Introduction

I have been walking the Mumbai back alleys and streets lately. I have noticed a lot of businesses. Either B2C or B2B setups, but small ones. They definitely do not have computers. Some setups do not even have a name board. They are industrious and produce useful products. For e.g. the Leather Industry in Dharavi produce export quality products.

Problem / Issue

It is very probable that an outdated system of selling through middle men is the one prevalent by which the artisans and skilled / semi skilled labourers get money. If we connect them with people who would be interested in directly dealing with them, they might make more money and possibly lead improved lives. Possibly.

Initial Thoughts on Mapping solutions

I was wondering about making a mapping project where we put such shops / businesses on the map with 2 tags : 1. A phone number 2. A list of words describing the products / services provided

Feedback ?

I would appreciate feedback on this - at a technical execution level, your comments on feasibility, references to similar work done in other places, best way to approach this etc. Apart from this, is there any value in collecting more data along the way which might be useful for other work? Some advice?