Ethiopia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Queen Sheba Book Café is a vibrant community hub designed to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and a cozy atmosphere. It provides a welcoming space where diverse individuals can gather, connect, and share ideas, offering books, café service and events.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Queen Sheba Book Café is dedicated to creating happiness and well-being among literate individuals. Aims to build intellectual engagement and foster entrepreneurship and innovation. Our mission is to create an inclusive, accessible, and cozy environment where individuals from all backgrounds can connect, learn, and grow. it offers a diverse selection of books, hosts engaging events, and provides a welcoming café space. By promoting a culture of intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, strive to empower our community, inspire creativity, and support innovative ideas. At Queen Sheba Book Café, we are dedicated to enhancing intellectual development and driving positive change through a shared love of reading and collaborative learning.t

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

Young and middle-income literate individuals in Addis Ababa face a significant challenge due to the lack of accessible, conducive, comfortable, and inclusive public spaces. As a result is people faced with dissatisfaction, disappointment, and limited opportunities for public intellectual engagement among literate individuals. In Ethiopia, where most people enjoy coffee at least three times a day, there is a significant gap in accessibility. These individuals struggle to find venues that support networking, inspiration, mentorship, enjoyment, relaxation, and social and intellectual engagement. This deficiency negatively impacts their well-being, quality of life, and economic prospects, while stifling creativity, innovation, and social and intellectual development. Queen Sheba Book Café addresses this problem by providing a vibrant, welcoming hub where people can gather, connect, and grow in a supportive environment, enhancing their overall happiness and potential.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Queen Sheba Book Café offers several major benefits that enhance the quality of life. First, our inclusive access ensures a welcoming environment for everyone, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The café provides a cozy and quiet atmosphere, perfect for reading, relaxing, and unwinding with a curated selection of books and high-quality beverages and refreshments. We promote intellectual engagement through events and free book access, encouraging continuous learning and exploration. Social interaction is facilitated by providing a space for networking and sharing ideas, helping patrons find mentors and role models. This fosters enjoyment and happiness, contributing to personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Our special customer service ensures every visitor feels valued and well cared for, enhancing the overall experience. By connecting individuals with mentors and role models, we help build an easier life journey through shared experiences and valuable advice.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Queen Sheba Book Café targets medium and high-level income and literate individuals. We provide a creative and inspiring environment for young writers and poets to work and connect. By partnering with nearby art schools, we attract students and faculty interested in literature and creativity. Our extensive book selection and cozy atmosphere make the café a haven for book lovers and avid readers seeking a quiet place to enjoy their passion. We cater to the academic community, including students, scholars, and university lecturers, by providing a conducive environment for studying, research, and intellectual events. Office workers and coffee/tea lovers are drawn to our high-quality beverages and relaxing setting, making it an ideal place to unwind during breaks. Local writers and authors find a hub for networking, readings, and audience engagement at our café. We also host writing workshops, offering opportunities for aspiring writers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2025-02-10

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

5

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Queen Sheba Book Café is powered by a diverse and skilled team. Tibeb Tafess brings expertise in project planning and management, ensuring smooth operations and strategic development. Sara Ayalew worked as the Business Development Manager and Trainer, driving growth initiatives and fostering a dynamic business environment. Tigist W combines barista skills with marketing professionals, creating memorable experiences and promoting the café's offerings effectively. Abebe Wondeson handles IT infrastructure, ensuring technological efficiency and innovation in all aspects of the café's operations.

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

https://www.facebook.com/wisdom.tafes.5?mibextid=ZbWKwL

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

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

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our startup, Queen Sheba Book Café, contributes significantly to the goal of reducing poverty in several ways. it contributes to economic empowerment and livelihood improvement, by creating Employment Opportunities, Skill Development, and creating social networking. The first is that a well-being community can work together and generate various ideas and solutions. This is because when individuals feel supported, valued, and motivated, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, share their expertise, and contribute innovative solutions to challenges. In such a community, individuals are more open to learning from each other, leveraging their strengths, and working towards common objectives, leading to a higher level of productivity and success in generating new ideas and initiatives. if this venture succeeds, many entrepreneurs and innovators can generated

