Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Helenz Footwear is a footwear manufacturing company located in the city of port harcourt state Nigeria, we specialize on the making of African beaded leather footwear commonly known as massai footwear.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Helenz Footwear, was established in the year 2020, Located in the city of Port-Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria. We are the pioneer of made in Nigeria beaded leather footwear. Beaded leather footwear are sustainable timeless footwear, that can stand as a testament of craftsmanship in an era of globalization in fashion Industry. The market value of beaded leather footwear reflects not only on the craftsmanship and cultural significance, but also growing for unique and fashion statement. As users increasingly seek unique and meaningful product, the demand for beaded footwear continue to raise.

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

< Helenz footwear solving the problems of unemployment, by employing youth and teenage girls that are not opportune to go to school or acquire any skills. through indulging them in free training in our craft and employing them to work for us after the training. < Our business is promoting made in Nigeria brands and also promoting the African heritage. < Helenz footwear is also increasing the level of export in Nigeria and other countries.

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

Beaded leather footwear combines aesthetic beauty with practical benefits, offering comfort, durability, versatility, and also added value of supporting artisans and ethical production practices. Whether for fashion, function, or both, beaded footwear stands out as a unique and valuable choice in the world of footwear.

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

Individual customers. Footwear Retailers across major markets and malls in Nigeria and other countries around the world. Corporate organizations who need souvenirs and interiors that shows the beauty of the African Heritage. Event planners who need props for their celebration.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-11-12

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?

2

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

Helen Nwiba is a graduate of federal poly nekede owerri department of microbiology, and also the founder and the creative director of Helenz footwear. Helenz Footwear is a Footwear production company that is located in the city of Port Harcourt Rivers state Nigeria, EST 2019. Helen is a strong and passionate entrepreneur, that couldn't secure a white collar job after the university, she came to discovered about a particular footwear called massai footwear, after so much enquirer, Helen discovered that the originator of beaded leather footwear are base in Kenya, that was how the journey of Helenz footwear becoming the pioneer of made in Nigeria beaded footwear started. Helenz footwear has been exported to 36 countries, Helenz has offer free training and employment to a lot of Nigerian youth. Helenz vision is to becoming the leading world class brand in beaded footwear manufacturing industry and also build a big factory that can create employment in Nigeria and Africa.

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

https://www.instagram.com/helenz_footwear https://www.facebook.com/helenzfootwear https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenz-footwear https://www.tiktok.com/@helenz_footwear

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: footwear manufacturing.

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

We strongly agree that our startup contribute to NO POVERTY GOAL, < Employment:The footwear industry provides millions of jobs worldwide, from manufacturing and supply chain positions to retail and sales. These jobs are crucial in providing steady incomes for families and communities, round the world. Empowerment: Our business also encourages empowerment through our drop shipping channel, thereby assisting those individual that doesn't have money to start up their own business to market for us at zero cost and make profit from whatever sales they make.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

< Our business is working towards build a big factory that can create a massive employment thereby reducing the rate of unemployment. < Charitable Sales: Special product lines or collaborations where proceeds go towards hunger relief. < Our business also encourages empowerment through our drop shipping channel, thereby assisting those individual that doesn't have money to start up their own business to market for us at zero cost and make profit from whatever sales they make.

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

4

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

Our startup support good health and well being in the following area: < Making a quality footwear provides essential support for the arches, heels, and ankles, reducing the risk of foot-related problems. < Awareness Campaigns: our often run campaigns to educate the public about the importance of proper footwear in maintaining foot health and overall well-being. < Corporate Social Responsibility:Donations of footwear to underprivileged communities can improve health outcomes by preventing foot-related diseases and conditions. < Comfort for Daily Use: Everyday footwear designed for comfort can help people stay active longer, promoting a healthier lifestyle.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

< Collaborative Programs: We Partner with schools, colleges, and universities to develop programs that enhance educational outcomes, such as vocational training, and entrepreneurship workshops in footwear making and bead work. < Problem-Solving Projects: Engage students in problem-solving projects and competitions related to the footwear industry, fostering critical thinking and creativity. < Practical Experience: We introduce internship and apprenticeship programs that provide students with hands-on experience in various aspects of the footwear industry, from design and manufacturing to marketing and retail. < Problem-Solving Projects: We engage students in problem-solving projects and competitions related to the footwear industry, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

< Equal Employment Opportunities: We employ women from underrepresented groups, to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce. < Equal Pay for Equal Work: We ensure that women are paid the same as men for performing the same job roles, eliminating gender-based pay disparities. < Anti-Discrimination Policies: We enforce strict policies against gender discrimination and harassment in the workplace, creating a safe and respectful environment for all employees. < Skill-Building Opportunities: We offer continuous training and development programs that help women acquire the skills needed for career progression. < Product Lines for Women: We design and produce footwear lines that cater specifically to women’s needs and preferences, involving women in the design process.

