Development of new coating technologies and production for the art & crafts industry for Nicaraguan and regional markets The applicant Filiacolor S.A. and the local partner Laboratorios Cantilán S.A. are going to set up a joint venture called El ArteSano. This joint venture will realise the establishment of a production facility for colour paints and specialty coatings for the arts and crafts industry. These products are not yet being produced in Nicaragua, all paints and coatings for the arts and crafts industry are currently imported. To stimulate the demand for the products of the joint venture a business model that has already been tested for success in Costa Rica will be implemented in Nicaragua. The different paints and coatings will be marketed by means of an extensive educational programme. The project partners will train at least twenty trainers that can give workshops during the project. These workshops are meant for people that are interested in arts and crafts and want to learn how they can use the products of the joint venture. Twice a month, two of these trainings will be given. In Costa Rica these trainings are known to stimulate demand and the same result is expected in Nicaragua.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)An extensive description of the CSR policy of the new joint venture has been included in the project application. As such, substantial attention has been paid to CSR aspects.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsBy the end of the project there will be approximately 20 full-time employees, of which 6 are medium-/high-level employees. Additionally, 20 indirect jobs for trainers that run the workshop will be created. Two years after the project has been completed there will be approximately 29 full-time employees, of which 9 are medium-/high-level employees. The amount of indirect jobs for trainers will increase to approximately 50 positions by then. Salaries will be 10% above the minimum wage and employees will receive a range of fringe benefits such as an occupational health programme and medical checks by a doctor when needed, social security and if an employee wishes to get certain education, the joint venture will contribute to this.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeEmployees of the joint venture will acquire knowledge about processing of the raw materials into colour paints and specialty coatings. For this, they will have to follow an intensive training programme about machinery operation and workplace safety. Furthermore, they will be trained on subjects as sales, promotion, finance, quality control and administration. Apart from this, the joint venture will teach people arts and crafts techniques through its workshops.•	Chain effectsThe workshops that will be organised by the joint venture open up new possibilities for Nicaraguan artisans. In Nicaragua, the market for artesanias is considerable. Currently, artisans produce these artesanias by order of others who tell them what to make. This means that the interesting margin of these products is earned by the patron, not by the artisan himself. By educating artisans, they will acquire the knowledge to develop new products by themselves and sell independently from their patrons. This gives them an opportunity to increase their income. Apart from this, trainings will also be given to handicapped people and their mothers. For them, the workshops can have a therapeutical effect.•	EnvironmentThe impact of this project on the environment is neutral as the project partners developed formulas for the paints and coatings that include a minimum quantity of chemicals and preservatives.•	Position of womenAll job positions within the joint venture will be equally open for men and women. It is estimated that at least 70% of the employees will be female. The establishment of a production facility for various colour paints and specialty coatings for the arts and crafts industry.