Blue Sphere: Karibon Facewear

Blue Sphere: Karibon Facewear

This business plan has been written to seek USD $50,000 start-up capital to develop an enterprise that manufacturers commuter facemasks that contain an activated carbon filter. Existing facemasks in Vietnam offer no protection from chemical pollutants. In contrast, Fresh Facemasks contain a filter of activated carbon fabric capable of removing chemical pollutants.

The target market for Fresh Facemasks includes 1) Male and female commuters in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City 2) Pregant women and children and 3) Tourists. Independent market research commissioned by Fresh Facemasks identified a level of awareness of health concerns associated with exposure to car and motorbike emissions. The market research found that this concern translated into a strong interest in wearing a facemask that offered genuine protection from traffic emissions.

The company will be managed as a partnership between Ben Cole and Thuy Pham Thi Hoang. Ben has 10 years experience in environmental health, and Thuy has 15 years experience in accounting and financial management. In the third year of operation the enterprise will employ 8 production staff. The income will provide the employees with three times the average daily wage in Vietnam. Net profit in the 3rd year will be USD $44,996.

The income derived by the employees will provide a substantial increase to their household income. Criteria for the selection of employees will include women who care for disabled family members and low-income earners. The positions will be advertised through existing local NGO’s in Hanoi.