Table 3 Examples of project-identified models

Value chain approach

Refers to all activities and services that bring a product (or service) from conception to end use in a particular industry. The focus is on the system, on end markets, and on relationships. An opportunity exists to integrate the self-employed that have been catering to the local market.

Access to markets and networks

Mapping a value chain is time intensive and costly

Aggregated businesses are often necessary for farmers/self-employed to access a value chain

Green World Bayer Crop Science

Information asymmetries

Extensive relationship building required

Technical skills and quality must be upgraded

Technoserv

Transportation constraints

Because the focus is on a specific sector and value chain, it might exclude some beneficiaries, due to industry needs

Curricula may need to be modified for lack of literacy

Access to input markets

Business idea generation

Inclusion of literacy and numeracy training, as well as psycho-social support

Product quality

Micro-franchising

Package interventions that provide beneficiaries with comprehensive support to enable them to replicate existing and proved business model and product. Microfranchise opportunities allow self-employment with features of wage employment: the microfranchisees do not need to devise business models of their own but have minimal supervision.

Reduces risk from potential entrepreneurs

Limited business scalability in any given sector

Inclusion of literacy and numeracy training, as well as psycho-social support

Coca Cola manual distribution centers

Low business knowledge/skills required

Costs associated with product advances lost or damaged, and product dissemination

Basic accounting skills

Girls Empowered by Micro Franchise International Rescue Committee

Customer service skills

Liquidity often addressed through product advances

Pricing support

Business idea/product generation

Vertical networking