Project
GUMA — Guam Unique Merchandise and Art, Inc.
Originally published by the Pacific Region TTA Center on www.anapacific.org.
Guam Unique Merchandise and Art, Inc. (GUMA) will create a nexus for community commerce and networking through the development of CHamoru cottage industries within Guam’s 19 villages. At present, GUMA provides CHamoru artists, cultural producers, and entrepreneurs with the training, resources, and tools needed to develop their products and concepts into successful businesses. This project will focus on expanding the capacity of GUMA by developing a strategic plan with the 19 village mayors and forming new partnerships. GUMA will work with the Mayor’s Council to devise a strategic plan, which will include establishing training and mentoring programs to create CHamoru cottage industries and village commerce within each of the villages. The project aims to create six new partnerships and an average of six cottage industries, ultimately benefitting 115 CHamoru unemployed or under employed community members who reside across 19 municipalities.