The Challenge.

To truly be sustainable, a development project should be able to carry on indefinitely with support from the local community. This is the end-goal of our five-year strategic plan (2025-2030).

Our Solution.

Currently, VGGP is facilitating the growth of several small businesses that we anticipate will someday provide rental income to the project. We try to provide people with a productive asset, such as a sewing machine, to support them to meet their basic needs. Examples of incubator businesses supported by VGGP include: the businesses listed below.

  • Welding Business

    In 2024, a welder named Bobby moved his business to the street in front of the project. While he builds his business, Bobby is providing job training to local youth, teaching boys welding and business skills that will serve them later in life. We hope this will be the first of many partnerships that offer vocational training skills to young people.

  • Community Store

     In 2023, a shopkeeper renovated a small building at the entrance to the project, converting it into a shop and housing for his family. The new enterprise enables local people to buy essentials like oil, eggs, and other food supplies without having to walk for miles. Once the business is financially stable, the shopkeeper will pay a small rent adding to the VGGP revenue mix. 

  • Tailor

    A local tailor was the first enterprise to partner with VGGP. In 2024 Sue brought him a donated electric sewing machine, which he used to sew several articles of clothing from African cloth that Sue brought back to the USA as thank you gifts for donors. In lieu of rent, the tailor collects the money and keeps the books for the women’s Tent & Chair rental business. 

  • Vermont Gambia Women's Corporative

    Vermont-Gambia Women’s Cooperative is formed, and two tents are purchased to start a rental business.  40+ women collectively participate and decide on how profits from the rental business will be used.