Grant no. 521-0169-G-00-3031-00 : Caribbean Basin initiative (ESF funds)

The subproject will include an export effort. CARE will help CANO workshops to develop a line of products which require only a minimum of technology, utilize local resources as far as possible, and are marketable at a price that allows exportation. Artisans will be trained in the manufacture of these products and workshop managers will receive instruction in product development and design. Necessary production equipment (e.g., looms, spinning wheels, decorticators) will be purchased and installed. CARE will establish a retail outlet in Port-au-Prince through which CANO and other crafts workshops may market their products and, in conjunction, a product development program to improve the quality, design, and quantity of goods marketed through the outlet. A catalog, price lists, and other necessary information will be developed for an initial export effort at the end of the first year; this will likely involve an exploratory trip to a selected market, probably within the Caribbean. During its second year, the project will emphasize increasing production levels to meet market demand while reducing overhead by terminating unproductive workshops and consolidating their activities with others. A decision as to the next stage of the export program will be made after taking initial orders and assessing workshops" capacity to supply the market and market response to the product.