Back a few months ago I wrote about ETF and NGO's organizing and running entrepreneurship type programs for residents in Rocinha. Last night was the end of the Novos Lideres Empreendedores project and awards were given. The project ran a "Shark Tank" like competition where each person has to present their idea of the business that they wanted to start and explain why they should receive funding.
After being part of this project I decided that I need to take care of other things and I just wanted to help out, not compete. I already have a successful business and thought that the program could help others who are in more need than I. Not that I don't need help but I have started health improvements and have started fixing my teeth. I made a promise to myself that 2017 & 18 would be the start of me for once taking care of myself. So, my health has been a big concern. Something I will cover in another blog post. I hope in the future to help out in any way I can. Next week I will go to check out the mentoring program.
The first presentation was from Vanessa. "Madrinha Cria" she has named her business. Her idea is to rent tables, chairs and decorations to people who want to have parties. If she were to win the investment money, she would want to rent a space where she could eventually buy her own tables and chairs and other things to rent out. She lives in Rocinha but she wants to open this business in another favela called Rio das Pedras.
This is Ana Lucia who wants to expand on a franchise "Cooperative de Taxista" idea that already exists in the North Zone. Her idea is to sell insurance to taxi cab drivers for their cars. She wants to operate this business idea with her husband.
Everyone in Rocinha knows Fabiana Rodrigues as the person who started "Rocinha em Foco", the facebook page that keeps the community up to date on news going on in the community. She is also known for her community work raising awareness for donations to needy people during the holidays. While not working on her various projects, she is married and takes care of 2 children.
One thing that stands out about Rocinha is the diversity in the community.
Diego Cazul started a small business called "House of Cazul" which mixes entertainment with fashion. He is a member of the LGBT community in Rocinha. He produces shows and events. He wants to grow his business both inside and outside. The focus is to hire and give jobs to entertainers and offer great shows in clubs and private parties. His specialty is being the Choreographer of the shows.
Camila is a mother of one child and lives with her husband in Cachopa (not far from where I live). Her business idea is to expand her operation of baking cakes and brownies. She sells her cakes for 15 reais each and for delivery costs another 10 reais. She started this in memory of her mother who used to bake. Her family and friends liked Camila's cakes so much they told her that she should start selling her creations. Right now her business growth is due to word of mouth but she plans on getting a website done up so she can reach more people. She makes and sells about 30 cakes a day. Her main way of communication with her clients in Rocinha is through whatsapp.
Dila or "Dila Pra Ca" was the next presenter of her idea. She wants to represent and promote events with local musicians. She has a contact list of people that she wants to help get jobs. Her business would be acting like an agent to find gigs for musicians in the community. She wants more help with marketing and getting her idea into the marketplace.
Pedro Henrique came very organized with his proposal. He has already started his Natural Food Delivery Service. Duka Naturais Delivery offers a menu of only healthy eating choices. No junk food here. He is on his way to being a success as he is the only one I know in Rocinha offering fresh healthy alternatives by delivery in the community. The majority of food delivery in Rocinha is either sushi or pizza so this is a nice change.
After all the presentations were given. The panel met to decide who would win the awards for this term of Novo Lideres. The awards were 500 reais for 3rd place, 1000 reais for second place and 1500 reais for 1st place.
A big thank you needs to go out to the panel who chose the winners, ETF and Lucas, Bridget and Amber who helped organize this for the residents.
