The Community Smart

Housing Initiative

Business Plan

Developed by Ayodeji Oluwafemi Ajide

Email: Ajideayodeji@gmail.com, +2348089456258, +2348184397113

The Community Smart Housing Initiative (CSHI) is a non-profit initiative based in Nigeria

that is committed to providing affordable, sustainable housing for underserved communities.

Using a cooperative (society) model and innovative financing strategies, CSHI aims to deliver 5

levels of housing to a group of 10,000 members in the next 10-20 years; this will be achieved

through a community housing strategy that focuses on value engineering and human capital

development. The 5 levels of housing will cater to different social classes, including VIP,

Executives, Middle Class, Low-Income, and Very Low-Income.

Vision statement

At the Community Smart Housing Initiative, we envision a future where everyone has access to

safe, affordable, and sustainable housing that meets their needs and enhances their quality of life.

We believe that by partnering with communities and leveraging innovative technologies, we can

create thriving neighborhoods and a more equitable society.

Mission statement

Our mission at Community Smart Housing Initiative is to provide accessible, affordable, and

sustainable housing solutions that support the well-being and growth of our communities. We

strive to create inclusive, supportive environments that foster social connections, personal

growth, and economic opportunity. We are committed to being a responsible and responsive

partner, working with communities to address their unique housing challenges and needs.

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Background

Housing is a basic human right, yet millions of people in Nigeria do not have access to safe,

secure, and affordable housing. The housing crisis in Nigeria is exacerbated by rapid

urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of affordable financing options.

To address these challenges, CSHI has developed an innovative approach to housing that

leverages the power of community-led development and value engineering alongside with

creating economic and financial stability mechanism with core leverage on ICT for upskilling

our members for personal development. By working closely with local communities and

stakeholders, CSHI aims to deliver high-quality housing that meets the needs and aspirations of

its members, while also promoting their economic development and social inclusion.

Project Description:

The goal of the CSHI (novel) project is to provide 5 levels of housing to a cooperative group of

10,000 members using a community housing strategy that focuses on value engineering and

human capital development. The project will be implemented in phases, with the first phase

targeting the construction of 500 houses in each level.

To deliver the houses, CSHI will partner with local contractors and suppliers to leverage

economies of scale and reduce costs. CSHI will also engage with financial institutions and other

funding partners to secure the necessary financing.

To ensure the long-term success of the project, CSHI will provide training and capacity building

opportunities to its members to enable them to actively participate in the management and

maintenance of their homes. CSHI work as a team and partner with local authorities and other

stakeholders to facilitate the provision of basic infrastructure and services, such as water,

electricity, and roads.

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Business Model:

CSHI will adopt a cooperative model to deliver the housing project. Members of the cooperative

will be required to contribute a one-time membership fee and make regular payments towards the

cost of their homes, in addition to leveraging on inbuilt value driven ICT platforms that will help

in generating more income. CSHI will use also combination of grants, loans, and other financing

mechanisms to cover the remaining costs.

To ensure the financial sustainability of the project, CSHI will adopt a value engineering

approach that focuses on optimizing resources and minimizing waste. This will involve

identifying and eliminating unnecessary costs, while also maximizing the value of each unit of

input.

In addition to providing housing, CSHI will also generate revenue through agribusiness for

meeting basic infrastructures needed for achieving our goals. These revenues will be used to

cover operating costs and reinvest in the initiative.

Implementation Plan:

The CSHI project will be implemented in four key phases:

Phase 1: Planning and Preparation (Year 1)

● CSHI will conduct a needs assessment to identify the housing needs and preferences of

the target community.

