1,922New jobs created

port-au-prince, Haiti

“Before the exodus out of economic bondage can begin, a powerful cultural lie needs to be exposed and renounced: that it is God’s will for the poor to be poor. That lie crushes the hope that sparks initiative, encourages risk, and allows people to move from survival to prosperity.” – Doug Seebeck, My Business, My Mission

“We are living in a phenomenal age. If we can spend the early decades of the 21st century fi nding approaches that meet the needs of the poor in ways that generate profi ts and recognition for business, we will have found a sustainable way to reduce poverty in the world.”- Bill Gates, World Economic Forum 2008

Partners Worldwide stands behind business people because we believe that entrepreneurial innovation is capable of inspiring success and ending poverty. Continuing to produce, to grow and to create in the face of great challenges is the true test of an innovator.

Business owners in developing countries have to overcome innumerable obstacles to keep their doors open—let alone expand. Partners Worldwide is proud to report that in 2009/10, member businesses created 1,922 jobs and retained an additional 20,742 jobs.

Called to Innovate

More than a year following the earthquake, one manufacturer is meeting a need vital to Haiti’s recovery.

“We’ve taken a crash course over the year,” says Evelien de Gier, co-owner of Maxima S.A., a cabinet and casket manufacturer that launched a product line of housing units just weeks following the magnitude-7.0 earthquake in January 2010.

Evelien and Kees moved from the Netherlands to Haiti over 25 years ago with a passion to share Christ and to provide critically needed employment opportunities in Haiti. Th at’s why Evelien and Kees, along with their business partner Stefan Vervloet, spent many nights brainstorming how to effi ciently respond to the needs of the 1.2 million left homeless after the earthquake.

Partners Worldwide connected them with design engineers in Michigan who helped them think outside the box in product development. Nick Tuit and Bernie Woltjer, their mentors since 2007, also off ered insight as the company worked to streamline production by launching two additional production facilities outside the city.

Each unit is a two-room house made of corrugated metal roofi ng and prefabricated wood panels. Complete with a strong coating to repel rain and endure sunlight, hurricanes, and termites, the units meet international standards for families of fi ve.

Starting with 59 employees prior to the earthquake, Maxima now employs 275 Haitians in production and has fulfi lled contracts for over 3,500 housing units.

Partners Worldwide has played an essential role in the recovery and expansion of businesses throughout Haiti following the earthquake. Providing over $20,000 in loans and over $80,000 of in-kind contributions such as pharmaceutical machinery and generators, Partners Worldwide has helped business owners retain 452 jobs and create 215 new jobs in post-earthquake Haiti.

Sustaining a business in Haiti demands constant innovation. Keeping Christ’s love for the people of Haiti at the forefront, the de Giers have successfully found a way to restructure their business to meet the nation’s need for housing and local jobs.

In response to disaster, most businesses have no other option than to close their doors. Evelien and Kees de Gier had no other option but to innovate.

Living out the calling | Evelien and Kees de Gier