In August 2011, in order to make those life changes more effective and efficient, The Townships Project initiated MicroFranchising Launch: Trade Show and Workshops, to create profitable, affordable, replicable small businesses offering better products and services cheaper to those at the base of the economic pyramid. It’s a way for the poor to “buy a job”, which offers skills training, enlists community and corporate support, recruits investment and builds a culture of business in families. This is a potentially world-changing strategy for prosperity creation and poverty eradication.

Here are 12 of the 6,000 stories:

Miemie Debesha Nursery School Principal Herbal Medicine Store Owner	Salthy Mkhantshwa Internet Cafe Owner
Lydia Mkhonto Salon Owner	Elena Shabangu Spaza Shop Owner
Florah Mkhansi Shop Owner Produce Supplier	Sesnet Gumede Spaza Shop Owner
Paulinah Motlhatlho Kgarebeng Seamstress	Elsie Mpanza Manufacturer
Sebotse Phasha Hawker	Nozakhe Jacob Butcher
Nowethu Ginya Clothing and Snacks Merchant	Thobeka Noyamile Nkwenkwana Fruit Vendor