In contrast to volunteer-based Community Health Worker (CHW) programs, Living Goods creates a meaningful income opportunity for its agent network. Our micro-entrepreneurs are driven to make a living while making a difference in the community they serve. Some agents were former volunteer health workers who are now eager to earn an income as health promoters. Others ran struggling drug shops with little wholesale buying power and, consequently, meager sales. Living Goods gives these women the opportunity to achieve economic independence by offering them significant earnings opportunities, ongoing training and mentorship, and a flexible work schedule that helps them balance the competing demands of family and farm.

Micro-entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of Living Goods model. But it is important to remember that most poor people start businesses because they have no other choice, not because they have a brilliant idea or want to be their own boss. At the base of the pyramid, entrepreneurship is more about necessity than opportunity. Micro-franchising helps mitigate the risks of starting a new business for these “necessity entrepreneurs.” And, more importantly, micro-franchising provides robust benefits like training, mentoring, and marketing to help micro-entrepreneurs build both their skills and their business. Developing the talents of these resourceful and enterprising women is the key to Living Goods continued success.  

>Meet one of our micro-entrepreneurs.