ABOAGYE FOAH JULIET
DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS:
Name of your business: AboaJuls Farms Enterprise
AboaJuls Farms is the name of Agribusiness with over 45 loyal, regular clients. This business came into being as a result of my in-built passion for agriculture and the health concerns of both rural and urban centers. Many farmers and Agric enthusiasts utilize chemically processed feeds, manures, and fertilizers which in the long run have detrimental health-related concerns such as carcinogenic conditions and organ-related concerns like liver, kidney, cardiovascular, and other-related conditions. The agility and tenacity ushered me to collect data and analyze these data in real-time to ascertain the viability and scalability of this business. Hence, establishing this business came to solve the social canker of Agric-related concerns. When given this interest-free loan, it will propel me to secure a formidable structure to grow Black Soldier Flies Larvae naturally, also, it will assist me in producing in larger quantities of the eggshell natural feed I produce for my clients. It’s been my dream to add new initiatives to expand the business and this initiative is Black Soldier Fly Larvae, which I believe will advance my business to meet the needs of my clients and help to resolve health-related agricultural concerns. Black Soldier Fly larvae an insect rich in 60% to 71% protein which when fed to farm animals helps them grow at a faster rate and give eggs yellow-rich yolks. and I would construct larger breeding cages to increase production capacity and also construct additional rearing structures to accommodate a larger population of the Black Soldier Fly. With more infrastructure, education, expansion, and advertising, I will be able to produce more and reach a larger market hence generating more sustainable income.
EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM.
Protein and Calcium deficiency in Livestock tends to be the cause of unhealthy livestock thereby reducing the quality of animal proteins needed by humanity. There is a big problem when it comes to animal feeding. Animals, just like humans, need protein in a larger quantity and calcium to help their growth and strengthen their bones to produce quality eggs and meat. However, most farmers lack the right source, quality, and quantity to produce or give their livestock the needed protein and calcium.
EXPLAIN YOUR SOLUTION:
Develop and promote modular and scalable farming systems that can be easily adapted to different production scales and budgets which will allow farmers to start small and gradually expand as their business grows and develop.
Establish contract farming arrangements between farmers and buyers to ensure stable and predictable markets for BSF products as well as mitigate the consequences of post-harvest losses.
Develop strong brands and effective marketing strategies to build client loyalty and differentiate products from competitors and also emphasize sustainability and quality in all aspects of Black Soldier Fly Larvae farming, from feedstock sourcing to product processing, to attract environmentally conscious consumers.
To develop easy-to-read manuals and instructions for the application of BSFL to feed livestock.
BUSINESS MISSION STATEMENT:
To sustainably produce high-quality protein and organic fertilizer from Black Soldier Flies, minimizing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy while providing our clients with high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective protein and fertilizer solutions for animal feed and crop yield.
HOW LONG HOW YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
I have been in business for over a year now, piloting my business idea but I have actively been in business over the last 6months.
YOUR NET INCOME
Explain how much your revenue is, what are your expenses including salaries and what’s your profit.
SERVICE OR PRODUCT DELIVERABLE:
Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Processed Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Black Soldier Fly Larvae Fertilizer
Offering short courses on livestock rearing and crop production.
Offering community-focused groups and agricultural counseling sessions.
DESCRIBE YOUR BEST CUSTOMER: My best client is Home Gardening Ghana. A group of gardeners that believe in “growing what you eat and eating what you grow”. They believe in naturally producing livestock and vegetables for their consumption to improve the quality of their health. This group comprises the middle working class and the wealthy to-do gurus. Also, I have a collaboration with Agrimatch Ghana which connects clients to my business. They patronize the business regularly and in larger quantities and are also open to innovations, seek high-quality natural products, give me genuine and proper feedback, and recommend me to friends, families, and other potential clients.
WHY CUSTOMERS DO BUSINESS WITH YOU RATHER THAN WITH YOUR COMPETITORS?
Customers do business with me rather than my competitors because of the following:
Maintaining strict quality control measures throughout the entire production process, from feedstock sourcing to harvesting and processing.
Emphasizing the high nutritional value of the Black Soldier Fly larvae and fertilizers, providing detailed analysis reports to clients, and giving easier-to-read manuals and instructions.
