Support for Mobile Markets
Mr. Nakano, a small business owner whose store was destroyed in the earthquake and tsunami, recently received the key to his new business venture. Nakano wondered what he would do after losing his store in Rikuzentakata until a friend told him about Peace Winds’ support for mobile markets. His proposal to sell fresh produce and other goods at several locations around the city was well received.
On May 16th, Peace Winds handed over the keys to Nakano’s new mobile marketplace. Nakano’s store, Nakanoya, sells mostly produce. With limited transportation options, Nakano realized that, “many people have difficulty getting the freshest ingredients.” His first customers expressed appreciation for this service.
Peace Winds’ support for mobile marketplaces is one example of our efforts towards economic recovery through a focus on small to medium-sized enterprises (SME’s). In collaboration with the local Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Peace Winds is working with SME’s in Rikuzentakata, Ofunato, Kesennuma, and Minamisanriku. Putting people back to work is one of the program’s highest priorities. Since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, about 65% of residents in Iwate Prefecture remain unemployed.
READ MORE > about Peace Winds’ work in Tohoku.