● Develop a detailed project plan and budget, including the 5 levels of housing to be

offered

● Engage with funding partners and secure financing

● Identify and secure land for the project

● Grow membership to minimum of 1000

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 ● Setup Social Media and Online Platform for generating startup income

Phase 2: Construction (Years 2-3)

● Partner with local contractors and suppliers to deliver the houses

● Provide training and capacity building opportunities to cooperative members

● Facilitate the provision of basic infrastructure and services

Phase 3: Occupancy and Management (Years 3-5)

● Assist cooperative members with the transition to their new homes

● Provide ongoing support and technical assistance to ensure the proper management and

maintenance of the houses

Phase 4: Expansion and Sustainability (Years 5)

● Expand the project to deliver the remaining 2,500 houses in each level

● Continuously monitor and evaluate the project to identify opportunities for improvement

and growth

● Generate additional revenue through the sale of excess solar energy and other

value-added services

Project Team:

The CSHI project will be led by a team of experienced professionals with expertise in real estate

development, construction, finance, community development, and social entrepreneurship. The

team will include:

Project Manager: This person will be responsible for overall project planning, coordination,

and implementation

Financial Manager: Responsible for securing financing and managing the financial resources of

the project.

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Community Development Manager: This person will be responsible for engaging with local

communities and stakeholders, and facilitating the participation of cooperative members in the

project

Technical Manager: Responsible for overseeing the construction and delivery of the houses

Marketing and Communications Manager: Responsible for promoting the project and

building partnerships with key stakeholders

In addition to the core team, the project will also involve the participation of local contractors,

suppliers, and other partners.

Financial Plan:

The total cost of the CSHI project is estimated at $250 million. This includes the cost of land

acquisition, construction, infrastructure, and capacity building.

To cover these costs, CSHI will leverage a combination of membership fee, periodical payment

for land based on their categories by members. We will also seek for grants, loans, and other

financing mechanisms. This may include funding from international development agencies, local

banks, and private investors.

In addition to secured financing, CSHI will also generate revenue through setting up ICT and

profitable agribusinesses that are sustainable. These revenues will be used to cover operating

costs for achieving our goals.

The Community Smart Housing Initiative is a unique and innovative approach to addressing the

housing crisis in Nigeria. By leveraging the power of community-led development and value

engineering, CSHI aims to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing to underserved communities,

while also promoting economic development and social inclusion. Through a cooperative model

and innovative financing strategies.

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CSHI will provide affordable housing that meets the needs and aspirations of its members, while

also generating long-term financial sustainability. By offering 5 levels of housing that cater to

different social classes, CSHI will ensure that its housing solutions are accessible and relevant to

a diverse range of communities.

Cash flow projection

The Community Smart Housing Initiative (CSHI) will need to make some assumptions and

estimates about the organization's revenue streams and expenses. We have considered a financing

mix of 25% grants, 25%, loan 40% generated from members purchases of land and essentials,

and 10% membership fees, the following is a projected cash flow for the first five years of the

project:

Year 1:

Revenue: $1.5 million (from membership fee, ICT, and grants)

Expenses: $1 million (land acquisition, planning and preparation)

Net Cash Flow: -$200k

Year 2:

Revenue: $5 million (grants, loans)

Expenses: $3 million (construction)

Net Cash Flow: -$5 million

Year 3:

Revenue: $10 million (grants, loans, membership fees)

Expenses: $20 million (construction, occupancy and management)

Net Cash Flow: $10 million

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Year 4:

Revenue: $30 million (grants, loans, membership fees)

Expenses: $15 million (occupancy and management)

Net Cash Flow: $15 million

Year 5:

Revenue: $50 million (grants, loans, membership fees)

Expenses: $10 million (occupancy and management, expansion and sustainability)

Net Cash Flow: $20 million

As shown in the projection, the organization experiences negative cash flow in the first two years

as it invests in land acquisition and construction. However, as the project progresses and more

houses are occupied, the organization generates positive cash flow through membership fees and

the sale agricultural products produced and income gnerated from ICT.

Marketing Plan

Marketing is an essential component of the Community Smart Housing Initiative (CSHI) as it

will help to raise awareness of the organization and its mission, attract new members and funding

partners, and promote the value of the project to the wider community. Here is a proposed

marketing plan for CSHI:

● Define target audience: To effectively market the project, it is important to first identify

the target audience. This may include potential members of the cooperative, local

government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

● Develop marketing materials: To communicate the key messages and benefits of the

project, CSHI should develop a range of marketing materials, including brochures, flyers,

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 and social media content. These materials should clearly explain the project's goals, value

proposition, and target audience.

● Establish online presence: In today's digital age, it is essential to have a strong online

presence. CSHI should create a website and social media accounts to share updates,

success stories, and other relevant information about the project.

