4Opportunity | Soles4Souls (original) (raw)
Creating opportunity through entrepreneurship in low-income communities
Entrepreneurship works
In low-income countries, long-term work can be scarce. Soles4Souls works with like-valued partners to help people start and grow businesses — using donated shoes and clothing to create sustainable livelihoods.
Our impact
Impact beyond income
In 2022, 4Opportunity entrepreneurs increased their household income by 233%, and 92% purchased a home or saved toward homeownership through their businesses.
Education
87% improved quality education and regular attendance for their children.
Leadership
80% assumed at least one community leadership role.
Health
92% improved family health and nutrition.
Education
87% improved quality education and regular attendance for their children.
Leadership
80% assumed at least one community leadership role.
Health
92% improved family health and nutrition.
Curious how much more impact you could make?
Want to know the personal impact you can make?
“As a result of selling shoes, I get the chance to live in my own home”
Brice Jemima - Haiti
“As a result of selling shoes, I get the chance to live in my own home”
Brice Jemima - Haiti
“As a result of selling shoes, I get the chance to live in my own home”
Brice Jemima - Haiti
We’re just getting started
Since 2006, together with our partners and donors, we’ve created 1000s of jobs in 53 countries on 5 continents.
“As a result of selling shoes, I get the chance to live in my own home”
Brice Jemima - Haiti
“As a result of selling shoes, I get the chance to live in my own home”
Brice Jemima - Haiti
It’s surprisingly simple
Help someone step out of poverty
The 4Opportunity model is tested, sustainable, and scalable.
Donations
People donate their own gently used shoes or those they’ve collected through shoe drives, and brands donate excess or returned shoes and clothing.
98% of donations we receive can be put to good use. The rest are disposed of responsibly through a waste-to-energy partner.
Partnerships
Vetted partners in-country purchase the donated shoes and clothing and resell them at a modest markup to 4Opportunity entrepreneurs and thrift stores.
The wider community benefits, too! Adults and kids have easy access to affordable clothing for work and to attend school—which continues to disrupt the cycle of poverty.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs receive training and ongoing support so they can continue to reinvest in their business and grow.
On average, 4Opportunity entrepreneurs grow their business 1.5x every two years. Many of them even hire others in their community, which broadens the circle of impact.
Families
Having a sustainable income means entrepreneurs can better meet their family’s basic needs.
The wider community benefits, too! Adults and kids have easy access to affordable clothing for work and to attend school—which continues to disrupt the cycle of poverty.
Donations
People donate their own gently used shoes or those they’ve collected through shoe drives, and brands donate excess or returned shoes and clothing.
98% of donations we receive can be put to good use. The rest are disposed of responsibly through a waste-to-energy partner.
Partnerships
Vetted partners in-country purchase the donated shoes and clothing and resell them at a modest markup to 4Opportunity entrepreneurs and thrift stores.
The wider community benefits, too! Adults and kids have easy access to affordable clothing for work and to attend school—which continues to disrupt the cycle of poverty.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs receive training and ongoing support so they can continue to reinvest in their business and grow.
On average, 4Opportunity entrepreneurs grow their business 1.5x every two years. Many of them even hire others in their community, which broadens the circle of impact.
Families
Having a sustainable income means entrepreneurs can better meet their family’s basic needs.
The wider community benefits, too! Adults and kids have easy access to affordable clothing for work and to attend school—which continues to disrupt the cycle of poverty.
Get involved
Kick poverty to the curb
Donate shoes
Donate your gently loved shoes to extend their life, divert them from landfills, and get them to entrepreneurs who need them.
Start a Shoe Drive
Whether you collect 100 or 25k pairs, hosting a shoe drive is an easy way to positively impact an entrepreneur and protect our planet.
Volunteer with us
Join our community of loyal volunteers who inspire others to help turn shoes and clothing into opportunity.
Donate shoes
Donate your gently loved shoes to extend their life, divert them from landfills, and get them to entrepreneurs who need them.
Start a Shoe Drive
Whether you collect 100 or 25k pairs, hosting a shoe drive is an easy way to positively impact an entrepreneur and protect our planet.
Volunteer with us
Join our community of loyal volunteers who inspire others to help turn shoes and clothing into opportunity.
4ThePlanet
Put your used goods to good use
The U.S. discards over 9 million tons of clothing and footwear annually, harming the environment and impacting economically vulnerable people. By extending the life of shoes and clothing, we help both people and the planet.