Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Mental health challenges are becoming increasingly prevalent, necessitating accessible support systems. Our project, "Counselling for All," addresses this need by providing professional counselling services to individuals facing diverse life challenges.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Mental health challenges are on the increase. "Counselling for All," strives to bridge this gap by providing professional counselling services to individuals facing diverse life challenges. Our mission is to offer timely and personalized mental health support to help people navigate their issues effectively. "Counselling for All" ensures that everyone, irrespective of their background, can access professional help. Our services cater to a wide range of mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to stress management and more complex emotional struggles. We connect individuals with qualified counsellors who offer tailored guidance and support, equipping them with essential life skills to overcome their difficulties and thrive in society. We believe that mental health is fundamental to overall well-being. By offering these services, we empower individuals to resolve their challenges as they arise, enabling them live and thrive in the society.

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

The main problem we are addressing is the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges. Our project, "Counselling for All," aims to provide accessible and professional counselling services to individuals facing various life difficulties. By offering tailored mental health support, we help people navigate their issues, develop essential life skills, and thrive in society. Our initiative ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, age and gender, can access the help they need to manage their mental health effectively, promoting overall well-being in the community.

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

The major benefits of our "Counselling for All" services include: 1. Accessibility: Professional counselling is available to everyone, regardless of background, age, gender or circumstances. 2. Personalized Support: Individuals receive tailored guidance to address their specific mental health challenges. 3. Skill Development: Our services equip individuals with essential life skills to manage and overcome life's unending challenges. 4. Improved Well-being: Access to counselling promotes overall mental health and wellbeing. 5. Community Impact: By supporting mental health, we foster a healthier, more vibrant society.

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

Our "Counselling for All" services are designed for individuals facing mental health challenges and life difficulties. This includes people from all backgrounds and age groups who need professional support to navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, academical and emotional struggles. Our services cater to those seeking immediate assistance and long-term skill development to improve their well-being. We aim to help anyone in need of mental health support: boy, girl, man or woman; ensuring that help is accessible, regardless of their circumstances or specific challenges.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-03

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.)

Nil

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/in/tamunotonye-caroline-christian

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

Our "Counselling for All" services align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) by promoting good health and well-being through accessible mental health support. By providing professional counselling, we address a critical aspect of health often overlooked. Our services help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues, contributing to their overall well-being. We equip clients with essential life skills, boosting their self esteem and their ability to thrive in society. By making mental health support available to all, we reduce health disparities and promote a healthier, more balanced community, directly supporting SDG 3's objectives.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Through counselling children are offered academic and emotional support that helps them develop the skills they need to overcome their developmental challenges and succeed in their education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

My workforce and volunteers are a balanced ratio of men to women promoting gender equality.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

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

Through my startup counselling professionals will be able to earn a living and contribute to the economic growth as counsellors.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

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

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

We are a climate friendly startup as most of our services are virtual reducing waste.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

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

5

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

Counselling is not yet widely recognized in society, even among professionals, presenting a significant market gap. We offer two major services alongside our virtual counselling: an upcoming online counselling app and the Business School of Counselling. The app, already popular in developed nations but scarcely used in Nigeria, allows clients to easily access and schedule appointments with counsellors. The Business School of Counselling, already operational, updates the traditional university degree by teaching counselling professionals how to build a business from their practice. It covers modern topics like innovation, leadership, business structure, and market analysis, bridging the gap between traditional education and the skills needed to succeed in today’s market.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

My main competitors include existing counselling services, both virtual and in-person, and established online counselling platforms in Nigeria. Additionally, traditional universities and online education providers offering counselling degrees or business courses are also competitors. I stand out by offering a unique combination of services tailored to the Nigerian context. My Counselling App provides easy access to diverse counsellors, leveraging technology for convenience and reach, something not widely available in Nigeria. The Business School of Counselling distinguishes itself by focusing on the business aspect of the counselling profession, incorporating modern topics like innovation and leadership, which are not typically covered in traditional counselling programs. This dual approach not only addresses the current gap in counselling services but also equips professionals with the tools to thrive independently, setting my services apart from conventional competitors.

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

I actively promote female entrepreneurs by engaging female volunteers, as my profession aligns with qualities often found in women, such as being calm, loving, empathic, and kind. Additionally, my Business School of Counselling features a female co-trainer who is a highly effective counsellor. By highlighting her expertise and leadership, I not only provide a role model for aspiring female counsellors but also emphasize the valuable contributions women make in this field. This approach encourages and empowers more women to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in counselling.