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We are seeking support in creating a business plan to help launch a B2B product within Canada which will change the way survivors of sexual assault seek care post assault. This product will be purchased by the RCMP, hospitals, sexual assault centers and Indigenous nations to help increase access to forensic DNA collection post sexual assault.

Team

The founder, whom you will be working with, has spent the past 3 years working to understand the barriers to accessing forensic DNA collection post sexual assault. She is now working on a government funded research project which is examining the barriers in Northern BC, the Yukon and Northern Ontario alongside a non-profit which is a leader in the survivor advocacy space in Canada.

Product

A trauma-informed kit which allows survivors of sexual assault to collect forensic evidence post sexual assault when a traditional exam is not available. These kits will be available in hospitals, health centers and sexual assault centers. Unlike traditional sexual assault exam kits, these kits do not require refrigeration or freezing and therefore address a much needed gap where communities cannot afford to have a medical freezer or fridge. The kits have been designed with the support of RCMP, forensic nurses, advocates and legal professionals, however have not been physically produced yet. We need your support to take the product to the next level with a business plan.

Context

In Canada, people who have experienced sexual assault (Survivors) encounter significant barriers in accessing care and seeking justice, particularly in rural and remote regions. These obstacles often involve difficulties with Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). Nevertheless, it is crucial that every Canadian retains the right to document and report instances of sexual violence.

Australia and the UK have taken steps to improve the process by introducing kits which enable survivors of sexual assault to self-collect forensic DNA when a traditional hospital exam is not available. These kits empower Survivors to self-collect DNA evidence using various methods, including swabs and wipes. The practice of self-collecting evidence is not new; it is not uncommon for Survivors to bring relevant items containing potential perpetrators' DNA, such as condoms or underwear, to hospitals or police when reporting sexual violence. This evidence is often tested and accepted without hesitation.

Efforts to implement similar approaches in Canada will help bridge the gap in care and justice for Survivors of sexual violence, especially in rural and remote areas. By enabling easier access to forensic DNA collection, we can improve the support available to Survivors and enhance the overall response to sexual violence cases.

• Conduct market research to understand the current landscape of how services are offered to survivors of sexual and assault and map out existing support services available in Canada.
• Identify the target audience and create a customer profile for the new product.
• Develop a marketing strategy that includes branding, messaging, and promotional activities.
• Outline the financial projections for the new product, including sales forecasts, income projections, and expense budgets.
• Include a break-even analysis and projected assets and liabilities for the new product.
• Create a comprehensive business plan document that includes all the above information and recommendations for implementation.

Final deliverables:

• A detailed business plan document outlining the market analysis, target audience, marketing strategy, and financial projections for the new product.
• A presentation explaining the key findings and recommendations from the business plan.

Any learners on this project will work directly with the founder and will have access to weekly meetings as needed (more frequent meetings are ok too!). The founder will walk learners through the issue and provide documentation which has already been created. This project is an opportunity to work with a founder who has worked in the venture backed start-up space, and who is very passionate about the cause of supporting survivors of sexual assault.