Ethiopia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Project ESSET offers young women and stay at home mom’s a comprehensive training curriculum that encompasses both the technical and business skills essential for success in the garment industry and help them start their own business as GIG worker or other

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Esset is a small-scale garment manufacturing facility in Addis Ababa, established by Million Kifle, a materials engineering graduate with a vision of creating a clothing brand made in Ethiopia by Ethiopians using local raw materials. The goal is to provide high-quality, affordable products to the community. In partnership with a business advisory firm, Esset has designed a project to train young women in basic fashion design and business skills. Recognizing the potential of many unemployed young women and stay at home moms who stay at home due to a lack of opportunities, this project aims to empower them by offering a comprehensive training package that includes both technical and business skills essential for success in the garment industry. Beyond education, the initiative also facilitates access to financial solutions and business advisory services, providing a pathway to economic independence and entrepreneurial success.

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

Our main focus is to address unemployment and underemployment which remains significant challenges in our community plus glaring lack of decent job opportunities, leaving many individuals struggling to secure sustainable livelihoods like stay-at-home moms seeking to re-enter the workforce but cannot due to the high cost of being away from home poses a significant challenge. In addition with in the garment industry, there is also a noticeable lack of opportunities for career advancement and growth, particularly for garment workers employed in large factory setups. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses policy reforms, business innovation, and community empowerment initiatives. By investing in skills development programs, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering a culture of workplace flexibility and inclusivity, we can create an environment that nurtures economic growth, fosters job creation, and empowers individuals.

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

Empowerment: By providing gig work opportunities for women, the local garment manufacturing company contributes to women's empowerment by giving them economic independence and the ability to generate income on their own terms. Community Development: Supporting local women in producing their own made products not only benefits the individuals involved but also contributes to the overall development of the community. This could lead to increased financial stability and improved quality of life for families. Economic Growth: A local garment manufacturing company that focuses on producing goods domestically can contribute to economic growth by reducing reliance on imports. This can create job opportunities, stimulate local industries, and contribute to the overall prosperity of the region. Reduced Dependence on Foreign Markets: Relying less on imported garments reduces vulnerability to fluctuations in foreign markets, currency exchange rates, and trade policies

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

In terms of product focus, we're honing in on children's wear and t-shirts initially, with plans for expansion into everyday wear and other related items. Additionally, we're diversifying our product lines to include essentials such as reusable sanitary pads and diapers, forging partnerships with raw material suppliers to streamline production and procurement processes, thus ensuring quality and affordability for our customers. Through these multifaceted endeavors, we're poised to not only expand our market footprint but also to uphold our commitment to sustainability, affordability, and innovation in all facets of our operations. • In addition our primary target are young women which we plan to provide comprehensive support to enable them to embark on garment production from their homes, in collaboration with our company. This entails equipping them with essential skills, such as garment manufacturing techniques and business acumen and ensuring they have access to capital and market

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-06-16

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?

0

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

In terms of ownership Esset is a Sole proprietorship business but has a co-founder who has 13 years of expertise in business and investment advisory services, including experience in the garment industry. For the past 5 years, she has successfully managed her consulting firm. Her comprehensive experience includes SME consulting, garment industry advisory, financial analysis, business model design, partnership establishment, enabling employment, company strategy development, business process mapping and optimization, financial model development and facilitating finance access. With a deep understanding of industry nuances and a proven track record of success, she brings invaluable insights and leadership to our team, driving strategic initiatives and fostering growth in the dynamic landscape of business and investment.

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

https://www.tiktok.com/@esset_garment

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our startup aims to eradicate poverty by addressing immediate economic needs and focusing on long-term developmental goals. To reduce unemployment, we create jobs and establish skill development programs, providing pathways to entrepreneurship. We enhance sustainable livelihoods by offering comprehensive training and support, enabling women to create sustainable businesses. This long-term approach breaks the cycle of poverty by generating lasting economic opportunities. Additionally, by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and skill development, we build community resilience, equipping individuals with diverse skills and income streams to better withstand economic fluctuations.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By intertwining economic empowerment, skill development, and community resilience, our small-scale garment manufacturer business can make significant strides in reducing hunger through • Income generation: by creating jobs within the manufacturing facility, the initiative provides stable income to workers. Increased income allows families to purchase sufficient and nutritious food, thereby reducing hunger. • Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Training women to start their own businesses creates additional income streams. Women who are financially empowered are more likely to invest in their family's health and nutrition, directly contributing to food security. • Community Resilience: By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and skill development, the community becomes more resilient to economic fluctuations. Diverse skills and income streams mean families are better equipped to cope with financial instability, ensuring continuous access to food.