● Host events: To engage with the community and promote the project, CSHI should

consider hosting events such as open houses, community meetings, and workshops.

These events can be a great opportunity to share information about the project, listen to

feedback, and build relationships with key stakeholders.

● Partner with local organizations: To increase visibility and reach, CSHI should

consider partnering with local organizations that share similar values and goals. This may

include community groups, charities, and other non-profit organizations.

● Leverage media: To raise awareness of the project, CSHI should consider leveraging

traditional and social media outlets. This may include press releases, media interviews,

and online content marketing.

● Measure and evaluate: To ensure the effectiveness of the marketing efforts, it is

important to measure and evaluate the results. This may include tracking website traffic,

social media engagement, and event attendance. Based on these metrics, CSHI can adjust

its marketing strategies to better meet the needs and interests of its target audience.

By following this marketing plan, CSHI will be able to effectively communicate the value and

benefits of the project to its target audience, while also building relationships and partnerships

that will support the long-term success of the organization. It is important to note that marketing

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efforts should be ongoing and should be adapted as needed to meet the changing needs and

interests of the target audience.

In addition to the marketing strategies outlined above, CSHI may also consider other tactics such

as email marketing, content marketing, and influencer outreach to reach its target audience and

drive awareness of the project.

It is also important to remember that marketing is not just about promoting the project, but also

about listening to and engaging with the community. By actively seeking feedback and input

from its target audience, CSHI can ensure that its marketing efforts are relevant and resonant,

and that the project meets the needs and aspirations of its members and stakeholders.

Overall, the marketing plan for CSHI should be focused on building relationships, raising

awareness, and driving engagement with the organization and its mission. By effectively

communicating the value and benefits of the project, CSHI will be able to attract the support and

resources it needs to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing to underserved communities in

Nigeria.

Operational Plan

Our operational plan provides a detailed outline of the activities, resources, and processes needed

to achieve the goals of the Community Smart Housing Initiative (CSHI). Here are some key

elements that will make the operational plan for the CSHI project:

● Project management: To ensure the successful delivery of the project, CSHI should

develop a project management plan that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and processes

for managing the project. This may include establishing project teams, defining project

deliverables, and establishing project milestones and deadlines.

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● Resource management: To effectively deliver the project, CSHI will need to manage a

range of resources, including financial, human, and physical resources. The operational

plan should outline how these resources will be acquired, allocated, and managed to

support the project.

● Stakeholder management: To ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the

project, CSHI will need to effectively engage and manage a range of stakeholders,

including members of the cooperative, local government officials, community leaders,

and funding partners. The operational plan should outline how these stakeholders will be

engaged and managed throughout the project.

● Risk management: To ensure the smooth and successful delivery of the project, CSHI

will identify and mitigate potential risks that could impact the project. This may include

risks related to construction, financing, market conditions, and other factors. The

operational plan will outline how these risks will be identified, assessed, and managed,

and should include contingency plans in case any risks do materialize.

● Quality control: To ensure that the project meets the high standards and expectations of

the cooperative and the local community, CSHI should establish a quality control plan

that outlines how the organization will monitor and maintain the quality of the project.

This may involve establishing standards and criteria for project deliverables, conducting

inspections and audits, and addressing any issues or concerns that arise.

● Maintenance and repair: To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, CSHI

will establish a plan for maintaining and repairing the housing units and other

infrastructural components provided for the project. This may involve setting up a

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 maintenance and repair schedule, establishing procedures for addressing maintenance

issues, and setting aside funds for repairs and maintenance.

By following an operational plan that outlines these key elements, CSHI will be able to ensure

that the project is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality, and that it

meets the needs and expectations of the cooperative and the local community.

Market Segmentation:

Our perspective on market segmentation has to do with the process of dividing a market into

smaller groups of consumers with similar needs or characteristics. For the Community Smart

Housing Initiative (CSHI), market segmentation is based on social class, income level, location,

and some other factors.

CSHI has segmented its market into the following categories:

● VIP: High-income individuals or families who are looking for high-end housing options

● Executives: Middle- to high-income individuals or families who are looking for quality,

affordable housing.

