ThinkBikes

What we should know about you

Questions answered by Christopher Thompson, Director of Development

1. What drives you personally to keep your social business running?

The vision of creating sustainable transportation solutions, the desire to make a positive impact on the environment by offering an alternative to traditional transportation, the belief in the social responsibility of businesses to contribute to the well-being of the community by improving the income of the small business owner, the drive to innovate, constantly improve products and services, and expand their reach, and s eeing satisfied customers who appreciate the convenience, efficiency, and eco-friendliness are all what drive me personally to keep my social business running. Knowing that ThinkB ikes’ products are helping to create greener cities, combat climate change, meeting customer’s needs, the excitement of exploring new technologies, market opportunities and pushing the boundaries of sustainable transportation provide me with a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

2.Did you always want to become a social entrepreneur?

Yes, I always wanted to become a social entrepreneur, in fact, I’m a social entrepreneur. based on my personal values . I have a genuine belief in the importance of sustainable transportation and its positive impact on the environment. My values align with the principles of social entrepreneurship, which prioritize both social and environmental benefits. I believe in the social responsibility of businesses to contribute to the well-being of the community and the environment. By becoming a social entrepreneur, I can actively contribute to creating a more sustainable and equitable society, aligning my actions with my values.

3.What recommendation would you give to someone who thinks about starting a social enterprise?

I would recommend someone who thinks about starting a social enterprise to take the following steps:
a. Define your social mission: Clearly articulate the social or environmental problem you aim to address. Understand the specific impact you want to create and how your business will contribute to solving it. Having a well-defined mission will help guide your decisions and rally support.
b. Conduct thorough research: Gain a deep understanding of the issue you are addressing, as well as the market and existing solutions. Research the needs and perspectives of your target audience and stakeholders. This knowledge will inform your business model and ensure you design effective strategies.
c. Develop a sustainable business model: A social enterprise must balance social impact with financial sustainability. Think about how your business can generate revenue while fulfilling its social mission. Explore different revenue streams, partnerships, and funding options to create a financially viable and scalable model.
d. Build a strong network: Connect with like-minded individuals, organizations, and communities that are passionate about your cause. Collaborate, seek advice, and build partnerships that can amplify your impact. Engage with mentors, industry experts, and social entrepreneurship networks for guidance and support.
e. Measure and communicate impact: Establish metrics to track and measure the impact of your social enterprise. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) that are aligned with your mission and regularly evaluate your progress. Communicate your impact transparently to stakeholders, donors, customers, and the broader community to build trust and credibility.
f. Embrace innovation and adaptability: Be open to innovative approaches, technologies, and new ideas. Adapt to changing circumstances, challenges, and feedback. Continuously seek ways to improve your business model, processes, and services to maximize your social impact.
g. Foster collaboration and empowerment: Collaboration is key in the social entrepreneurship space. Seek partnerships with stakeholders, including communities, NGOs, government agencies, and corporations, to leverage resources, expertise, and networks. Empower individuals and communities by involving them in the co-creation and implementation of solutions.
h. Remain resilient: Starting and growing a social enterprise can be challenging. Stay resilient in the face of obstacles, setbacks, and scepticism. Learn from failures and leverage them as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with a supportive network and maintain your passion for your mission.

Additional achievements

Awards

• 2023 Gain Agriculture Innovation Challenge Award
• 2022 Top 15 Global Climatech Award at COP 27
• 2022 MSME BOI Award of Excellence in Manufacturing by the Federal Government of Nigeria
• 2022 Award of Excellence in Manufacturing
• 2021 Top 16 Global CLP
• 2021 Siemens e-Mobility Innovation Prize
• 2022 Product Innovation Award