South Africa - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

GreenRoots helps SMEs develop ESG portfolios within global standards, boosting their market competitiveness. Our online platform connects large companies to ESG-compliant suppliers, dually acting as a sustainability data hub within the SA growing market.

01.01 Décrivez votre projet en détail

GreenRoots is a business targeted at assisting SMEs develop their own ESG portfolio in compliance with global ESG standards thus providing them a competitive edge within the well-established markets. GreenRoots aims to develop each client's ESG reporting strategy, implement data processes to consolidate, verify and audit ESG information, establish a reporting standard, and generate an ESG rating per client. Each consolidated GreenRoots ESG rating along with the associated client company information will be uploaded onto the online GreenRoots ESG platform as a company profile. The GreenRoots ESG platform will allow a portal for big companies to locally source ESG-compliant and accredited suppliers; thus boosting their own company ESG ratings. By housing ESG data GreenRoots is also enabled to act as a data hub for ESG metrics within the South African SME market further aiming to provide insights, business strategies, recommendations and market-related data.

01.02 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

ESG is a space in which only big companies have the luxury of joining. GreenRoots aims to assist SMEs join this fight. Currently, big companies are in a position to reconsider which companies they do business with as their desire is to reinforce their ESG compliance and increase their ESG ratings. There are three gaps which exist 1. Big companies do not have a portal to source ESG-compliant suppliers. 2. Small businesses do not have the knowledge or foresight to understand the business opportunities which exist for them by becoming ESG compliant. 3. Companies struggle to build their Scope 3 portfolio as suppliers do not have ESG portfolios of their own. GreenRoots aims to tackle each of these key problems by bridging the gap between SMEs and large corporations. This enables the SME market to act competitively in a growing sustainability sector thus allowing South Africa to adapt and compete within global markets.

01.03 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service que vous souhaitez fournir par votre projet (au moins 3).

GreenRoots empowers SMEs to enhance competitiveness through ESG compliance. SMEs develop robust ESG portfolios meeting global standards, appealing to large companies focused on ESG criteria. The platform connects SMEs with ESG-compliant suppliers, expanding business opportunities. GreenRoots provides expertise in ESG reporting, verification, and auditing, ensuring compliance and credibility. Acting as a data hub for ESG metrics, GreenRoots acts as a strategic partner to SMEs and large corporations by offers insights, recommendations, and market data, aiding informed decision-making and operational efficiencies. By addressing gaps in supplier sourcing and educating SMEs on ESG benefits, GreenRoots fosters sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.

01.04 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adressera le produit/service de votre projet. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

GreenRoots primarily aims to serve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to enhance their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. These SMEs benefit from GreenRoots' services by developing their own ESG portfolios in compliance with global standards, thereby gaining a competitive edge in established markets. Additionally, large companies looking to reinforce their ESG compliance and enhance their ESG ratings are targeted beneficiaries. By using GreenRoots' platform, these companies can source ESG-compliant suppliers locally, improving their overall supply chain sustainability and meeting their corporate social responsibility goals. Ultimately, GreenRoots aims to empower SMEs to thrive in the ESG space and facilitate sustainable business practices across industries; thus enabling the South African economy to compete in a growing global sustainability sector.

01.05 Quand avez-vous commencé à travailler sur votre projet ?

01/06/2024

01.06 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires sur votre projet en plus de vous ?

0

01.07 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

0

01.08 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre projet (compétences, expérience, etc.).

Kelan Naidoo MScEng (Bursary awarded from the National Research Fund of SA), BSc Eng (Honors): Sustainability program manager with the renewable energy space; overseeing a key client in the sustainability sector; assisting this client to achieve back-to-back international awards for sustainability and renewable energy. Currently, overseeing a program of 33 individuals, with program subdivisions such as Asset Management, Plant Monitoring, Data Analysis, Consulting and Client Engagement. Substantial knowledge within the sustainability sector, operational efficiency, carbon reporting, utility reporting, business optimisation, and sustainable insights. Leader in team management a mentorship. Passionate about changing and empowering South Africa within the renewable energy sector.

01.09 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelannaidoo/

01.10 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre projet ?

a) Énergie (équipements, services, énergie durable et fossiles)

02.01.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

6

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

As the child of a small business owner, I understand the challenges faced in a market dominated by big companies targeting established firms. It's daunting for small businesses without the budget to scale or market effectively. GreenRoots addresses these hurdles by empowering small business owners, and providing them with a platform to compete and amplify their voices. In South Africa, there's a critical need to support young entrepreneurs, a mission GreenRoots wholeheartedly embraces. By bridging the gap between knowledge and opportunity, GreenRoots aims to uplift struggling markets, enabling more small businesses to thrive competitively and contribute positively to the economy.

