1. Start by Examining Existing Employment Opportunities

We started Wild Tiger Tees with a t-shirt printing model, which was so easy to start.

Screen printing t-shirt business is straightforward, making it easy to understand our costs and profits (which is super useful for a first-time entrepreneur). However, it's not a great model for a work-program that relies on growth for social impact. Had we done our research ahead of time, this would have been clear.

For a work program, start by looking at common low-wage job opportunities.

2. Look at Industries That Naturally Grow

The most successful product based work program model is the Homeboy Industries.

But they also face barriers to growth, because products are hard. Instead industries like restaurant & cafes, cleaning companies, creative companies, warehouse & delivery services and other B2B professional services are more likely to scale.

Focus on other businesses that naturally scale to employ over 100 people.

3. Engage in Strategic Partnerships

One major downside to our work program, was there was no path to employment.

T-shirt screen printing skills are not in high demand. We would have had more success working with local partners, and using our work program to provide skills that could lead to an internship with those local partners. This would have given us a feedback loop to let us know if we were focusing on the right skills in the right way.

Remember, social impact is best built in collaboration with others in your community.