● Middle Class: Middle-income individuals or families who are looking for affordable

housing options.

● Low-Income: Low-income individuals or families who are struggling to afford housing

● Very Low-Income: Very low-income individuals or families who are in need of social

housing assistance.

By segmenting the market in this way, CSHI will be able to successfully tailor its marketing and

sales efforts to better meet the needs and preferences of each group, and ensure that its housing

solutions are relevant and accessible to a diverse range of communities. Our plan is to create a

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balanced housing system that support every class of the economy and helping the economically

weak become strong and the strong becoming stronger via Human Capital Development

SWOT Analysis:

Our SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis as a tool will help us in

evaluating CSHI's internal and external environment. It will help us in identifying the

organization's strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and threats it faces in the market.

Our SWOT analysis include the following:

Strengths:

● Strong mission and values: CSHI has a clear and compelling mission to provide

affordable, sustainable housing to underserved communities in Nigeria. This strong sense

of purpose is a key strength that sets the organization apart and attracts support and

funding.

● Innovative financing strategies: CSHI's cooperative model and innovative financing

strategies (such as grants, loans, and value-added services) are unique and effective at

attracting resources and funding for the project.

● Experienced team: CSHI has a team of experienced professionals with expertise in real

estate development, construction, finance, community development, and social

entrepreneurship. This strong leadership and technical expertise is a key strength of the

organization.

Weaknesses:

● Limited resources: As a non-profit organization, CSHI may have limited financial and

human resources compared to larger, well-established players in the market. This could

limit the organization's ability to scale and expand the project.

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 ● Dependence on external funding: CSHI's funding model is largely reliant on grants and

loans

Strategy for making achieving set goals

To achieve the goals of the Community Smart Housing Initiative (CSHI), the organization will

focus on the following strategic priorities:

● Build partnerships and leverage resources: To deliver the project at scale, CSHI

should focus on building strong partnerships with local contractors, suppliers, and

funding partners. By leveraging these relationships and resources, CSHI can optimize

costs and efficiencies, and access the financial and technical expertise needed to deliver

high-quality, sustainable housing.

● Engage and empower the community: To ensure the long-term success and

sustainability of the project, CSHI will focus on engaging and empowering the local

community. This may involve providing training and capacity building opportunities,

facilitating the participation of cooperative members in the management and maintenance

of their homes, and working with local authorities and other stakeholders to facilitate the

provision of basic infrastructure and services.

● Promote the value and benefits of the project: To attract support and funding for the

project, CSHI will focus on promoting the value and benefits of the project to key

stakeholders, including potential members, local government officials, community

leaders, and funding partners. This may involve developing marketing materials, hosting

events, leveraging media, and building partnerships with local organizations.

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 ● Monitor and evaluate progress: To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the

project, CSHI should continuously monitor and evaluate progress against key

performance indicators. This may involve tracking metrics such as occupancy rates,

satisfaction levels, and the financial sustainability of the project. Based on these results,

CSHI can identify areas for improvement and adjust its strategies and actions as needed.

Action Plan:

To implement the above strategy, CSHI will develop a detailed action plan that outlines the

specific steps and activities needed to achieve its goals. This action plan will include:

● Identifying and securing land for the project, including negotiating with local authorities

and acquiring necessary permits and approvals

● Developing detailed construction plans and budgets, including working with local

contractors and suppliers to optimize costs and efficiencies

● Establishing relationships with funding partners and securing financing for the project,

including grants, loans, and other sources of funding

● Engaging with the local community and facilitating the participation of cooperative

members in the project, including providing training and capacity building opportunities

● Developing marketing materials and establishing an online presence to promote the

project and attract new members and funding partners

● Hosting events and engaging with local organizations to build partnerships and support

for the project

● Monitoring and evaluating progress against key performance indicators, including

occupancy rates, satisfaction levels, and financial sustainability

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 ● Continuously adjusting the action plan as needed based on the results of the monitoring

and evaluation process

By following this action plan, CSHI will effectively implement its strategy and achieve its goals

of delivering high-quality, sustainable housing to underserved communities in Nigeria.

