to the local economy.

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

Our greenhouse farm aims to serve individuals and families who are looking for fresh, locally-grown produce. We also targets restaurants and grocery stores that are in need of a reliable and sustainable source of produce. Additionally, the greenhouse farm benefits the environment and the community by reducing the carbon footprint of food production and providing job opportunities for local farmers and workers.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-11-30

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.)

My partner in the greenhouse farm company is an experienced horticulturist with a green thumb and a passion for sustainable farming. She has a degree in agriculture and has been working in the field for over 10 years, honing her skills in plant cultivation and greenhouse management. With her knowledge and expertise, she ensures that our farm produces high-quality, organic crops year-round.

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?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By providing employment opportunities to individuals living in poverty, my greenhouse farm business contributes to the eradication of poverty as an SDG goal. It also promotes sustainable farming methods, which can improve food security and nutrition for those in poverty. Additionally, my business supports local communities by purchasing supplies and products from them, boosting their economy and reducing poverty. Furthermore, as a successful and socially responsible business, we aim to inspire and encourage others to create similar ventures that can also contribute to the eradication of poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

My greenhouse farm business contributes to the SDG goal of zero hunger by providing locally grown, fresh produce to the community. By utilizing sustainable farming methods and reducing the need for transportation of food, my business helps to decrease food waste and carbon emissions. Additionally, my business supports food security by providing a consistent and reliable source of food, regardless of external factors such as weather or global supply chain disruptions. By promoting and supporting local food production, my greenhouse farm business contributes to creating a more resilient and food-secure future for all.

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

My greenhouse farm business contributes to the goal of good health and well-being by providing fresh and nutritious produce to the community. By growing fruits and vegetables without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, my farm supports a healthier and more sustainable food system. This in turn can lead to improved health outcomes for individuals and communities, as well as promoting sustainable and responsible consumption. Additionally, my farm also creates job opportunities and supports the local economy, which can contribute to overall well-being and quality of life.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

My greenhouse farm business contributes to quality education as an SDG goal by providing hands-on learning opportunities for students and community members. By hosting workshops and educational tours of our farm, we promote sustainable agriculture practices and teach about the importance of healthy, locally grown food. Additionally, we offer internships and job opportunities for students, providing them with practical skills and experience in the field of agriculture. This helps to develop a more informed and skilled workforce, ultimately contributing to the goal of quality education for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

My greenhouse farm business contributes to gender equality by providing equal job opportunities for both men and women. By promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, we strive to break gender stereotypes and promote women's empowerment in the workforce. Additionally, our business supports and sources from female-owned and operated farms, helping to uplift and support women in the agricultural industry. By actively promoting gender equality within our business, we are contributing to SDG Goal 5: Gender Equality.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

My greenhouse farm business contributes to the clean water SDG goal by utilizing advanced irrigation techniques that minimize water usage and prevent water pollution. Additionally, our farm practices sustainable agriculture methods that do not involve harmful chemicals or pesticides, ensuring that our water sources remain clean and safe for consumption. We also actively participate in community clean-up initiatives and educate our customers on the importance of conserving and protecting clean water sources. By promoting sustainable farming and environmental awareness, our business helps to preserve and improve access to clean water for all individuals, contributing to the overall SDG goal of ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

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

My greenhouse farm business contributes to decent work and economic growth by providing employment opportunities for individuals in the local community. By creating jobs, we contribute to the reduction of poverty and the promotion of economic growth in the area. Additionally, our business supports sustainable food production, which can lead to improved food security and improved economic stability in the region. We also prioritize fair and ethical labor practices, ensuring that our employees are treated with respect and receive fair wages. This contributes to the overall goal of promoting decent work and economic growth as outlined in the SDGs.