02.02.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

5

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots addresses Zero Hunger, by prioritizing community empowerment and upliftment as core to its vision. In alignment with this mission, GreenRoots dedicates a percentage of its sales to support underprivileged communities through initiatives such as providing food aid and fostering leadership development. These efforts not only contribute directly to alleviating hunger but also promote education and skill development within communities, thereby advancing SDG 2's goal of ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all people year-round.

02.03.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

5

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots actively contributes to achieving health and well-being among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through educational initiatives and advocacy, GreenRoots enhances workplace environments by prioritizing employee health and safety practices. The organization supports SMEs in providing access to healthcare services and advocating for employee benefits, including mental health support and wellness programs. GreenRoots aims to play a crucial role in guiding SMEs on safety protocols and facilitating access to necessary resources like personal protective equipment. Additionally, GreenRoots extends its impact through community health projects, promoting healthcare awareness and sanitation improvements, fostering healthier workplaces and communities, and enhancing the overall quality of life and well-being across South Africa.

02.04.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Éducaiton de Qualité'

4

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots acts as a strategic partner in the ESG realm for each of its clients, focusing particularly on SMEs. By providing educational resources and fostering knowledge sharing, GreenRoots uplifts SMEs and enhances their understanding of ESG principles. This educational upliftment equips SMEs to integrate sustainable business practices, thereby strengthening their compliance and competitive edge in the market. Through tailored educational programs and ongoing support, GreenRoots empowers SMEs to navigate and excel in the evolving landscape of environmental, social, and governance responsibilities.

02.05.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

6

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots aims to empower SMEs and large corporations alike, providing inclusive services without regard to age, sex, gender, race, or educational background. By eliminating gender bias, GreenRoots ensures a level playing field where businesses compete based on service quality. Through adherence to ESG strategies, GreenRoots promotes policies and compliance that support gender equality. Targeting the broader economic space, particularly SMEs, GreenRoots seeks to integrate South Africa and Africa into the global ESG market. This approach fosters equal opportunities, enhances ESG data monitoring, improves decision-making, and supports a more inclusive, gender-equal business environment.

02.06.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

2

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots ensures the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, through various initiatives. The organization promotes water conservation and sustainable practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), advocating for efficient water use and implementing strategies to reduce water consumption in business operations. GreenRoots also supports community water projects, facilitating access to clean and safe drinking water through infrastructure improvements and education campaigns. By raising awareness and providing resources on water management, GreenRoots empowers SMEs and communities to adopt responsible water practices, contributing to the achievement of SDG 6's objectives. Additionally, the organization collaborates with stakeholders to advocate for policies that prioritize water sustainability and equitable access to water resources, fostering long-term environmental stewardship and resilience in South Africa.

02.07.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

6

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By conducting energy audits and recommending efficient technologies, GreenRoots aims to promote renewable energy solutions and help SMEs integrate operational efficiency into their operations thus reducing energy consumption and costs. Acting as a data warehouse for ESG data in South Africa, GreenRoots consolidates Scope 2 emissions per client, identifying opportunities to lower energy costs and improve ESG ratings, promoting efficient energy use. Through education and awareness campaigns, GreenRoots encourages clean energy adoption. Supporting clean energy projects within SMEs, GreenRoots provides expertise in planning and management and advocates for policies favoring affordable and clean energy. By assisting businesses in accessing funding and incentives and implementing systems for monitoring and reporting energy use, GreenRoots helps track progress and impact. These efforts make clean energy accessible to SMEs and aids in African growth in sustainable development.

02.08.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

6

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Empowering SMEs promotes economic growth. Targeting SMEs aims to assist the masses in competitively joining the market by giving them a competitive edge. Growing the market at this opportune time also allows GreenRoots to set the standard in this niche market promoting a high standard of compliance and steady and secure economic growth.

02.09.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovaiton et Infrastructure'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, by pioneering initiatives that empower small businesses to navigate the evolving renewable energy market in South Africa. Recognizing the rapid growth of renewable energy through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), GreenRoots fills a critical gap by creating a dedicated platform to educate and support small businesses. By providing sustainability reports, assigning ESG ratings, and integrating client information onto its ESG business platform, GreenRoots enables SMEs to enhance their understanding and compliance with renewable energy standards. This initiative not only fosters innovation and infrastructure development but also facilitates access to business opportunities for both large corporations and SMEs within the renewable energy sector, by bridging knowledge gaps and empowering market participants.

