Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Wonder is a stand-alone, non-electric insulated bag designed to reduce the amount of fuel required in the cooking of food, it keeps food warm for 8 hours and, enables continued cooking . We design and sell these bags for commercial and domestic use

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Wonder Bag Distributors is a women led project that designs and distribute the bags that are used for cooking, heating and keeping food warm without using electricity or gas. This project is aimed at solving a market gap upon which they is no product that can keep food hot for 8 hours, and can cook meals at low heat without electricity or gas. This responds to the problems of load shedding that has troubled many Zimbabweans. We aim to sell and distribute for domestic and commercial purposes targeting the catering industry. We believe the Wonder bag is a solution to load shedding, we aim to penetrate the distribution channel and make the product accessible through major Supermarkets, Wholesalers, Retails Shops around Zimbabwe. We will create employment through commissioned based agents and utilize the online market for selling the products. We aim to save time for cooking, save energy, save costs, through buying a Wonder Bag that cooks food, keep food hot for 8 hours without using gas

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

The main problem is the high energy costs associated with cooking, heating food on regular basis, and the lack of adequate product that have the capacity to keep food hot for 8 hours and also that can cook food without using gas or electricity or wood. Despite the product having excellent service performance the Zimbabwean market penetration remains very low. The value preposition now is bringing the Wonder Bag that keeps food hot for 8 hours, cooks the food without heat and gas. The problem is that many restaurants, food outlets, and the catering industry in Zimbabwe are struggling with high energy costs that could be cut down by using Wonder Bags, The Wonder Bags offers opportunities for employment for youths, women. We aim start servicing Harare Province the first year then scale up to service Midlands Province the following year through setting up online market where one can order and buy, physical shop where one can access the products, delivery channel where one can access

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

The products heats up food for 8 hours, continues to cook food at a low heat without using gas, electricity or wood. The product solves the problem of high energy costs, saves a lot of time to be lost through cooking, enables people to access meals whilst they are hot. The product empowers women to use more time productive than cooking, the product also provides employment opportunities

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

The product aims at servicing the catering industry that includes restaurants, food outlets, hotels, lodges and event venues, the product also aims at servicing the domestic clients. The product also aims at servicing the boarding schools, hospitals, clinics and major colleges

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-10

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

5

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

4

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

Shamiso Maworera she holds a degree in Marketing and National Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality works as a events Manager Kudakwashe Mhundwa she holds a degree in Media and Society Studies Thandizile Chishiri holds she holds a degree in Psychology Michael Kapachika he holds a bachelor of commerce in Applied Accounting and Master of Commerce in Digital Banking and Investment Gayful Maworera she has over 7 years experience in business development and risk management

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/wonderbagzw/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

My project contributes to the No poverty goal by creating economic opportunities for women and youth in Zimbabwe through the distribution and promotion of the Wonder Bag. By providing employment opportunities to individuals who will serve as commissioned agents for selling the Wonder Bag, the project empowers them to earn a sustainable income and improve their livelihoods. Additionally, by making the Wonder Bag accessible and affordable to both domestic consumers and the catering industry, the project addresses the issue of poverty by offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional cooking methods that rely on expensive gas or electricity. The Wonder Bag also helps users save time, energy, and costs, further contributing to poverty alleviation by reducing household expenses associated with cooking and food preservation. Ultimately, by promoting a sustainable and innovative product that addresses the challenges faced by many Zimbabweans, the project contributes to the No poverty

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The Wonder Bag Distributors project contributes to the Zero Hunger goal in several ways. By providing a product that enables cooking, heating, and keeping food warm without the need for electricity or gas, the project promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on traditional cooking methods that may contribute to environmental degradation. This sustainable cooking solution aligns with the goal of achieving food security by ensuring that individuals have access to a reliable way of preparing and preserving food, especially during times of energy shortages like load shedding. Furthermore, by targeting the catering industry and domestic consumers, the project aims to address the issue of food waste by providing a means to keep food hot for up to 8 hours, thereby reducing the need to discard food that has gone cold or spoiled. This not only contributes to improved nutrition by encouraging the consumption of freshly prepared meals but also helps in promoting sustainable practice

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

In terms of Good health and well-being, the Wonder Bag Distributors project contributes by promoting healthier cooking practices. Traditional cooking methods that rely on gas or electricity often require high temperatures, which can lead to the loss of nutrients in food and the production of harmful substances. By using the Wonder Bag, which cooks food at low heat, nutrients are preserved, resulting in healthier meals. Additionally, the project aims to reduce the use of firewood, charcoal, and gas, which are often associated with indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases. By providing an alternative cooking solution that does not produce harmful emissions, the project contributes to improving indoor air quality and promoting better respiratory health. Furthermore, by reducing reliance on traditional cooking methods that require constant monitoring and adjustment of heat levels, the Wonder Bag saves time and effort for food preparation. This can be particularly beneficial for women

