Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Jela cooks: Modern Nigerian cuisine brand offering ready-to-eat meals, meal kits, snacks & sides with health-conscious options. E-commerce platform, retail partnerships & cultural events promote brand awareness. Capitalizing on Nigeria's growing demand f

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Jela Cooks is a modern Nigerian cuisine brand offering a range of products, including ready-to-eat meals, meal kits, snacks, and sides. Our mission is to celebrate and modernize traditional Nigerian dishes, making them accessible and convenient for a new generation of consumers. We cater to health-conscious individuals with low-carb, vegan, and gluten-free options. Our e-commerce platform and retail partnerships ensure easy access to our products. We also host cooking classes, events, and influencer collaborations to promote cultural engagement and brand awareness. By blending tradition with innovation, Jela Cooks aims to become a beloved brand, meeting the evolving tastes and lifestyles of consumers in Nigeria and beyond.

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

Convenience and Time Management: Busy Nigerians lack time to cook traditional meals, leading to poor dietary choices and health issues. Jela cooks solves this by providing quick, convenient, and healthy Nigerian food options, promoting a balanced lifestyle and preserving cultural heritage.

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

Jela cooks offers convenient, healthy, and culturally rich food options, supporting local agriculture and economy. Benefits include: - Time-saving and nutritious meals - Healthier alternatives for dietary needs - Support for local farmers and economy - Cultural preservation and innovation - Quality and food safety assurance - Educational resources and community engagement Jela cooks addresses consumer needs, contributes to health, culture, and economy in Nigeria, and fosters a loyal customer base.

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

Jela Cooks targets urban professionals, busy families, health-conscious consumers, Nigerian diaspora, young adults, students, food enthusiasts, and culinary explorers. These groups seek convenient, healthy, authentic, and culturally rich food options. Jela Cooks meets their needs with ready-to-eat meals, meal kits, and snacks, offering a taste of Nigeria's culinary heritage. Effective marketing strategies include social media, influencer partnerships, online advertising, and B2B outreach to retailers.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-03-22

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

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.)

There are no other owners

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/ojelacookzandgrillz?igsh=MTNiOHl1dGhxOWVjMQ==

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 1: No Poverty by creating jobs, supporting local farmers, empowering women, offering affordable nutrition, and stimulating economic growth. By addressing poverty reduction and economic empowerment, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 1, working towards a world where everyone has resources and opportunities to escape poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger by increasing food accessibility, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The brand offers healthy, nutritious options and educates consumers through online tutorials, empowering informed food choices. By addressing food security and sustainability, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 2, working towards a world with access to nutritious food 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

Jela Cooks supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by: - Providing healthy and nutritious meal options, promoting balanced diets and reducing malnutrition - Offering health-conscious versions of traditional Nigerian dishes, catering to dietary needs and preferences - Educating consumers about healthy cooking practices and nutrition through online tutorials and recipes - Supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture, increasing access to fresh and wholesome ingredients - Encouraging mindful eating and sustainable food systems, contributing to a healthier population and planet By addressing these critical aspects of health and well-being, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 3, working towards a world where everyone can attain optimal health and well-being.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 4: Quality Education by: - Providing cooking classes and workshops, teaching healthy cooking practices and nutrition - Offering training and capacity-building programs for farmers and food processors - Partnering with schools and educational institutions to integrate nutrition and food education into curricula - Creating online resources and tutorials, promoting accessible and inclusive learning - Empowering individuals and communities with knowledge and skills for sustainable food systems By addressing these critical aspects of quality education, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 4, working towards a world where everyone has access to inclusive and effective learning opportunities.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 5: Gender Equality by: - Empowering women as entrepreneurs, suppliers, and employees - Promoting gender-balanced employment opportunities in production, distribution, and retail - Providing training and capacity-building programs for women in agriculture and food processing - Encouraging women's participation in decision-making processes and leadership roles - Breaking gender stereotypes and promoting inclusive representation in marketing and branding By addressing these critical aspects of gender equality, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 5, working towards a world where women and girls have equal opportunities and rights.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by: - Ensuring safe and hygienic food processing and handling practices - Implementing sustainable water management systems in production and supply chain - Promoting access to clean water and sanitation facilities for employees and local communities - Supporting initiatives for water conservation and efficient use - Encouraging sustainable agriculture practices that reduce water pollution By addressing these critical aspects of clean water and sanitation, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 6, working towards a world where everyone has access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation.

