Executive Summary
We, Blind Lead Trust, a non-profit organization, have launched a social enterprise initiative, HopeMade. Under this brand we are seeking funding to establish a soap manufacturing facility that will create sustainable employment for visually impaired individuals. This facility will provide meaningful work opportunities while producing high-quality soap products. The HopeMade enterprise aligns with the local government’s goals for inclusive employment, economic development, and social equity, with the added advantage of being strategically located in East Jaintia Hills, an area rich in resources and with a growing economy.
Our trustees have undergone skill development training provided by COLKS, funded by the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS). This training has equipped us with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish a successful soap-making enterprise.
Problem Statement
The visually impaired community faces significant barriers to stable employment due to societal and physical challenges. This often results in social isolation, financial insecurity, and limited career prospects. Despite their abilities, visually impaired individuals struggle to access job opportunities, particularly in the formal job market. There is a pressing need for accessible employment initiatives that can empower this demographic and help them achieve economic independence and social integration.
Project Objectives
The primary objectives of this project are:
- Create employment for X Amount of visually impaired individuals in stable, skilled roles.
- Provide job training and skill development to visually impaired workers, preparing them for careers in soap production and quality control.
- Generate economic independence through fair wages for all employees.
- Stimulate the local economy by producing soap products that will be sold in regional and local markets and by the employment of some local sighted people as assistants to the blind employees.
Project Description
Soap Making Process Overview
Soap making is a relatively simple process that involves mixing fats or oils with an alkaline solution (typically sodium hydroxide or lye), resulting in a chemical reaction known as saponification. The basic steps in soap production are:
- Preparation of Ingredients: Mixing oils such as palm oil with an alkaline solution to initiate saponification.
- Saponification Reaction: The oils react with lye to form soap and glycerin.
- Moulding and Curing: The soap mixture is poured into moulds and allowed to harden over a period of time (usually 4-6 weeks for curing). This ensures that the soap is safe to use and has the right texture.
- Cutting and Packaging: Once the soap is cured, it is cut into bars and packaged for sale.
In our facility, we will initially make laundry bar soap made from high quality ingredients. Workers will be trained to safely make the soaps, perform quality control, and package the final products with the HopeMade packaging.
Location in East Jaintia Hills
The East Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya presents several strategic advantages for the soap manufacturing facility:
- Abundant Local Resources: The area is rich in natural resources like high-quality plant oils (which can be used in soap production) and access to locally grown herbs that can be incorporated into our products.
- Economic Growth Potential: The region is seeing a rise in economic activity, making it an ideal location for new businesses. Our facility will not only contribute to local job creation but also encourage the growth of local supply chains, from raw materials to distribution.
- Community and Infrastructure Support: The East Jaintia Hills growing economy, access to highways and tourism industry make it a strategic location for an enterprise such as HopeMade . The local government is actively supporting infrastructure development, which will benefit our operations in terms of transport, accessibility, and utilities.
- Inclusive Community Focus: Locating the facility in this region also will boost awareness of the rights and value of blind and disabled people in the area. By creating employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals, we can set a precedent for other businesses in the area to follow.
Marketing Strategy
To ensure the long-term success of the soap manufacturing facility, we will implement a comprehensive marketing strategy that targets both local and regional markets. The marketing approach will focus on creating awareness of our products, their quality, and the social impact of our facility. Key components of the strategy include:
- Brand Positioning:
We will position our soap products as premium and socially responsible. The brand will emphasize the quality of the ingredients used and the social impact of employing visually impaired individuals. - Local Market Engagement:
We will establish strong relationships with local retailers, hospitals, and hotels to sell our products directly in the community. We will conduct in-store promotions, product demonstrations, and community outreach to create awareness about the facility’s mission and the high-quality soap products we produce. - Digital Presence and Online Sales:
To expand our reach, we will develop an online platform to promote our products and facilitate direct-to-consumer sales. We will leverage social media channels, especially platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, to engage with a wider audience, highlighting both the quality of the products and the positive social impact of supporting the visually impaired. - Partnerships and Collaborations:
We will seek partnerships with businesses and organizations focused on social equity, this way we can further expand our market presence and generate support for the initiative. - Community Events and Awareness Campaigns:
To promote our products and create a positive image of our cause, we will organise awareness campaigns in schools, universities, and local community centres. These campaigns will showcase the abilities of visually impaired individuals and promote the importance of inclusive employment. - Packaging and Distribution:
Packaging will be designed to be eye-catching and informative, highlighting the unique aspect of the business, the employment of visually impaired individuals. Distribution channels will initially focus on local markets, with plans further expansion once the business grows
Expected Outcomes
- Employment for X amount visually impaired individuals in the first year, providing them with stable income and career development opportunities.
- Increased income levels for participants, reducing their dependency on support from charity or their families and enhancing their social integration.
- Marketable products that can expand from local markets to regional and national distribution, providing long-term sustainability for the business.
- Enhanced awareness and social inclusion of visually impaired individuals, fostering a more inclusive community and changing perceptions of their capabilities.
Sustainability Plan
The facility aims to become self-sustaining through soap sales within two/three years. Profits will be reinvested into expanding the brand and its range of products and creating more job opportunities. Additionally, we will continue to build relationships with local and regional distributors, and develop corporate partnerships to ensure continued business growth.
Conclusion
This project is a unique opportunity to create meaningful employment for visually impaired individuals, contribute to the local economy, and promote social inclusion. By providing training, sustainable employment, and a high-quality product, we will not only enhance the lives of visually impaired people but also promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
We respectfully request support in funding this initiative. Your contribution to this project will create lasting change for individuals with visual impairments, ensuring they lead dignified and independent lives.
Thank you for your consideration.