As an update to my post yesterday - after looking over many project descriptions online, my company, Business Nonprofit Connections, Inc.’s first Peace Corps Partnership Project support will go to helping a women’s microenterprise project in Morocco titled, Boutique and Neddy Improvement.

The project description on the Peace Corps website states, “The goal of the project is to develop a small store in the existing rural women’s association building (commonly called the “neddy”) from which to sell member’s products, and on a consignment basis, to sell product of artisans from adjacent villages. The project also includes improving the interior of the neddy to better accommodate training and storage space.   The neddy is located in highly visible area on the primary tourist route. It is located in a village with very limited means of income.”

Microenterprise development is one of the focus areas selected for Business Nonprofit Connections, Inc.’s strategic community involvement efforts as we feel it aligns with our work on strengthening companies and their community involvement and our belief in the value of trade not aid as a way to end poverty.  We support microenterprise on multiple levels - in Denver, the US and internationally.  We are pleased to have a new way to directly support a specific local project that should improve the lives of many.  Helping women with their small businesses provides resources to families and helps improve quality of life of the next generation.

What Peace Corps Partnership Project will you pick to support?