Programs: GaMa
Facts
Announced:
August 30, 2011
Category:
Providing Small & Growing Businesses with Access to Financing & Business Services
Grant Amount: $1,080,000
Grant Objective:
Help develop the Haitian construction sector by investing in a Haitian housing solution program that uses steel-frame technology.
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A rendering of the GaMa factory, now in construction.
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Projected designs of GaMa's modular, steel-frame houses.
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Construction at the GaMa factory site.
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Construction at the GaMa factory site.
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund has awarded GaMa Entreprises S.A. $1,080,000 in traditional and recoverable grants to implement a steel-frame technology housing solution that will help provide safer and more affordable housing options for Haitians. Under the name KayTek ("Housing Technology" in Haitian Creole), GaMa will manufacture the steel-frame housing kits in its factory in Port-au-Prince. By training Haitians in construction and entrepreneurship, GaMa is helping Haiti build back better.
Since the earthquake, the housing market in Haiti has become the biggest sector of its economy, and its construction capacity is limited. GaMa is entering this market with a plan to help quickly and efficiently bring safe and affordable housing to the country. The program will provide solutions for residential housing, schools, health care clinics, and other institutions as it trains Haitians with the construction and business skills to implement this franchise-based solution.
Why We Invested in GaMa
Clinton Bush Haiti Fund's grant to GaMa reflects our commitment to supporting Haitian businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as our focus on longer-term reconstruction by training Haitians, promoting job creation, and building up the construction sector.
Transforming Lives and Livelihoods
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund grant to support GaMa aims to:
- Make homes safe and affordable for low-income Haitians by using steel frame housing to reduce the cost and time of housing construction;
- Help Haiti build back better by training 200 Haitians on construction and entrepreneurship;
- Create a replicable franchise model for accessible housing;
- Support the work of an award-winning Haitian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and GaMa CEO, Mathias Pierre.
About GaMa
GaMa Entreprises S.A. is an incorporated Haitian company, founded in 2003 by Haitian entrepreneur Mathias Pierre. The company provides technology services through GaMa consulting, and is branching into a second division, the KayTek housing solutions program.
Mathias Pierre has received accolades in both national and international media for his successes as a young Haitian entrepreneur. He recounts and reflects on his story in his 2011 book, The Power of a Dream. He also established the Etre Ayisyen Foundation, whose mission is to promote the success of Haitian youths and develop young entrepreneurs.
