Innovation

The innovation is a platform that allows companies to register their products and services so customers to find exactly what they need more efficiently all under one roof. The platform requires a monthly or yearly subscription fee that is paid by employees for registration and constant promotions. Based on any sales, festivals, or discounts, the platform will promote that store and its products, attracting more customers to their businesses. As businesses started to close due to the pandemic, many customers were very confused as to where to purchase from. Several people would have to go to stores where there would be a limited quantity of products, thereby paying more money for the products. To bridge this gap between the customer’s needs/wants and the business's role in selling their products/services, Finda created an app for customers to find what they need at an affordable price.

Amos Onyonka is the CEO and Co-Founder of the company Finda and he believes that the platform serves as "a linkage between customers and businesses. We promote their businesses and the side of the customers or the society. What we do is that we make sure to get connected to the most trusted projects and services". He started this company with his friend, allowing the company to emerge during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the years, they have been able to do a lot of physical and online marketing and increase partnerships with local businesses, trying to target SDGs 1, 8, and 9. Furthermore, this company helps other stakeholders including the youth in that area by helping them acquire the skills that are needed in the current job market as Finda recognizes that, "We make sure we partner with organizations which have the same mission as ours or organizations or local communities which have the target crowds we need which is mostly youths so that we can also have a chance to help them in dealing with how to get the skills required for you to be employed". Indirectly, by minimizing the usage of physical marketing for a business listed in their platform, they are using digital promotion leaving a significant small carbon footprint (SDG 13) and encouraging current businesses to do so as well.

Inspiration

The inspiration behind Finda's innovation is rooted in a love for innovation and a deep commitment to enhancing efficiency, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The founders recognized the pressing need for a solution to the difficulties people faced in searching for products and services during the pandemic and empowered entrepreneurs of all sizes by enabling them to promote their businesses from anywhere they are located. With the prohibition of crowding in physical places while waiting for services, they were inspired to create a digital platform that would provide a safer and more efficient alternative. This innovative approach aligns with the goal of not only meeting the demands of a specific moment but also contributing to a more efficient and sustainable way of doing business in the long term.

The two main problems that people faced during the pandemic were that the quantity of products was few and expensive due to shortages. Many businesses had the necessary products but didn’t know how to advertise them. So, to solve both of these problems, Finda developed a digital application platform to promote businesses by ensuring customers can buy products that they need more efficiently by focusing on quality and affordability. Through this platform, businesses can promote their registered business, retaining existing customers and attracting a larger market.

Overall impact

In a world where every choice we make has the power to shape the future, a company named Finda is lighting the way toward a brighter tomorrow. Finda’s innovative digital platform has a profound impact on various areas with the mission" to arrange trusted information about the business world together for easy accessibility by the society". The platform drives economic growth by empowering businesses of all sizes to showcase their offerings, leading to increased visibility and customer engagement. This, in turn, fosters job creation, contributing to the goal of decent work and economic development.

Finda’s approach streamlines the process of finding products and services, enhancing efficiency and delivering a superior customer experience. By promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly business ecosystem through reduced physical marketing. Finda helps businesses connect with customers fostering growth and promoting trust through digital marketing enabling businesses to showcase their offerings, locations, and other critical information effectively.

Business benefit

Finda technology-driven startup based in Kissi, Kenya, addresses key problems such as limited business efficiency, trust issues, tedious customer experiences, barriers to economic growth, inefficiencies in decision-making, unemployment, and underemployment. It has brought about numerous positive changes for the business and the community it serves. By assisting small and big businesses to connect with their consumers, Finda's digital marketing strategy has greatly increased business efficiency and fostered growth and trust. Standard monthly or yearly subscription rates from companies listed on their site have increased noticeably as a result. The firm has gained financial benefits and positively impacted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in areas of industry and innovation, poverty reduction, economic growth, and climate action, by resolving challenges connected to trust and customer experiences. Finda's technologically advanced solution has helped firms expand into new areas and promote economic progress. Reducing unemployment and underemployment in Kenya allowed the platform's dedication to innovation and job possibilities. As Finda continues to grow and contribute to a low-carbon economy, it has a beneficial effect on recruiting and employee retention as it uses technology to address social concerns.

To summarize, Finda's cutting-edge digital marketing platform has significantly improved business efficiency, trust, and client experiences, hence transforming the local business scene in Kisii, Kenya. This tactic has boosted their earnings, spurred economic expansion, created job possibilities, and supported more general sustainability objectives. The community now relies heavily on the Finda mobile app to obtain information about local items and businesses, which improves the neighborhood's general quality of life and helps the businesses succeed.

Social and environmental benefit

Finda's creative approach to digital marketing not only helps businesses but also the society and environment in Kisii, Kenya. In addition to being profitable, the platform contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and tackles important issues, including unemployment, trust concerns, and low company efficiency. Finda provides a user-friendly platform, enhancing access to information on local businesses. This benefits consumers by making it easier for them to find products and services they need. Additionally, by helping businesses grow and expand, Finda indirectly contributes to job creation, improving livelihoods, and supporting the goal of decent work and economic development. The innovation empowers consumers to make informed decisions, fostering trust and transparency. This has led to improved customer experiences and enhanced satisfaction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Finda played a crucial role in promoting public health by reducing the need for physical visits to crowded places while waiting for services, thus minimizing the risk of virus transmission.

Finda prioritizes creating jobs and fostering economic development in the area, and at the same time, its platform reduces the environmental footprint associated with traditional advertising methods, as it encourages digital marketing and minimizes the need for physical promotional materials. This indirectly supports climate action by curbing the number of people traveling from place to place in search of products and services using vehicles thus reducing carbon emissions.

Interview

Amos Onyonka, CEO, Founder