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Outline of Need:
Based on the rural nature of Tohatchi, NM, there is a lack of technological infrastructure. Businesses are not able to utilize the e-commerce market for their goods that they produce.
How Rural Development Helped:
USDA Rural Development's Business Programs was provided with an application under the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program. This request was for the Tohatchi Area of Opportunity and Services (TAOS) to acquire grant funds in the amount of $33,530 to install satellite and other related equipment for small business use was granted.
The Results:
With this equipment, Native Silkscreen Enterprises, a Native American owned small business, has had the opportunity to expand their Native American silkscreen designs into national and international markets. Originally it was thought that the technology improvements would allow Native Silkscreen Enterprises to create three new jobs but, because the response has been greater than originally thought, a fourth additional job has been created. This additional job was necessary because sales have increased by 12 percent since installation in September of 2001.
TAOS installed the Starband I satellite system, which has allowed contracts with various agencies to do image documenting through a satellite connection that is capable of handling larger volume of information. Because the current satellite system is not adequate to handle the information that will be sent through the server, TAOS will be upgrading to a larger dish, several more line drops and another server. If the contracts meet the conditions and the amount of work promised, TAOS will be able to employ a significant number of people from the community to work on the contracts. These contracts will be long term in duration. TAOS is hoping to complete all upgrades by March 1, 2002.
Photo: Rural Development New Mexico State Director Roberto Salazar, far left, presents the check to TAOS staff.
(January 2002)
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