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

As a greenhouse farm business, we use innovative and sustainable techniques to grow crops, such as hydroponics and vertical farming. This not only increases the efficiency and productivity of our farm, but also reduces our environmental impact. By implementing these practices, we are contributing to the advancement of agricultural technology and infrastructure, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. This goal aims to promote sustainable industrialization, foster innovation, and upgrade infrastructure to support economic growth and development. Through our greenhouse farm business, we are actively working towards achieving this goal and creating a more sustainable future.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

By providing jobs and economic opportunities for marginalized communities, my greenhouse farm business contributes to reducing inequality as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10. This business also promotes sustainable farming practices, which can help alleviate poverty and improve food security for those in underserved areas. Additionally, by implementing fair labor practices and supporting local suppliers, my business can help to reduce income inequalities and promote economic growth in the community.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

My greenhouse farm business contributes to SDG Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by providing locally grown, organic produce to the surrounding community. By reducing the need for transportation and importation of food, our business helps to decrease carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, our farm employs members of the community, providing them with stable jobs and contributing to the economic growth and development of the area. Furthermore, our use of sustainable farming methods helps to preserve the environment and promote biodiversity, creating a healthier and more sustainable community for future generations.

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

As a greenhouse farm business, we contribute to responsible consumption and production by utilizing sustainable farming practices. We prioritize the use of renewable energy sources and minimize our carbon footprint by using eco-friendly materials such as recycled water and organic fertilizers. Our farm also focuses on reducing food waste by only producing what is needed and donating any excess produce to local food banks. By promoting sustainable and responsible farming, we are actively working towards achieving SDG Goal 12 of responsible consumption and production.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By utilizing sustainable farming practices and reducing our carbon footprint, our greenhouse farm business actively contributes to climate action as an SDG goal. Our use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, reduces our reliance on non-renewable resources and helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, our organic farming methods and use of natural pest control methods contribute to healthier soil and a healthier ecosystem, which in turn supports the goal of preserving biodiversity. Through these efforts, we are helping to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

As a greenhouse farm business, we are committed to sustainable practices that minimize our impact on the environment and promote the health and well-being of our local ecosystem. Our use of hydroponic systems reduces water consumption and runoff, while our integrated pest management techniques eliminate the need for harmful pesticides that can pollute nearby water sources. By prioritizing sustainable practices, we are contributing to SDG 14: Life Below Water, by protecting marine life and preserving clean and healthy oceans for future generations.

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

My greenhouse farm business contributes to sustainable development by promoting responsible use of land and resources. By using advanced technology and eco-friendly practices, we are able to produce high-quality crops while minimizing our impact on the environment. This supports the Sustainable Development Goal of Responsible Consumption and Production, as we strive to provide nutritious food while minimizing waste and preserving the land for future generations. Additionally, our business creates job opportunities and supports the local economy, contributing to the SDG of Decent Work and Economic Growth.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

My greenhouse farm business contributes to peace, justice, and strong institutions by promoting sustainable and ethical practices in the agriculture industry. By using eco-friendly methods and technology, we reduce our impact on the environment and help preserve natural resources for future generations. Our fair labor practices and commitment to providing a safe and inclusive workplace also contribute to social justice and equality. Through these efforts, we aim to create a more sustainable and peaceful society, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

My greenhouse farm business contributes to the SDG goal of Partnership for the Goals by promoting sustainable and responsible practices in agriculture. By utilizing environmentally friendly farming methods and supporting local communities, my business helps to reduce the carbon footprint of food production and support economic growth in the community. Additionally, my business partners with other local businesses and organizations to promote sustainable farming practices and strengthen the local food system. Through these partnerships, we are working towards achieving the goal of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

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.

5

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.

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

By utilizing advanced technology such as hydroponics and vertical farming, my greenhouse farm startup can significantly increase crop yields while using less land and water. This not only benefits the local community by providing more food, but it also reduces the strain on the environment. Additionally, our greenhouse farm can provide locally grown produce year-round, reducing the need for importing food from other regions and supporting the local economy. Furthermore, our farm can implement sustainable practices such as composting and renewable energy sources, promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to agriculture.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

As a greenhouse farmer, my potential competitors include other local greenhouse farms, larger industrial farms that also grow similar crops, and grocery stores that import produce from other regions. Additionally, online retailers and delivery services that offer fresh produce may also be considered as competition. We researched and analyzed the market to identify out specific competitors and their strengths and weaknesses in order to develop a successful business strategy.

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

As a greenhouse farmer, I have been actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within my community. I have been hosting workshops and seminars to educate women on the benefits and opportunities of starting their own business in the agriculture industry. I have also been collaborating with local organizations to provide resources and support for female entrepreneurs, such as access to financing and networking opportunities. By empowering and encouraging women to become entrepreneurs, I am helping to create a more inclusive and successful community.