Friends of Tilonia, Inc.

Friends of Tilonia, Inc, through its Sprout Enterprise initiative, is building a network of artisans, designers and entrepreneurs creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities with few economic alternatives. We draw on the rich cultural heritage of these communities and use indigenous skills and materials to craft our artisan collections. We connect these artisan enterprises to new markets and provide the support needed to ensure these enterprises are successful and sustainable. Our goal is to enable these artisans to earn much more than the bare minimum - and to develop the economic basis to live in dignity, free from hunger and extreme poverty. We believe that creating economi... read more Friends of Tilonia, Inc, through its Sprout Enterprise initiative, is building a network of artisans, designers and entrepreneurs creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities with few economic alternatives. We draw on the rich cultural heritage of these communities and use indigenous skills and materials to craft our artisan collections. We connect these artisan enterprises to new markets and provide the support needed to ensure these enterprises are successful and sustainable. Our goal is to enable these artisans to earn much more than the bare minimum - and to develop the economic basis to live in dignity, free from hunger and extreme poverty. We believe that creating economic opportunities for women and providing education for girls are significant drivers to economic development in emerging markets. ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT We help build the business capacity and entrepreneurial skills of artisan and rural enterprises in India, Mexico, Cambodia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ghana, Chile, and Uzbekistan enabling them to create economic opportunities and provide sustainable livelihoods in rural communities. We help these enterprises to: Develop their products, pricing and business strategy for sales in US and international markets; Develop distribution and sales in US and international markets; Improve product quality and business profitability. When these enterprises grow successfully, the artisans they employ are able to earn an income to provide for their families and improve their quality of life. GIRLS EDUCATION We support girls' education by providing funding support to schools serving marginalized communities in rural India. Education is fundamental to women's economic and political empowerment and basic literacy and numeracy are essential skills to enable agency.