When Guy Futi decided to begin a water bottle company, he wanted to make more than money.
He wanted to make a difference.
"I knew it was going to be water. And then my brain lit up and was like, 'Why don't you do water for water,' this is so simple," Futi told CTV Montreal.
So, when the Montreal resident launched Maji, which means "water" in Swahilli, he decided that 25 percent of the profits would go toward water-based projects in the developing world.
Some projects include building wells and water pumps.
"It's not work, it's what I wanted to do," said Futi, who was born in in Libreville, Gabon, a small town in central Africa to Congolese parents.
He says he's proud to see the product on the shelf in stores.
"It's a really good feeling," he continued. "I mean, look at all the brands that are here, and then to have mine up here and to be doing very well and getting support."
Although the 27-year-old hasn't yet posted a profit, the projects have already begun.
For example, the social entrepreneur recently traveled to Nicaragua to build wells.
McGill University's Vihang Errunza acts as Futi's advisor.
"I don't find people that are idealistic, passionate about something and willing to put resources into it and work hard… It's very unusual," Errunza said.
The expert in developing economies decided to give this one a chance.
"He had an idea which made sense as a social business," Errunza said.
Maji also caught the eye of a McGill University student. Intern Megan Halbrook was excited to learn from the real world experience.
"Learning about stuff in the classroom is great but it's nice to see what goes on abroad," she said.
Even with a lot of support, Futi knows that building a successful business won't be easy.
"It takes money," Futi said. "But I'm going to get there one day."