Social Engagement and Social Media Strategy

Social engagement and social media can be powerful tools for marketing and raising funds for

the Community Smart Housing Initiative (CSHI). Here are some strategies that CSHI could

consider to leverage these channels:

● Identify key social media platforms: To effectively reach and engage with its target

audience, CSHI will identify the social media platforms that are most popular and

relevant to its target audience. This may include platforms such as Facebook, Telegram,

Whatsapp, Instagram, and Twitter.

● Develop a social media content calendar: To consistently engage and communicate

with its audience, CSHI will develop a social media content calendar that outlines the

types of content that will be shared on each platform, as well as the frequency and timing

of these posts. This content should be relevant, informative, and engaging, and could

include updates on the project, success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the

organization's work.

● Engage with the community: Social media is a great platform for building relationships

and engaging with the community. CSHI should encourage its followers to share their

thoughts and feedback on the project, and actively respond to comments and questions.

This can help to build trust and loyalty among the organization's followers.

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 ● Use hashtags and tagging: To increase visibility and reach, CSHI should use relevant

hashtags and tag other organizations and influencers in its social media posts. This can

help to expose the project to a wider audience and build partnerships with other

organizations that share similar values and goals.

● Utilize social media advertising: To reach a larger audience and drive specific actions

(such as joining the cooperative or donating to the project), CSHI should consider using

social media advertising. This can be a cost-effective way to target specific demographics

and interests and drive engagement with the project.

● Utilize social media fundraising: Many social media platforms offer built-in fundraising

tools that can be used to raise funds for the project. CSHI should consider using these

tools to run campaigns and fundraisers to support the project.

By following these strategies, CSHI can effectively leverage social media and social engagement

to market the project and raise funds for its important work.

Licenses and Regulation

To achieve the goals of the Community Smart Housing Initiative (CSHI), the organization will

need to obtain the necessary licenses and comply with government regulations in Nigeria. Some

of the key licenses and regulations that CSHI may need to consider include:

● Business registration and incorporation: To operate legally in Nigeria, CSHI will need

to register as a corporative business and incorporate as a non-profit organization. This

will involve submitting the necessary documentation and fees to the relevant authorities.

● Building and construction permits: To build the housing project, CSHI will need to

obtain building and construction permits from the local government. This will involve

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 submitting detailed plans and documents, and meeting all relevant building codes and

standards.

● Land use and zoning approvals: To ensure that the project complies with local land use

and zoning regulations, CSHI will need to obtain the necessary approvals from the local

government. This will involve submitting plans and documents and demonstrating that

the project is consistent with local land use policies.

● Environmental approvals: Depending on the location and scope of the project, CSHI

may need to obtain environmental approvals from the relevant authorities. This may

include approvals for the use of natural resources, the disposal of waste, and the impact

of the project on the local environment.

● Tax and employment compliance: To operate legally in Nigeria, CSHI will need to

comply with all relevant tax and employment regulations. This may include registering

for and paying taxes, as well as following all relevant employment laws and regulations.

By obtaining the necessary licenses and complying with government regulations, CSHI can

ensure that the project is legal, safe, and sustainable, and that it meets the needs and expectations

of the local community.

Strategy for reaching potential financiers

To identify potential financiers for the project, CSHI could consider the following strategies:

● Research and identify potential funding partners: CSHI will research and identify

potential funding partners that align with the organization's mission and values. This may

include foundations, impact investors, government agencies, and other organizations that

support affordable housing and community development initiatives.

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 ● Network and build relationships: To access funding and resources, CSHI will focus on

building relationships with key stakeholders in the housing and finance sectors. This may

involve networking at industry events, joining relevant professional associations, and

building partnerships with other organizations that share similar goals and values.

● Utilize online resources: There are many online resources and databases that can help

organizations identify potential funding partners. CSHI could consider using these

resources to identify potential financiers, and reach out to them via email or other

channels to explore potential opportunities for collaboration.

● Seek advice and support: To access funding and resources, CSHI will also consider

seeking advice and support from organizations and professionals with expertise in

fundraising and grant writing. These resources can provide valuable guidance on how to

effectively approach potential funders and secure support for the project.

Ultimately, the key to accessing funding and resources for the CSHI project will be to build

strong relationships, demonstrate the value and impact of the project, and effectively

communicate the organization's goals and needs to potential financiers.

