2017 Enactus USA National Champion - John Brown University

Summary

The John Brown University Enactus team showcases their impactful projects focused on community empowerment. Their Guatemala Water Project addresses the critical need for clean water, providing affordable solutions and sustainable business models. Shredify, a project aimed at providing meaningful work for adults with disabilities, has grown sustainably with innovative pricing models and new customers. The Yellow Crate app combats food insecurity by facilitating better communication between food pantries and donors. Through entrepreneurial solutions, these projects highlight how the team empowers communities both locally and globally, fostering sustainable change and positive impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 John Brown University Enactus team has been empowering local and global communities for over 40 years through entrepreneurial projects.
• 😀 The team’s projects follow a three-stage process: needs assessment, implementation of solutions, and measuring long-term sustainability.
• 😀 The Guatemala Water Project focuses on providing clean water in rural communities by implementing a sustainable business model and empowering local leaders.
• 😀 The Guatemala Water Project uses a filtration technology that purifies 3,500 gallons of water per day, eliminating 99% of waterborne bacteria.
• 😀 Shredify, a secure document shredding service run by adults with disabilities, has created new income streams and meaningful work for individuals at the Adult Development Center.
• 😀 Shredify has grown sustainably by changing its pricing model to encourage monthly contracts, helping it generate $26,000 in revenue with a profit of $88,500.
• 😀 Yellow Crate is an app developed to address food insecurity by facilitating donations to food pantries through real-time shopping lists on users' smartphones.
• 😀 Yellow Crate has gained 133 new users this year and has partnered with seven food pantries and grocery stores, expanding its impact on food security.
• 😀 The Enactus team at John Brown University focuses on scalability for all projects, exploring opportunities like microloans and partnerships to expand their impact.
• 😀 Each project is designed with sustainability in mind, aiming to create lasting change and empower local leaders to take ownership of the solutions.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the John Brown University Enactus team's projects?

The John Brown University Enactus team focuses on empowering local and global communities through sustainable entrepreneurial projects. They aim to solve critical issues such as access to clean water, employment for individuals with disabilities, and food insecurity.

How does the team approach their projects to ensure sustainability and impact?

The team follows a three-stage approach: 1) a thorough needs assessment involving interviews, surveys, and tests; 2) the execution of entrepreneurial solutions; and 3) measuring results with a focus on long-term sustainability, including knowledge transfer and community empowerment.

What was the main challenge for the Guatemala Water Project this year?

The main challenge was securing funding for the project. The team faced an increased cost due to the need to drill a well in Dolores, which doubled their expected budget to $50,000. They raised $40,000 in under six months through fundraising and partnerships.

What unique business model did Pastor Freddy choose for the water store in Dolores?

Pastor Freddy chose a business model that allows community members to purchase filtered water at half the price of national brands. This helps provide affordable access to clean water while ensuring sustainability for the store.

How does the team ensure that the Guatemala Water Project continues to be sustainable?

The team ensures sustainability by training local leaders like Pastor Freddy, providing ongoing education about business models, and helping to create a viable business plan. Additionally, the community members are actively involved in the construction and maintenance of the water system.

How successful has the 'Shredify' project been at the Adult Development Center (ADC)?

The 'Shredify' project has been very successful. It provides a sustainable income stream for the ADC and meaningful work for individuals with disabilities. Since its launch, Shredify has secured multiple contracts and generated $26,000 in revenue, with a profit of $88,500.

What were the main obstacles to the growth of Shredify, and how did the team address them?

The main obstacles were the lack of a sales strategy and the pricing model that incentivized irregular income. The team addressed these by adjusting the pricing to offer 50% lower rates than competitors and helping the executive director, Colin, improve his sales skills through training and networking.

What is the Yellow Crate app, and how does it help food pantries?

The Yellow Crate app is designed to help food pantries manage their inventory and communicate their needs to potential donors. By notifying shoppers about specific high-priority food items as they enter stores, it enables donors to contribute directly to the needs of the pantry.

How has Yellow Crate been expanding, and what are the future plans for growth?

Yellow Crate has been expanding through partnerships with universities and grocery stores. The team has launched an ambassador program and plans to scale further by integrating the app with existing retail store apps, allowing users to donate food items from home.

What measures did the team take to ensure safety and security in the Shredify project?

To ensure safety and security, Shredify implemented strict protocols, including certifications from the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), training for employees on confidentiality, and investing in shredders with automatic shutdown features to prevent accidents.