New Beginning
Example: Walk us through a specific example(s) of how this solution makes a difference; include its primary activities.
Marketplace: Who else is addressing the problem outlined here? How does the proposed project differ from these approaches?
Founding Story
New Beginning Craft Workshop
, GEO, Roseau
, GEO
Over 34
Female
Less than a year
The information you provide here will be used to fill in any parts of your profile that have been left blank, such as interests, organization information, and website. No contact information will be made public. Please uncheck here if you do not want this to happen..
Still in idea phase, but looking to launch soon
Access to financing, Access to talent, Access to supply chains, Access to economic opportunity.
The project idea was recognized by a lot of persons as being very innovative as many found it could be applied in there parts of the world. Being one of the 38 plans to go to the TIC Americas finals the idea has gotten a lot of recognition.
Like many parts of the world, Dominica is currently experiencing very high youth unemployment rates, amongst women in particular. The Government and other stake holders, such as DEXIA (Dominica export import agency), Discover Dominica, OECS office, Ministry of Trade and the cultural division are all looking at ways to develop employment on the island, including the existing craft production on island. Women and girls are disadvantaged in the marketplace due to lack of income generating skills, so this project will impact better life and growth of and industry.
36 young persons trainned
Acquire funding
Workshop renovations & equipment purchased
Trainning
Local and export sales and 36 young persons generating an income.
Co-operative formed and registered as a business with executive members
Website developed for co-operative, including a system for online ordering &marketing
Products advertised and sold in local and regional markets.
The project is currently an idea of Vanessa Winston, the Founder of New Beginnings Gifts and Leather. It is anticipated that the craft workshop would lead to a co-operative of independent craftspeople, which would be registered within a year of training completion. However there are support agencies like Dominica Arts & Craft Producers Ass., Dominica Youth Business Trust and Lifeline Ministries that are working side by side to see this project be successful.
Vanessa is the Vice President of the newly formed Dominica Arts and Craft Producers Association (DACPA) and was awarded most determined Female Entrepreneur for 2010 by the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT). She is a highly motivated young woman and very willing to succeed, she has the support of the other craft members of DACPA, Lifeline ministries, and the DYBT.