Q. What is Friends of NITCA?
A. It is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1999 for the purpose of supporting the programs of NITCA.
Q. Why are donations directed to Friends of NITCA instead of going directly to NITCA?
A. Nitca is a Nicaragua based NGO. Friends of NITCA is a US based nonprofit corp. Donations to Friends of Nitca are tax deductible ( EIN # 050506448)
Q. Why are there two separate web sites for NITCA and Star Bakery?
A . The NITCA web site is based in Managua and is under local control. The Star Bakery initiative is based
in Massachusetts USA and we can keep the site current with frequent updates. We also believe that we
will have a lot more visibility with a separate site. The sites are cross linked to each other.
Q.The idea of a profit making business makes sense. Why a bakery?
A. Bread is a very important part of the basic diet in Nicaragua. The barrio Laureles Sur does not have a local source of quality bread products. The creation of the bakery will provide quality bread to the community, and bread for the NITCA feeding program. It will also provide training for the baking profession, employment for residents, and profits to support the various NITCA programs.
Q.Who is overseeing the project?
A. In order to ensure the success of the bakery the expertise of a well known Managua “Master Baker” and a retired executive of a major bakery company were secured. They will oversee the design of the bakery, selection of equipment, and all training of staff. The budget includes all expenses, including training expenses and initial supplies needed to open. This will be a turnkey project.
Q. How much profit in support of the social programs is anticipated?
A.It is too early to predict. Like all business, it will take time to grow to its potential. Frankly, the production of quality bread for the community, the bread for the feeding program, and the employment of barrio residents would justify the project. Profits will go that extra mile in bringing relief to this impoverished community.
