SHAPE II began in 1999 with the goal of revitalizing Haiti’s handcraft sector which
consisted primarily of small, rural enterprises, and craft factories that had been
long-closed due largely to the international embargo imposed on Haiti in the
1990s. Building on ATA’s pilot SHAPE project (which focused artisan enterprise
development activities in and around Jacmel), SHAPE II set out to:
• Provide artisans in key regions throughout Haiti with the technical
assistance, industry framework, and market access needed to increase
incomes and participate in the creation of a strong and integrated craft
economy;
• Establish the local capacity, trade models, and industry framework needed
to sustain market momentum and sales beyond the program term and
insure craft trade remains a long-term source of employment and
community-based economic growth;
• Establish commercially beneficial linkages between the craft industry and
other sectors, including raw material suppliers, shippers, banking and credit
service providers, and tourism-based businesses and strengthen commercial
ties between rural and urban enterprise.
As is documented in this report, SHAPE II has made important progress towards
achieving these objectives through its integrated program featuring product
development, design and technical assistance; business training; marketing
services; association building and support; plus complementary components
including a Materials Supply Initiative, e-commerce initiative and the research,
compilation and production of a Haiti craft book.