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

5

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

Our startup contributes to good health and well-being in several key ways: Increased Income: By providing jobs and training, we help women earn a stable income. Higher income levels enable families to afford better healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions, directly enhancing their health and well-being. Healthcare Access: Financial stability allows workers and new entrepreneurs to invest in health insurance or cover medical expenses, leading to better health outcomes and a reduction in preventable diseases. Affordable Clothing for Kids: Given the rapid growth of children, there is a high demand for clothing. Our products, available in various age ranges and affordably priced, ensure that kids in the community have access to affordable clothing. Flexible Family Care: Our project allows stay-at-home moms to manage family responsibilities while working flexible hours from home, balancing income generation and family care.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our company is dedicated to providing quality education and skills training in the garment industry. Our comprehensive training program encompasses both technical and business skills essential for success. The technical skills training covers a wide range of topics, from pattern making and cutting to advance sewing techniques, fostering a deep understanding of product intricacies. In parallel, the business skills training equips participants with vital competencies in income and expense management, costing, pricing strategies, cash flow management, business planning, and effective money management practices. Together, these components ensure that our trainees are well-prepared to thrive in the garment industry.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our startup company tries to address gender equality through Community Influence: Economically empowered women are more likely to participate in community decision-making processes, advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equality and social justice. Enabled and Inclusive Work Environment: By prioritizing gender equality within the manufacturing facility, the company sets an example of an inclusive work environment where women are valued and respected. This can influence other local businesses to adopt similar practices. This will also avail work for women in their home where they can still fulfil their household responsibility while working from their homes. bringing work close to the residence of target women will help ease access to work. Breaking Stereotypes: By demonstrating women's proficiency in technical and business roles traditionally dominated by men, the initiative helps to break down gender stereotypes and promotes a more equitable society.

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

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Following the technical and business skill training, we intend to help 100 gig workers acquire sewing machines through different means of financing/ partnership. part of our services will be enabling gig workers to access solar based sewing machines.

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

Our manufacturing facility itself creates jobs for local workers, providing stable and decent employment opportunities in the community. This helps reduce unemployment and underemployment, key barriers to economic growth and through our training program we are offering business training that equips women with essential skills in areas like income and expense management, costing, pricing strategies, cash flow management, and business planning. These skills are crucial for running successful enterprises and fostering economic growth. Training women to start their own businesses promotes entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of new enterprises. This not only diversifies the local economy but also stimulates innovation and competition, driving economic growth.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our start up contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure Local Industry Growth: By establishing a manufacturing facility, the initiative contributes to the growth of the local garment industry, creating a ripple effect that can attract related businesses and services, such as suppliers of raw materials, logistics companies, and retail outlets. Quality Standards: Focusing on producing high-quality products sets a benchmark for quality in the local industry. This can drive other manufacturers to improve their standards, leading to overall industry improvement. Entrepreneurial Innovation: Training women to start their own businesses encourages entrepreneurial innovation. As these women enter the market with new ideas and approaches, they contribute to a culture of innovation that can lead to the development of new products, processes, and business models.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our small-scale manufacturing garment company can contribute to reducing inequality among countries by implementing ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible practices. These include access to work to the community special to women will help reduced inequalities through creating and enabling access to job, finance and market to the target group with less information and access.

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

Our startup significantly contributes to community development through several key avenues. Firstly, the economic and social benefits derived from a thriving garment industry enhance the broader community by improving infrastructure, public services, and overall quality of life. Secondly, we emphasize environmental sustainability through our training programs, promoting sustainable manufacturing practices. By focusing on innovation in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and the use of eco-friendly materials, we not only benefit the environment but also set a high standard for industry practices.

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

Our startup is dedicated to responsible consumption and production by creating durable, high-quality garments using eco-friendly, locally sourced materials. By prioritizing these materials, we minimize resource consumption and environmental impact while supporting the local economy. We offer comprehensive training programs focused on circular economy practices, such as recycling, upcycling, and waste minimization. These programs ensure participants become proficient in sustainable methods. Women receive training in garment production and sustainable business practices, promoting eco-friendly entrepreneurship. Our techniques include efficient pattern making to minimize fabric waste, repurposing offcuts, and upcycling old garments into fashionable items. By using local suppliers, we reduce transportation emissions, and our emphasis on responsible consumption highlights the value of quality over quantity.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Our startup aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development by empowering women through targeted training and employment opportunities, specifically focusing on young women to foster gender equality and empowerment. This empowerment is intended to reduce inequalities within society, promoting a more inclusive environment. In addition to empowering women, we are committed to implementing ethical labor practices and sustainable production methods. By setting a positive example within the industry, we aim to influence other businesses and contribute to broader societal changes. Through our operations, values, and interactions with the community, our startup can significantly contribute to building peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

partnerships will be

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.

2

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

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

5

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

5

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

3

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

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our current product lineup, which includes children's items and t-shirts, is produced by other manufacturers. However, we aim to differentiate ourselves by offering high-quality products at affordable prices. Additionally, we are planning to launch a new line of reusable sanitary pads and diapers, further expanding our commitment to quality and affordability while promoting sustainable practices.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

While there are many garment manufacturing companies within the industry, our company stands out by planning to bring a significant number of gig workers into the market. We focus on reaching individuals who lack the opportunity to work outside their homes, providing them with the means to make ends meet. This approach not only broadens our workforce but also empowers those who need flexible and accessible employment options.

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

The main goal of our project is to uplift female entrepreneurs in the garment sector, with a special focus on those who lack opportunities due to various circumstances, such as stay-at-home moms who cannot work outside their homes due to other responsibilities. We aim to empower these women by providing them with the necessary training and consulting, giving them the chance to change their lives and the lives of their families. Our ultimate objective is to guide them towards financial independence and a brighter future.