Franchise Partnerships

Scojo Foundation estimates that more than 700 million people do not have access to reading glasses, a simple, life-changing product that can double the productivity of those whose livelihoods depend on the ability to see up close. Our replicable, scalable microfranchise model generates sustainable income for entrepreneurs around the world selling affordable reading glasses to address this widespread market failure.

In order to address this massive market failure and to leverage existing networks rather than reinvent the wheel, Scojo Foundation licenses Franchise Partnerships to like-minded organizations with distribution networks that serve the rural poor. Franchise Partners receive training, microfranchise kits, and inventory to launch their own “Scojo Franchise,” incorporating Scojo Foundation’s Vision Entrepreneur model into their day-to-day operations.

By becoming Franchise Partners, organizations learn to equip village-based entrepreneurs to start their own microfranchises providing vision screenings and selling reading glasses in their communities.

Current Partners

Scojo Foundation currently works with over 20 Franchise Partners, from small NGOs to large multi-national corporations, in India, Bangladesh, Ghana, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Paraguay. Current partners include Development Alternatives, Drishtee, and Vedanta Resources in India; BRAC in Bangladesh; PSI and Freedom from Hunger in Africa; and New Development Solutions in Latin America.

In Bangladesh, Scojo Foundation and BRAC have teamed up to train BRAC’s community health workers as Scojo Vision Entrepreneurs. Many of BRAC’s community health workers now offer vision screenings and sell affordable reading glasses in addition to providing pre-natal care and treatments for the ten most common illnesses.

In India, Scojo Foundation works with Unilever’s Indian subsidiary, Hindustan Lever Limited, to train and equip their network of Shakti Ammas, female entrepreneurs who sell fast-moving consumer goods, to add vision screenings and affordable reading glasses to their product offerings.

Franchise Partnership Process

Scojo Foundation offers sustainable Franchise Partnership opportunities to organizations that share our goals and principles. We provide the tools, knowledge, products, and support to implement a model that spurs economic development, improves vision, and generates revenue for partner organizations and local entrepreneurs alike.

To learn more about our process for selecting and working Franchise Partners, please contact:

Miriam Stone, Director of Business Development
212.375.2599 ext. 6
mstone@scojofoundation.org