I want to launch a "niche" clothing item, but do it
in a way that empowers women of poverty. My fledgling
company is SEWW - Sisters Empowering Women Worldwide, makers
of Shine On Shirts (TM) I already have demand for this item,
but can not afford to work for myself earning seamstress
wages. I would like to train a small (to start) workforce of
women to be my independent contractors, and have them
manufacture my product for a fair price. I'm interested in
learning about locations of sweat-free fabric mills in
Central America; also locations of garment maquilas in
Central America, particularly Nicaragua--areas where I'm
likely to find women who already know how to sew, and are
motivated to work hard at home to make a better living. Am
also interested in any information on
political/bureaucratic/business landmines in the Central
Americas. I have spent days researching customs, embassy
info, FTC, World Bank, SBA, everything I can think of to educate
myself. But NOWHERE has there even been mention of
independently contracting with individual women
internationally. Can anyone help me out here? Any and all
information/advice will be immensely appreciated! Thank you.