New Business Models for Migrant Workers
The Pulte Institute and the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies assisted Catholic Relief Services in developing a business model for legalized Mexican migrant agricultural workers. Funded through the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the project began with a market assessment on the demand by U.S. employers for H-2A agricultural guest workers in the short-to-medium term in several geographic areas; a business plan was subsequently developed to scale-up organizational service, building capacity in personnel, technical skills training, organizational structure, and financial forecasts. Additionally, Notre Dame faculty conducted an assessment of a franchising plan to replicate the business model in other Mexican states. The new business model will assist in providing workers with many needed services, including training, placement services with screened employers, worker rights training, support centers for separated families, family reunification, financial literacy, safe travel arrangements, and worksite follow-up.