02.10.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

5

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots aims to empower SMEs and large corporations alike, offering inclusive services regardless of age, sex, gender, race, or educational background. By eradicating economic bias, GreenRoots creates a level playing field where businesses compete based on service quality. Adhering to ESG strategies, GreenRoots promotes policy and compliance, targeting the broader economic space with a focus on SMEs. This initiative aims to integrate South Africa and Africa into the global ESG market, fostering equal opportunities, enhancing ESG data monitoring, improving decision-making, and eliminating special treatment and support in isolated markets.

02.11.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

3

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots contributes to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, through its focus on sustainable urban development initiatives. By working closely with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), GreenRoots promotes sustainable business practices that contribute to creating resilient and inclusive urban environments. The organization advocates for and supports initiatives that improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the quality of life within urban areas. Through its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) business platform, GreenRoots facilitates the integration of sustainable practices among SMEs, helping them to comply with urban sustainability standards and regulations. By fostering partnerships and knowledge-sharing, GreenRoots empowers SMEs to play a vital role in building sustainable cities and communities.

02.12.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsable'

6

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By empowering SMEs to operate sustainably, GreenRootsaims to target reducing waste generation, promoting sustainable procurement practices, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources in South Africa by focusing on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Through its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) business platform, GreenRoots educates SMEs on sustainable production methods, waste reduction, and resource efficiency. By providing sustainability reports, assigning ESG ratings, and integrating client information onto its platform, GreenRoots encourages SMEs to implement measures that minimize environmental impact throughout their supply chains. GreenRoots advocates for policies that support sustainable production and consumption, collaborating with stakeholders to drive systemic changes towards more environmentally friendly business practices.

02.13.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Luttle contre les Changements Climatiques'

6

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots aims to to combat climate change and its impacts, through its focus on promoting environmental sustainability and resilience. By working closely with (SMEs), GreenRoots encourages the adoption of practices that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. Through its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) business platform, GreenRoots assists SMEs in developing sustainable business strategies that align with climate goals. This includes providing tools for measuring carbon footprints, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources. By integrating sustainability reports and ESG ratings onto its platform, GreenRoots facilitates transparency and accountability in environmental performance, thus reducing carbon footprints. Additionally, GreenRoots advocates for policies that promote climate resilience and adaptation, collaborating with stakeholders to drive systemic changes towards a low-carbon economy.

02.14.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

4

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources, through its focus on promoting environmental sustainability in business practices. While primarily focused on terrestrial impacts, GreenRoots advocates for responsible resource management and reduced environmental impact across all sectors. By encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste, and minimise pollution,.

02.15.01 Mon projetp contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

4

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots addresses SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, through its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. By working closely with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), GreenRoots encourages the adoption of sustainable land management practices that enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

02.16.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

5

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, by fostering transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through its ESG business platform, GreenRoots promotes good governance principles and supports SMEs in adhering to ethical standards and legal frameworks. By integrating sustainability reports and ESG ratings, GreenRoots enhances transparency in business operations, thereby building trust and credibility within the community.

02.17.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

5

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

GreenRoots emphasizes the importance of partnerships for the goals, by fostering collaborations and partnerships among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and stakeholders. Through its ESG business platform, GreenRoots facilitates partnerships that promote sustainable development initiatives and innovative solutions. By integrating sustainability reports and ESG ratings onto its platform, GreenRoots enhances transparency and accountability, fostering trust among partners and stakeholders.

05.01 Il existe un grand nombre de clients qui utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire à celui que nous envisageons de créer.

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

05.02 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.03 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

6

05.04 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

4

05.05 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

5

05.06 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.07 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

3

05.08 Justification de mon projet

GreenRoots is a unique and innovative solution for SMEs, offering a holistic ESG approach, cutting-edge technology, and data-driven insights. It connects SMEs with big companies, provides expertise and support, and offers customizable solutions. GreenRoots' platform enables real-time monitoring, is scalable and flexible, and provides a one-stop-shop for ESG needs. By democratizing sustainability, GreenRoots empowers SMEs to thrive in the growing ESG landscape, making it a revolutionary solution for long-term success.

05.09 Qui sont vos principaux potentiels concurrents et qu'est-ce qui vous différencie d'eux ?

There are no existing competitors. Carbon auditors are doing one business aspect, but do not market this as a platform to businesses.

10.06 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?

None. However, I am a manager at my current company and believe strongly in woman empowerment, having hired female individuals.