About Us
Welcome to Neighbours Shop, where we’re transforming Nigeria’s informal micro-retail sector through technology and social impact. As a Social Enterprise Technology Startup, our mission is to digitize and empower local micro-retailers, providing innovative tools and support to help them thrive in today’s economy. We equip entrepreneurs with solar-powered smart kiosks, digital payment solutions, and cloud-based inventory management, building a foundation for sustainable growth and economic inclusion. By bridging the gap between traditional retail practices and modern technology, Neighbours Shop is creating a new era of opportunity for local businesses, fostering resilient communities and advancing financial independence for women and families across Nigeria. In Nigeria, culturally, people tend to purchase their groceries and daily necessities as needed, rather than stocking up. This demand has led to the proliferation of informal micro-retail shops and kiosks scattered across the country, serving as the backbone of local commerce.
At Neighbours Shop, we recognize the vital role that these small businesses play in communities, and we are on a mission to empower them with the tools and technologies they need to thrive in a modern, digital economy. Through our innovative Solar Powered Smart Kiosks, we provide women entrepreneurs with fully-equipped kiosks that offer more than just a space to sell goods—they provide a path to financial independence, sustainability, and long-term growth.
Our Programs
At Neighbours Shop, we are committed to empowering women and transforming Nigeria’s informal micro-retail sector through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our programs are designed to provide technology-driven tools, training, and support, giving women the opportunity to become successful entrepreneurs—all at no cost to them. Below are some of the key programs we offer:
Solar Powered Smart Kiosks Program
The Solar Powered Smart Kiosks program is the cornerstone of Neighbours Shop’s mission to digitize and formalize the informal retail sector in Nigeria. Through this program, we provide fully-equipped kiosks to women beneficiaries free of charge, empowering them to start and grow their own businesses.
What Each Kiosk Includes:
Solar-Powered Setup: Every kiosk is powered by solar energy, ensuring uninterrupted operations even in areas with unstable electricity.
Freezer: The kiosks come equipped with a freezer, allowing business owners to store and sell perishable goods such as frozen foods and beverages.
Tablet PC: Each kiosk is provided with a tablet PC connected to the cloud, enabling the entrepreneurs to manage their sales, track inventory, and access real-time data—all using digital tools.
Training and Support:
We provide comprehensive training to every kiosk owner, covering essential topics like business management, customer service, and how to use the digital tools provided. Our goal is to ensure each beneficiary is equipped with the knowledge and support needed to operate a successful and sustainable business.
Business and Digital Training Program
Our Business and Digital Training Program equips women entrepreneurs with the skills they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. Designed to support the beneficiaries of our free kiosk program, this training ensures that women are fully prepared to manage their businesses efficiently and effectively.
Key Areas of Focus:
Business Management: Training covers all aspects of running a micro-retail business, including inventory control, customer service, and basic financial management.
Digital Literacy: Beneficiaries learn how to use the tablet PCs provided in their kiosks, with a focus on managing sales, tracking inventory, and using cloud-based platforms.
Sustainability Practices: As the kiosks are powered by solar energy, our training also emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and green business practices.
Entrepreneurial Support and Mentorship Program
Our Entrepreneurial Support and Mentorship Program provides continuous support to women after they receive their free kiosks. This program connects each entrepreneur with experienced business mentors and ensures they have access to the guidance they need to overcome challenges and grow their businesses.
What the Program Offers:
One-on-One Mentorship: Beneficiaries are paired with mentors who offer personalized business advice and strategies for success.
Peer-to-Peer Learning: We encourage collaboration and learning through workshops and group sessions where beneficiaries can share their experiences and lessons learned.
Technical Support: Our technical team is always available to help with any issues related to the digital tools provided in the kiosks, ensuring that businesses can run smoothly.
Community Empowerment Initiatives
Beyond empowering individual women, Neighbours Shop is committed to uplifting entire communities through our Community Empowerment Initiatives. By providing free kiosks to local entrepreneurs, we are bringing essential goods and services closer to the community and promoting local economic development.
Initiatives Include:
Access to Essential Goods: Our kiosks help ensure that communities have access to everyday necessities, including groceries, frozen foods, and household items, conveniently located within their neighborhoods.
Job Creation: Each kiosk creates direct and indirect job opportunities, contributing to local employment and economic growth.
Sustainability and Green Energy: Through solar-powered kiosks, we are helping to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable energy solutions in communities.
Financial Inclusion Program
Neighbours Shop understands that financial inclusion is key to sustainable growth. Our Financial Inclusion Program helps women beneficiaries gain access to formal financial services, ensuring that they can manage their businesses and finances effectively.
Key Components:
Digital Payments: We encourage the use of digital payment platforms in the kiosks, reducing the reliance on cash and making transactions easier and more secure.
Access to Credit: We are working to partner with financial institutions to provide our beneficiaries with access to credit, helping them grow their businesses.
Savings and Financial Literacy: Beneficiaries receive training on managing their finances, building savings, and understanding the basics of financial management, ensuring they are prepared for long-term success.