Needs Assessment plan

needs assessment for the Community Smart Housing Initiative's vision of providing 10,000 unit

housing for its community members in Nigeria within the space of 10 years might include the

following elements:

● Demographic information: This will include information about the size and makeup of

the target community, including data on age, income level, employment status, and

household size.

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 ● Housing need: This will include data on the current availability and affordability of

housing in the community, as well as information about the types of housing currently

being sought by community members.

● Economic and social indicators: This will include data on the economic conditions and

social needs of the community, including information about employment opportunities,

access to education and healthcare, and the availability of social services.

● Environmental considerations: This should include information about the natural and

built environment of the community, including data on land use, infrastructure, and

natural resources.

● Community input: It is important to gather input from community members about their

housing needs and preferences, as well as their ideas and concerns about the proposed

housing initiative. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, and other forms of

consultation.

● Feasibility analysis: Based on the data collected through the needs assessment, it will be

important to conduct a feasibility analysis to determine the feasibility and sustainability

of the proposed housing initiative. This should include an analysis of the costs, benefits,

and risks associated with the project.

Overall, the needs assessment will provide a comprehensive picture of the housing needs and

preferences of the community, as well as the economic, social, and environmental factors that

will impact the success of the housing initiative. This information will be critical for developing

a realistic and effective plan for providing 10,000 units of housing within the next 10 years.

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In addition to the elements listed above, the needs assessment may also consider other factors

such as the availability of funding and other resources, the potential for partnerships and

collaborations, and any regulatory or legal constraints that may impact the project.

Based on the findings of the needs assessment, the Community Smart Housing Initiative can then

develop a plan that addresses the identified housing needs and takes into account the feasibility

and sustainability of the project. This plan will include specific goals and objectives, a timeline,

and a budget, as well as strategies for addressing any challenges or obstacles that may arise

during the course of the initiative.

sample needs assessment for the Community Smart Housing Initiative's vision of providing

10,000 unit housing for its community members in Nigeria within the space of 10 years:

Demographic Information:

The target community consists of approximately 50,000 individuals living in urban and

semi-urban areas of Nigeria, most especially around Abuja and neighboring cities.

The community is diverse in terms of age, income level, and employment status, with a

significant portion of residents being young families and low-income earners.

The average household size is 4.5 individuals.

Housing Need:

The current availability of affordable housing in the community is limited, with many residents

living in overcrowded or substandard conditions.

The most pressing housing needs identified by community members include access to clean and

safe housing, as well as proximity to essential amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities,

and transportation.

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Many community members are seeking housing units that are well-designed, energy-efficient,

and environmentally sustainable.

Economic and Social Indicators:

The community has a high unemployment rate, with many residents relying on informal

employment or subsistence agriculture to make a living. Access to education and healthcare is

limited, with only a few schools and clinics serving the community.

There is a high demand for social services such as childcare, food assistance, and legal aid.

Environmental Considerations:

The community is located in an area with limited access to clean water and sanitation, with many

residents relying on inadequate or polluted sources for their needs.

The natural environment is under threat from deforestation and overgrazing, which is affecting

the availability of natural resources such as timber and water.

There is a need to improve the infrastructure of the community, including roads, electricity, and

telecommunications.

Community Input:

Through surveys and focus groups, community members have identified the need for safe,

affordable, and energy-efficient housing as a top priority.

Many community members have expressed an interest in participating in the planning and

development of the housing initiative.

Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the project on the natural environment

and the need to address these impacts through careful planning and design.

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Feasibility Analysis:

Based on the data collected through the needs assessment, it is feasible to provide 10,000 units of

housing to the community within the next 10 years.

The project will require significant funding and resources, including land acquisition,

infrastructure development, and construction materials.

There may be regulatory and legal constraints that need to be addressed in order to move forward

with the project.

Overall, the needs assessment suggests that the Community Smart Housing Initiative's vision of

providing 10,000 unit housing to its community members is feasible and responsive to the

identified needs of the community. The initiative will require careful planning and resources to

ensure its success, but with the right approach it has the potential to make a significant impact on

the lives of community members.

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