Describe your business:* My business is named “GIFTED-CRUNCHY”, Gifted-Crunchy is a startup venture specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality bean flour. Our mission is to provide nutritious, versatile, and sustainable food alternatives to health-conscious individuals, individuals with dietary restrictions, and those seeking to incorporate plant-based options into their diets.
My customers are individuals with dietary, health-conscious customers, vegetarians and vegans, specialty food stores and as well as Restaurants and cafes.
What is the problem your product or service solves for your customer?*
Our mission is to provide nutritious and sustainable bean flour products that empower individuals to make healthier choices and embrace a plant-based lifestyle. We are committed to sourcing the finest organic beans, utilizing advanced milling techniques, and delivering a diverse range of high-quality bean flour varieties. Through our dedication to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility, we aim to inspire our customers to explore the culinary potential of bean flour and experience the countless benefits it offers for their well-being and the planet
Why do your customers do business with you rather than the competition (how are you different or better)?*
I have quality products that have been tested and trusted by my customers.
My products are properly packaged, branded and delivered in time to my customers. I give referral bonuses to my customers that refer prospective customers to me. I have a unique customer service approach that helps me with the way I relate with my customers.
Describe each of the main products or services you sell.*
Main Products: Bean flour
Why did you choose this business?*
The Nigerian food industry is one the best performing industries in the country despite the economic downturn and huge decline in consumer spending power over the years. The industry has grown so well, and the consumers are still making the switch from unpack-aged and unbranded products to packaged products as they become more aware.
Doing this business will help me as an individual, also will enable me to provide the basic needs for myself and my family. It makes me self-reliant and become an entrepreneur.
If I am given a grant I will purchase the following:
- Grinding and peeling Machine: $450 USD
- Dehydrator machine : $200 USD
- Sealing Machine: $60 USD
- Packaging : $270 USD
- Total = $980 USD
Please describe in detail how you source the raw materials, process the ingredients, package the product, and sell it.
The main raw material for bean flour is beans, I procure from local farmers or wholesalers, depending on availability and quality requirements.
Upon receiving the beans, they need to be cleaned and sorted to remove any impurities, such as stones, dirt, or damaged beans. This is typically done using machines equipped with sieves, air blowers, to separate and eliminate foreign matter. But in my case i manually do the sorting with my hands due to lack of machines which is time consuming.
Soaking: Some beans may require soaking to soften them, improve digestibility, or remove anti-nutritional factors. so I submerge the beans in water for 2 hours, which can vary depending on the bean variety and desired outcome.
Drying:
After cleaning and Soaking, the beans need to be dried to reduce their moisture content. I do this by spreading them in thin layers and allowing them to air dry naturally. Proper drying is crucial to prevent spoilage during storage and maintain the quality of the beans.
Grinding:
Once the beans are dry, they are ground into flour using grinding machine The grinding process produces a fine powder, which is the bean flour.
Sieving:
To ensure a consistent texture and to remove any larger particles or impurities, i usually put the bean flour through a series of sieves or screens. This helps achieve a uniform particle size and a smooth, refined product.
Packaging:
I package the bean flour in Ziploc bags.
Selling:
I do that by distributing to retailers, supermarkets, or other marketplaces. The distribution process most times involve establishing direct relationships with buyers, or utilizing online platforms such as Facebook.
I have been in business for 1 year plus.
I have approximately 20 customers and they spend an average of $10.84 per transaction.
I do not yet have a store to sell from.
How much time and money will the new machines save you? Are there any other benefits the machines will provide?
The introduction of machinery will save a lot of time and approximately 40% more money. Including other benefits like: Increased efficiency, higher production capacity, improved product quality, minimized product losses. With the machine I can expound into other products such as wheat flour, soyabean, and torn brown.
Future forecast.
