Step 1: Idea Generation
Idea A — Handmade Paper from Pineapple Leaves
Problem/Need: Farms throw away many pineapple leaves; most are not reused.
Passion/Skill: Crafting, eco-products, simple production.
Trends/Habits: Pineapple-leaf paper (“Pinyapel”) already proved possible and award-winning;
eco-friendly products are gaining attention.
Idea B — Recycled Paper Pencils
Problem/Need: A lot of old newspapers/used paper are wasted.
Passion/Skill: Basic handcrafting, small tools.
Trends/Habits: Recycled newspaper pencils are being sold in the Philippines, showing market
acceptance for green stationery.
Idea C — Community Solar Charging Station
Problem/Need: Brownouts make charging devices hard, especially in hilly/barangay areas.
Passion/Skill: Interest in simple solar setups and community service.
Trends/Habits: Mindanao grids recently on Yellow Alert (tight supply); schools i
On Manila launched solar charging stations, proving the model.
Step 2: Idea Screening (with SWT)
Quick Scoring (1–5 each)
Idea Relevance Uniqueness Feasibility DEMAND TOTAL
5 4 4 4 17
A. Pineapple
Paper
B. Recycled 4 4 4 4 16
Pencils
C. Solar 5 5 3 5 18
Charging
SWOT (concise)
A. Pineapple Paper
Strengths: Eco-friendly; cheap to start; uses local waste (Polomolok has big pineapple
plantations).
Weaknesses: Manual process = slow; needs steady leaf supply; drying depends on weather.
Opportunities: Rising demand for sustainable paper/crafts; school & gift markets.
Threats: Compete with cheap machine-made paper; seasonal orders.
B. Recycled Pencils
Strengths: Very low capital; turns trash to useful; easy to learn.
Weaknesses: Labor-intensive rolling; quality control for lead cores.
Opportunities: Schools/offices want green items; can bundle with notebooks.
Threats: Compete with very cheap wooden pencils; moisture affects durability.
C. Solar Charging
Strengths: Solves a real pain during brownouts; visible social impact.
Weaknesses: Higher initial cost for panels/batteries; security of equipment.
Opportunities: Partnerships with schools/barangay halls; proven pilots (PUP).
Threats: Weather limits output; grid improves over time; theft/vandalism.
Step 3: Market Research
A. Pineapple Paper
Customers: Students, schools, printers, event planners, gift/craft stores.
How to reach: 1-page Google Form + 5 interviews (teachers/shop owners).
What feedback to gather: Interest to buy (Yes/No); price point per sheet; top uses
(notebooks/invitations).
Secondary support: Pinyapel success shows awareness; consumers pay more for sustainable
products.
B. Recycled Pencils
Customers: Elementary/HS/college students, offices, souvenir shops.
How to reach: Campus booths + FB/GC poll; show sample pencil.
What feedback to gather: Willingness to switch from wood pencil; preferred pack size/price;
concerns (breakage/feel).
Secondary support: PH brands already sell recycled paper pencils—market exists.
C. Solar Charging (Chosen)
Customers: Students, delivery riders, market vendors, households in brownout-prone sitios.
How to reach: Barangay FB page + on-site intercept survey near terminals/schools.
What feedback to gather (sample 5 Qs):
1. How often do you lose power weekly?
2. Do you need paid charging during brownouts?
3. How much are you willing to pay per hour?
4. Preferred location/hours?
5. Would you prepay via load/GCash?
Step 4: Feasibility Check (money, time, resources)
A. Pineapple Paper (home/cottage scale)
Startup (₱): vats & screens 4,000; blender/press 6,000; tables/drying 3,000; first-month
chemicals/fiber 4,000; misc 2,000 → ~₱19,000.
Time/People: 2–3 people; 1 week setup.
3–6 month profit?
Example: 300 sheets/month × ₱50 = ₱15,000 sales; costs ≈ ₱4,500 → ₱10,500 net/month →
break-even ≈ 2 months (if demand steady).
Notes: Supply of leaves near Polomolok helps.
B. Recycled Paper Pencils (home scale)
Startup (₱): hand roller & molds 4,000; cores/glue/varnish 3,500; cutter/sander 2,500; packaging
2,000; misc 2,000 → ~₱14,000.
Time/People: 2 people; 1 week setup and practice.
3–6 month profit?
Example: 600 pcs/month @ ₱10 = ₱6,000 sales; costs ≈ ₱2,500 → ₱3,500 net/month →
break-even ≈ 4 months.
C. Community Solar Charging (chosen pilot)
Startup (₱, small kiosk): 800–1000W solar panels 20–30k; MPPT controller 4–6k; LiFePO₄
battery 100Ah 15–20k; wiring/outlets/case 6–8k; signage/permits 3k → ~₱48,000–67,000.
Time/People: 2 people; 2–3 weeks sourcing + setup; coordinate with barangay/school.
3–6 month profit?
Pricing: ₱10 per phone/hour; ₱20 for fast charge/powerbank swap.
If 40 charges/day × average ₱12 × 26 days ≈ ₱12,480 sales/month; est. costs (guard/small
rent/maintenance) ≈ ₱4,500 → ~₱8,000 net/month → break-even 6–8 months (faster if usage
hits 60–80 charges/day).
Step 5: Business Model Match
A. Pineapple Paper
How to sell/deliver: Direct to students; consign to gift shops/print shops; FB page.
Best model: Make-to-order + consignment (low inventory risk).
B. Recycled Paper Pencils
How to sell/deliver: School org partnerships; bundles with notebooks; Lazada/FB Marketplace.
Best model: Campus pop-ups + bundles (higher perceived value).
C. Solar Charging (chosen)
How to sell/deliver: Physical kiosk near terminal/school; optional home service during long
outages.
Best model: Pay-per-use + prepaid e-stubs (GCash/QR); offer loyalty (every 6th charge free).
Final Pick (after screening)
Community Solar Charging Station — highest screening score, clear pain point during
brownouts, visible social impact, and proven pilots in PH schools.