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

< Footwear manufacturers can adopt water-efficient technologies and processes to minimize water usage during production. This includes recycling and reusing water within the manufacturing < Sustainable Materials: Using materials that require less water to produce, such as organic cotton or recycled materials, can reduce the overall water footprint of footwear.

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

The footwear industry can support the goal of Affordable and Clean Energy, one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7), in many ways: < Implementation of Energy-Efficient Technologies: By investing in energy-efficient machinery and technologies, footwear manufacturers can reduce their energy consumption. < Solar and Wind Energy: Footwear factories can install solar panels or wind turbines to generate their own clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. < Recycled and Eco-Friendly Materials: Using materials that require less energy to produce, such as recycled plastics, organic cotton, or natural rubber, can contribute to overall energy savings in the industry. < Carbon Offsetting Programs: Footwear companies can invest in renewable energy projects and other carbon offset initiatives to neutralize their carbon emissions. < Eco-Friendly Product Lines: Developing and marketing footwear lines that highlight their energy-efficient and sustainable attributes.

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 contribute to decent work and economic growth in following area: < Fair Wages: Ensuring that all employees, including those in supply chains, are paid fair and livable wages. < Safe Working Conditions: Providing safe, healthy, and supportive working environments for all employees. < Training Programs: Offering free training and development programs in our craft. < Local Sourcing: Sourcing materials locally to support local economies and reduce transportation emissions. < Ethical Sourcing: Ensuring that materials and products are sourced from suppliers who follow fair labor practices. < Sustainable Growth: Focusing on sustainable business models that promote long-term economic growth rather than short-term gains. < Ethical Consumerism: Educating consumers about the importance of buying ethically produced footwear, thus driving demand for products that support decent work practices

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

< Global Supply Chains: Establishing resilient and transparent global supply chains can ensure the efficient movement of < Developing advanced e-commerce platforms and digital tools for personalized shopping experiences can enhance customer engagement and streamline supply chains.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

< Designing and producing affordable footwear options to ensure that people from low-income backgrounds can access quality shoes. This is especially important in regions where lack of proper footwear can affect health and mobility. < Maintaining transparency in business practices and regularly reporting on efforts and progress towards reducing inequalities

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

The footwear industry can significantly contribute to industry innovation and infrastructure through various initiatives that promote technological advancements, sustainable practices, and the development of robust industrial ecosystems.

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

The footwear industry can contribute significantly to Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through various initiatives that promote sustainability, reduce waste, and encourage responsible practices throughout the product lifecycle.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The footwear industry can contribute significantly to Climate Action Goal, by implementing strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resource efficiency, and promote sustainable practices throughout the product lifecycle.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

The footwear industry can contribute to Life Below Water Goal : by implementing practices that reduce marine pollution, promote sustainable use of marine resources, and support conservation efforts. Here are several ways the industry can make a positive impact: Reducing Marine Pollution < Minimizing Plastic Use: Reducing the use of single-use plastics in packaging and manufacturing can help prevent plastic pollution in oceans. Switching to biodegradable or recyclable packaging materials is a crucial step. < Recycled Materials: Using recycled ocean plastics and other sustainable materials in footwear can help reduce the amount of plastic waste in the oceans. For instance, companies can source materials from ocean clean-up initiatives.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

The footwear industry can support Life on Land by promoting sustainable practices, reducing waste, and supporting conservation efforts. Eco-friendly Materials: Use materials that are sustainably sourced, like organic cotton and plant-based leathers. Certified Suppliers: Work with suppliers who adhere to sustainable land use and deforestation-free practices. 2. Reducing Environmental Impact Minimizing Waste: Implement waste reduction strategies in manufacturing, like recycling scraps. Non-toxic Chemicals: Use non-toxic dyes and adhesives to prevent soil contamination.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

The footwear industry can contribute to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting ethical practices, ensuring transparency, and supporting social justice initiatives.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Footwear industry contribute to justification for my startup by Collaboration with NGOs and Non-profits: Partner with non-governmental organizations and non-profits to address social and environmental challenges. These partnerships can include joint initiatives on fair labor practices, environmental conservation, and community 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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

The continuous drive for innovation in the footwear industry not only enhances product quality and consumer satisfaction but also addresses critical issues such as sustainability and ethical production, paving the way for a more responsible and forward-thinking industry.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are beaded footwear manufacturer in Kenya and Tanzania. Currently we are the pioneer of made in Nigeria beaded footwear, so we don't have much competitors in Nigeria. Beaded footwear manufacturers distinguish themselves through their dedication to craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and ethical production, offering consumers a product that is not only stylish and unique but also meaningful and impactful.

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

Yes, We organize workshops and training sessions on various aspects of entrepreneurship, such as business planning, financial management, marketing. We create peer support groups where female entrepreneurs can share their experiences, challenges, and solutions.