Ensure timely and reliable delivery of products, minimizing disruptions to client operations.
Build strong relationships with customers by providing personalized service and addressing their specific needs and concerns.
Offer flexible payment options to meet the needs of different client segments.
WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE FOR A BUSINESS LIKE THIS FAILS?
- Production Inefficiencies: Issues with production processes, such as inconsistent larvae quality, low yields, or difficulties in scaling up production can impact on profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Supply Chain Challenges: Problems with sourcing raw materials (e.g., organic waste for larvae feed) or securing reliable transportation for products can disrupt operations and increase costs.
- Cash Flow Problems: Insufficient working capital to cover operational expenses, unexpected costs, or slow payments from clients can lead to cash flow shortages and potential business failure.
HOW CAN YOU AVOID THIS PROBLEM?
- Thorough Market Research: Conduct in-depth research to understand the market size, competitor analysis, pricing trends, and customer preferences. This will help determine the optimal production capacity and pricing strategy.
- Diversify Sales Channels: Explore multiple sales channels beyond existing clients. This could include:
- Direct-to-consumer: Setting up an online store, participating in farmers’ markets, or offering home delivery.
- Wholesale: Partnering with local grocery stores, feed suppliers, or other businesses that cater to farmers.
- Value-added products: Processing larvae into high-value products like animal feed supplements or organic fertilizers to increase profit margins.
Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan that includes financial projections, cash flow analysis, and risk management strategies.
Secure Adequate Funding: Explore various funding options, such as loans, grants, and investor funding, to support business growth and expansion.
LIST YOUR SERVICES OR PRODUCTS AND THEIR PRICES:
4.5kg of BSFL-$10.46.
2.0kgBSFL- $6.34
0.5kgBSFL- $4.75
Agriculture Counselling Sessions-Monthly subscription of $10
Basic Short courses on livestock rearing and crop production-$20 for 1 month
HOW DO CUSTOMERS KNOW THAT YOU EXIST?
I utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to engage with potential customers and specialized agricultural marketplaces, as well as through posters and stickers.
Engaging in community-inclusive programs helps me to be exposed, hence, attracting more clients.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS BUSINESS:
I chose this business because I have a passion for livestock farming. I saw the need to help other farmers and me in this field by providing them with natural feeds to improve the quality of livestock products. To help mitigate the effects of chemically produced feed in the lives of humanity. for them to bring out good produce for the well-being of all of us also I chose this field because I thought a uniqueness in this field
LIST YOUR TOP WAYS TO FIND NEW CUSTOMERS:
1. Poster and stickers
2. Advertisements on all social media platforms
3. Community youth forum discussions
4. Associating myself with Agric-related organizations
.
Insert pictures of your business activities here and give a brief explanation of each:
- Getting eggshells from donors
- Washing eggshells
- Drying eggshells
- Blending and smoothing eggshells
- Processing and bagging eggshell powder.
- Final product bagged in Ziplock package
HOW WILL YOU USE THE MONEY? (Include pictures of the product/Services (s)
- The funds will be used to obtain a Medium sized already made Fly cage for the black soldier inoculation and stages of development $470.19
- Medium already made Larvae cage: $202.11
- Feed: $61.74 for three months
- Opened top rectangular dryer: $200.23
- Basins: $40.84
- The mechanized platform for laying eggs: $86.7
- Wire mesh for guarding setup: $190.22
- From left: Fly cage needed to breed black soldier flies
- Larvae cage is needed to breed larvae
- Feed being processed
- Dryers for drying the larvae
Picture of Income Statement
Picture of Cashflow
Picture of me and my Dad and Mom I am from a family of 7,1boy and 4 girls. Am the 4th born of my parents. My dad has an eye condition that hinders him from seeing better, my mum and I help him on his farm which made me develop a love for agriculture. My siblings are all away due to different occupations. The picture above was taken during the early morning routine on the farm.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Phone number: 0540699639
Email: julietaboagye@gmail.com
Course Facilitator Details Name: EMMANUEL OSEI
Phone: +233554807083
Email: entrapovekumasidistrict@gmail.com