Author Description

This case is featured as part of the Next Billion/WDI 2010 Case Writing Competition. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) had just implemented a successful youth capacity-building pilot program that it was now considering scaling. By selecting unemployed youth as franchisors for successful local companies, IRC created a unique model of social enterprise by which the youth can lift themselves out of poverty and violence, and businesses can expand into previously untouched areas. The case reports in detail the main benefits and challenges of the model, all while noting IRC s role as an intermediary and support system.