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Queen Sheba Book Café plays a vital role in contributing to the goal of zero hunger through various impactful measures. Firstly, we prioritize sourcing locally produced food items, supporting nearby farmers, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Furthermore, we actively create events and seminars related to health , to educate our community about nutrition, healthy eating habits, and sustainable food choices. By raising awareness and promoting balanced diets, we contribute to improved nutrition and overall well-being. Moreover, we collaborate with local farmers and agricultural cooperatives, providing them with fair prices for their products. This not only supports their livelihoods but also enhances food security by ensuring a stable and reliable source of income for food producers.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Queen Sheba Book Café aims to address the issues of dissatisfaction, frustration, and unhappiness in public health, as these are directly related to overall well-being. By providing a welcoming and supportive environment, promoting healthy eating options, and offering wellness activities, we strive to improve mental and emotional health. Our initiatives, such as nutritional education, mental health support, and community engagement, are designed to alleviate stress, promote positive social interactions, and enhance overall happiness. We believe that a holistic approach to health, including physical, mental, and social well-being, is essential for creating a healthier and happier community

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Queen Sheba Book Café makes a significant contribution to the goal of Quality Education by providing a dynamic and enriching learning environment. We believe that education is not confined to traditional classrooms but extends to all aspects of life. Our café serves as a hub for continuous learning and knowledge sharing, offering free access to a diverse range of books and resources that promote literacy and intellectual growth. Additionally, we organize educational workshops, seminars, and discussions on various topics, encouraging intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning among our patrons. These sessions cover a wide range of subjects, from literature and history to science and technology, catering to diverse interests and fostering a culture of exploration and discovery.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

A book café dedicated to gender equality plays a crucial role in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

.....

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

book café use affordable energy

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

3

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Queen Book Café has not directly impacted the decent work.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Queen Sheba Book Café actively contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure through its focus on networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. We provide a vibrant platform where entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators can come together to connect, exchange ideas, and form partnerships. Our café hosts a variety of events, workshops, and discussions that delve into industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, facilitating continuous learning and idea generation. Furthermore, we support startups and small businesses by offering mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to potential investors. This support system nurtures entrepreneurial spirit and fosters the growth of innovative ventures within the industry. Additionally, our digital infrastructure, including online booking systems and virtual events, enhances accessibility and engagement, enabling us to reach a wider audience and promote collaboration on a global scale.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Queen Sheba Book Café plays a pivotal role in contributing to the goal of reducing inequalities by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals. Our café serves as a melting pot of diversity, where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life can come together to connect, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships. This inclusive atmosphere promotes social cohesion and understanding, breaking down barriers and stereotypes, and fostering a sense of belonging and equality within our community.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

book cafés can play a significant role in contributing to the sustainability of cities by promoting green practices, encouraging sustainable lifestyles, creating community spaces, supporting local economies, and advocating for green initiatives

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Book café can catalyze positive environmental change by promoting green practices, educating and engaging the community on climate issues, supporting local and sustainable food systems, and actively participating in climate action efforts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Reading and gaining knowledge can indeed play a crucial role in reducing conflict and promoting peace. When individuals are well-informed and have a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, cultures, and issues, they are more likely to approach conflicts with empathy, tolerance, and a willingness to find peaceful resolutions. This knowledge can also foster critical thinking, communication skills, and conflict resolution abilities, contributing to the creation of strong institutions and systems that uphold justice and promote peace within societies. Therefore, promoting reading, education, and knowledge-sharing initiatives can be powerful tools in building peaceful and just communities.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

A book café can serve as a valuable facilitator for partnerships aimed at promoting education, health, and well-being within a community. Through collaborations with educational institutions, libraries, and literacy organizations, the café can enhance access to educational resources, promote literacy programs, and foster a culture of lifelong learning. This partnership can lead to the development of educational workshops, book clubs, and reading programs, creating a vibrant learning environment for individuals of all ages. Similarly, partnerships with healthcare providers, NGOs, and wellness organizations can support initiatives related to health education, awareness, and access to healthcare services. The book café can host health talks, wellness workshops, and provide resources on nutrition, mental health, and preventive care. These partnerships aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and improved .

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

w=Whether a book café is classified as a new venture for the region but people use it in many ways at little bite, or an improving venture depending on its specific characteristics, innovations, and how it positions itself in the market.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Queen Sheba Book Café enters the market with Book Story and Cafe as its main potential competitor in the region. While both establishments combine books and café services, Queen Sheba distinguishes itself in several key ways. Firstly, it offers a unique theme inspired by Ethiopian culture, literature, and arts, providing customers with an immersive and culturally enriching experience that sets it apart from generic book cafés. This thematic approach attracts individuals interested in exploring diverse cultural narratives and adds a distinctive charm to Queen Sheba's offerings.Additionally, Queen Sheba prioritizes local focus and authenticity by sourcing locally produced food items, supporting local artisans and authors, and promoting Ethiopian literature and heritage. high-quality food and beverage offerings, diverse book selections, and a comfortable ambiance, providing customers with a comprehensive and enjoyable experience that exceeds expectations.

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

Yes, we have included two female cofounder in our venture.