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

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by: - Creating employment opportunities in production, distribution, and retail - Providing fair wages and benefits to employees - Promoting safe and healthy working conditions - Supporting local farmers and suppliers, boosting local economies - Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation in the food industry - Contributing to Nigeria's economic growth and development By addressing these critical aspects of decent work and economic growth, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 8, working towards a world where everyone has access to productive and fulfilling work.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by: - Adopting innovative and sustainable food processing technologies - Investing in modern and efficient production facilities - Developing and promoting e-commerce platforms for online ordering and delivery - Enhancing supply chain management through digital logistics and tracking - Supporting research and development in food science and technology - Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation in the food industry By addressing these critical aspects of industry, innovation, and infrastructure, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 9, working towards a world where infrastructure and innovation drive economic growth and sustainable development.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequality by: - Promoting inclusive and equitable access to healthy and nutritious food - Providing affordable meal options for low-income households - Supporting small-scale farmers and local suppliers, promoting economic empowerment - Encouraging diversity and inclusion in the workplace and supply chain - Advocating for policies and practices that reduce food inequality - Partnering with organizations that address food insecurity and malnutrition By addressing these critical aspects of reduced inequality, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 10, working towards a world where everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources and services.

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

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by: - Promoting sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options - Reducing food waste through efficient supply chain management - Sourcing ingredients from local and sustainable suppliers - Encouraging mindful consumption and portion control - Implementing recycling programs and composting initiatives - Supporting circular economy practices in the food industry By addressing these critical aspects of responsible consumption and production, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 12, working towards a world where resources are used efficiently and waste is minimized.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 13: Climate Action by: - Sourcing ingredients from sustainable and regenerative farming practices - Reducing carbon footprint through efficient transportation and logistics - Implementing energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources - Promoting plant-based options and reducing food-related emissions - Supporting reforestation and afforestation initiatives - Encouraging sustainable food systems and climate-resilient agriculture By addressing these critical aspects of climate action, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 13, working towards a world where greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and climate resilience is enhanced.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 14: Life Below Water by: - Sourcing seafood from sustainable and certified fisheries - Reducing plastic waste and pollution in oceans and waterways - Promoting eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging options - Supporting marine conservation and restoration initiatives - Encouraging responsible and sustainable seafood consumption - Partnering with organizations that protect marine biodiversity By addressing these critical aspects of life below water, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 14, working towards a world where oceans are conserved and sustainably used for future generations.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 15: Life On Land by: - Sourcing from sustainable farming practices - Promoting agroforestry and reforestation - Supporting conservation and restoration - Encouraging sustainable land use and management - Partnering with organizations that protect biodiversity - Reducing waste and pollution in ecosystems Promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting local communities, and advocating for policies that protect natural habitats.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Jela Cooks supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by: - Collaborating with local farmers and suppliers - Partnering with organizations for sustainable development - Building strategic alliances for innovation and growth - Supporting global initiatives for food security and sustainability - Encouraging cross-sector partnerships for social and environmental impact - Advocating for inclusive and equitable partnerships for sustainable development By fostering strong partnerships, Jela Cooks aligns with the UN's Goal 17, working towards a world where collaborative efforts drive sustainable development and positive social impact.

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

3

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

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.

4

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.

5

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

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

In Nigeria, companies like Domino's Pizza, FoodChain, and HelloFood have introduced convenient meal options, but Jela Cooks can stand out by: - Focusing on traditional Nigerian cuisine with a modern twist - Emphasizing healthy, organic, and locally sourced ingredients - Offering customizable meal kits and ready-to-eat options - Partnering with local farmers and suppliers to support the community - Providing educational resources on healthy eating and Nigerian cuisine - Leveraging technology for easy ordering and delivery - Creating a unique brand identity that celebrates Nigerian culture By combining these elements, Jela Cooks can differentiate itself and appeal to the growing demand for convenient, healthy, and culturally rich food options in Nigeria.

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

Yes I am!