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

In terms of Quality Education, the Wonder Bag Distributors project contributes by providing educational materials and training on the benefits and usage of the Wonder Bag. This includes educating individuals, particularly women, on how to use the Wonder Bag effectively for cooking and food preservation. By providing this information and training, the project promotes lifelong learning opportunities and empowers individuals with knowledge and skills that they can apply in their daily lives. Additionally, the project aims to raise awareness about the environmental and health benefits of using the Wonder Bag. Through educational campaigns and awareness programs, the project seeks to inform the public about the negative effects of traditional cooking methods that rely on gas or electricity, such as air pollution and nutrient loss. By highlighting the benefits of the Wonder Bag as an alternative cooking solution, the project encourages individuals to adopt more sustainable and healthier

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The Wonder Bag Distributors project contributes to Gender Equality by empowering women through various aspects of the project. As a women-led initiative, the project provides leadership opportunities for women in decision-making roles, thereby challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes. By showcasing women in positions of authority and influence, the project promotes gender equality and encourages other women to pursue leadership roles in business and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the project creates employment opportunities for women as commissioned agents. By recruiting and training women to sell and distribute the Wonder Bags, the project not only provides them with a source of income but also equips them with valuable skills in sales, marketing, and customer service. This economic empowerment helps to reduce gender disparities in income and financial independence, thereby promoting gender equality in the economic sphere.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The Wonder Bag Distributors project directly contributes to Affordable and Clean Energy by providing a sustainable and cost-effective cooking solution that does not rely on electricity or gas. The Wonder Bag allows for cooking at low heat without the need for additional energy sources, making it an affordable and clean cooking alternative. This addresses the need for energy-efficient cooking solutions, particularly in areas affected by frequent power outages like Zimbabwe. By promoting the use of the Wonder Bag for cooking, heating, and keeping food warm without electricity or gas, the project helps reduce reliance on traditional energy sources that contribute to carbon emissions. This aligns with the goal of promoting clean energy solutions that are environmentally friendly and help reduce the carbon footprint associated with cooking and food preparation.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The Wonder Bag Distributors project contributes to Decent work and economic growth by creating employment opportunities for individuals, particularly women, through the distribution and sale of Wonder Bags. By recruiting and training commissioned agents to sell the Wonder Bags, the project provides a source of income for these individuals, thereby contributing to decent work and economic growth. The project also aims to penetrate the distribution channel and make the Wonder Bag accessible through major supermarkets, wholesalers, and retail shops around Zimbabwe. By expanding the reach of the product to a wider market, the project creates opportunities for retailers and distributors to stock and sell the Wonder Bag, generating business growth and contributing to economic development. Furthermore, the Wonder Bag addresses the problem of load shedding in Zimbabwe by providing a solution for cooking and heating food without the need for electricity or gas. This not only saves on energy c

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

2

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

The Wonder Bag Distributors project contributes to Climate Action by promoting the use of a sustainable and environmentally friendly cooking solution. By distributing Wonder Bags that allow for cooking without the use of electricity or gas, the project helps reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. This aligns with the goal of Climate Action, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. By addressing the challenge of load shedding in Zimbabwe, the project indirectly contributes to reducing carbon emissions. Load shedding, which involves power cuts and disruptions in electricity supply, often leads to households and businesses relying on generators or other fossil fuel-based energy sources. By offering an alternative cooking solution that does not require electricity or gas, the project helps reduce the need for such fossil fuel-based energy sources, ultimately contributing to lower carbon emissions.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

6

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

2

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service: While there may be other products available for cooking and heating food without electricity or gas, the Wonder Bag offers several improvements. Its ability to keep food hot for 8 hours sets it apart from other options, ensuring that meals are kept warm for an extended period of time. Additionally, the Wonder Bag is designed to cook meals at low heat, which can help conserve energy and reduce cooking times. These improvements make the Wonder Bag a more efficient and effective option compared to existing alternatives. The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services: The Wonder Bag can be seen as an extension of the range of cooking and heating solutions available to customers. While traditional methods may require constant monitoring and the use of electricity or gas, the Wonder Bag offers a convenient and energy-efficient

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

In South Africa, the Wonder Bag faces competition from various companies offering similar products or services in the cooking and heating space. Some of the main competitors of Wonder Bags in South Africa include: HotBag: HotBag is a South African company that offers a range of insulated bags similar to the Wonder Bag. These bags are designed to retain heat and cook food without the need for electricity or gas. HotBag competes with Wonder Bag by providing a similar solution for cooking and heating food in an eco-friendly and energy-efficient manner. Sunstove Solar Oven: Sunstove Solar Oven is another competitor of Wonder Bags in South Africa. This solar-powered oven harnesses the sun's energy to cook food without electricity or gas. While it operates on a different principle compared to the Wonder Bag, Sunstove Solar Oven offers a unique and sustainable cooking solution that competes in the same market segment.

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

Through providing career opportunities for girls in churches in the events and catering industry have been an active member of St Monic Catholic Church Youth Organization where we have managed to facilitate that girls get employment opportunities' ad I also have been a member of Tamuka Charity organization as the communications officer where I have assisted girls to go to school through paying their schools