Model –
 There are real challenges to launching a business in Haiti.  At the core, there is a significant circular problem: businesses need infrastructure (both physical and social) to operate successfully, but to support the cost of developing infrastructure, there have to be businesses that demand – and will financially sustain – the infrastructure. Generations of government and non-government efforts have failed because there has been little consideration of the entire value chain. Programs start with great intentions, but no plan for long term operations.  When the outside money is gone, the program stops. In addition there has been a serious disconnect between Haitian cultural standards and American business expectations; there has been continual frustration on both sides because of a lack of understanding and ability to bridge the gaps.
 A new approach and business model is needed for Haiti.  This business model is to set up small, for-profit businesses in decentralized (rural) areas that partner with both a local Haitian non-profit and its international supporters.  This hybrid model allows the non-profits to do what they do best – providing education, training, micro-credit loans, etc. – while the “for profit” business buys, processes and distributes the goods.  The businesses also combine the best of Haitian culture and American standards in a harmonized approach.
 Bel Soley (“beautiful sun”) is the first manifestation of this hybrid model, formed by a combination of business people and Community Coalition for Haiti (CCH: a non-profit based in northern Virginia supporting health and improvement efforts primarily in Pignon, Haiti)  . Bel Soley, Inc., is the American based distribution company with a Haitian subsidiary, Bel Soley d’Ayiti, SA (Société Anonyme) for Haitian operations.  The companies are a true Haitian-American combination: Haitian in appearance and culture, American in quality, information technology and business standards, and Haitian-American in management.

Application of the Model to the Organic Food Opportunity
 The Haitian-American Bel Soley business concept is being applied as Bel Soley Foods. With initial investor capitalization of more than  $1M (US) and purchase orders from American wholesalers, Bel Soley Foods is active in two areas of Haiti.  The Bel Soley operation in the northern part of Haiti leverages CCH support in Pignon to produce dried fruit and noni juice and the operation in the southern part of the country leverages NGO support in Les Cayes to produce peppers and dried fruit.   Substantial growth is planned for both locations. Bel Soley is also actively developing businesses in other locations in Haiti and is actively seeking partners for those locations.