The PRA’s Economic Service Center (ESC) Cusco-Puno promoted technological enhancements in a group of 10 high-potential workshops to improve their ability to meet increasingly demanding orders. At the same time, the Andean Artisan Enterprise Initiative (AAEI), implemented by Aid To Artisans (ATA) and financed by USAID, contacted Artesanías El Inca, which supplies Café Britt-Perú outlets at Jorge Chávez International Airport with handicraft products. The company was interested in buying high quality alpaca furs. It was agreed that Artesanías El Inca would act as a private commercial articulator to the workshops assisted by the PRA

As part of this joint intervention strategy, the PRA provided the necessary technical assistance to enhance the quality of tanning and improve production monitoring. ATA’s AAEI provided support in developing new designs and promoting suppliers’ tax formalization.

Several products, including bedspreads, tapestries, rugs, walking shoes, and toy bears have been commercialized following the quality specifications established by the buyer company. The revenues generated have significantly improved the living conditions of 45 Sicuani families.

Mauricio Mamani, one of Sicuani’s best furriers and regular supplier of Artesanías El Inca and Café Britt.

In Sicuani, “Artesanías El Inca”, a private operator working in collaboration with PRA and AAEI, has articulated 45 furrier families with a demanding market, thus contributing to generating sales amounting to more than US$ 100,000 per year