What is it?
The Social Sector Committee was established by the International Franchise Association (IFA) as a platform to advance and leverage the use of commercial franchising methods and technology to serve the needs of the social franchising community. It was founded by Michael Seid, a longtime member of the IFA Board of Directors. The Committee is composed of IFA members who are leading franchisors, franchisees, and professionals in commercial franchising. These experienced and innovative franchise professionals have joined the Committee to help social sector franchisors and other NGOs become more effective and efficient in achieving their goals through the principles of franchising. The Social Sector Committee mission is: “To Enhance The Quality Of Life In Underserved Populations – One Opportunity At A Time” What does it do? Our primary goal is to improve the lives of people at the "bottom of the pyramid" in both emerging markets in developing countries, and in those markets in developed countries that will benefit from commerce and job creation through social franchising. The Social Sector Committee shares best practices and lessons between commercial and social franchising professionals. Committee members provide advisory services and coaching to:
About Social Sector Franchising Social sector franchising, sometimes referred to as micro franchising, creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to deliver a variety of products and services, such as healthcare, to underserved communities worldwide. Social franchising creates other benefits as well, including employment and related commercial activities. Social sector franchising leverages the commercial franchising model to create economic opportunities for business owners, jobs, and ancillary business development in the communities it serves. When a franchise system is well designed, structured and managed, it has an unparalleled capability to deliver products and services consistently, sustainably and at a lower cost of operations than other methods of product and service distribution. For detailed information about social sector franchising, including how social franchises are created and funded, please see the Frequently Asked Questions page. |
Join Us and Make a Difference!
The Social Sector Committee meets monthly via conference calls as well as annually at the IFA Convention. Anyone interested in participating is welcome. You will be added to our email list and kept informed of upcoming meetings as well as what has been covered in the meeting. To be added to the list, contact either Alan Catlett, IFA Vice President of Growth & Operations and Liaison to the Committee, or Marla Rosner, MSA Worldwide Senior Learning & Development Consultant, and Chair of the Committee. A Committee member will then be in touch to provide a brief orientation. Social Franchising Guide The Committee has developed a Social Franchisor Structuring, Strategy & Legal Planning Guide for social franchisors and NGOs to facilitate high-quality social franchise system design and execution. The Guide also provides information on the legal issues that need to be addressed in the development of social franchise legal agreements. You can download this document from the Resources page. |