The document discusses a group's plan to help alleviate poverty in rural Malaysian and Indonesian communities by teaching farmers to grow sweet potatoes. They conducted feasibility studies and prototype testing in Malaysia, finding that sweet potatoes can grow in various soil qualities and spaces. In Batam, Indonesia, they met with local guides and visited farms/villages to understand challenges like land tenure and monkey predation. Their proposal is to help farmers grow sweet potatoes as a short-term crop to earn money to invest in longer-term, higher-yield fruit trees like mangoes. Villagers in Batam have expressed interest in participating. The group aims to eventually expand this model to other impoverished areas.
The team proposes a solution called "Stack Up Potatoes" to address poor soil conditions, lack of livelihood, and unused land in Kampung Teri. The method involves stacking and planting potatoes in recycled materials like tires or containers, which allows potatoes to be harvested within a month without needing much land or construction. It utilizes available resources like fertilizer and ignores soil quality issues, providing a cheap and easy way for villagers to start generating income through potato sales and use of the harvested potatoes. The team plans to experiment with different potato varieties and conditions to refine the method before creating awareness of and fundraising for the project.
The document outlines a business plan for an umbrella cover company. It proposes introducing the product through high-profile events to generate interest and exclusivity. It then suggests testing the market in upscale stores while maintaining a classy image. Finally, it plans to capture the mass market by selling basic covers in supermarkets but promoting customization. The goal is to avoid direct competition between product tiers and sustain demand over time.
The document describes the development of a new umbrella cover designed to be hassle-free and drip-free. It absorbs water quickly using a synthetic chamois layer within a nylon and plastic casing. Early prototypes sold well through informal surveys and online pre-orders. The founders seek funding to produce an initial run of 500 covers at $8 each to establish the business and repay loans with 10% interest plus a share of profits within 3 months.