EYElliance is a coalition dedicated to increasing access to eyeglasses for the one billion people who need them. Founded in 2015 by Jordan Kassalow and Liz Smith, the brand focuses on creating solutions to the global eyeglass shortage, which affects millions in low- and middle-income countries…
Who It Is Designed For?
Applicants should already be operating a revenue-generating optical business and demonstrate a clear path toward multi-location growth.
Enterprises with several stores are encouraged to apply, and strong single-store operators with credible plans for expansion are equally welcome. What matters most is a practical innovation that can unlock the next stage of growth.
The Challenge aims to surface scalable models that strengthen optical retail enterprises across diverse African markets while expanding access to quality, affordable eyeglasses.
Who Can Apply?
The Pan-African Innovation Challenge is designed for retail optical enterprises operating in African markets that are building businesses with the ambition to scale. We welcome applications from entrepreneurs and leadership teams developing practical innovations that can accelerate the growth of their optical enterprise.
Eligible applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Operate a revenue-generating optical retail enterprise. Your business must sell eyeglasses directly to customers, including frames, lenses, or finished spectacles.
- Have an established business with real customers. The enterprise should have been operating for at least one year and have active sales.
- Be planning to expand in the short term. The proposed innovation should demonstrate progress toward scale within approximately 18 months.
- Have the leadership capacity to scale. Applications should be submitted by the founder, co-founder, CEO, or a senior leader responsible for the enterprise’s operations and expansion. Professional management teams are welcome. For franchise systems, the application should come from the enterprise owner or leadership team, not an individual franchisee.
- Maintain basic financial and operational records. Applicants should have business records and key operational data available to support the application and potential due diligence.
- Be able to participate in the Challenge in English. Applications and supporting materials must be submitted in English.
- Demonstrate a commitment to affordability. Your business should currently serve, or show a clear intention to serve, low- to middle-income customers through low-cost, affordable eyeglasses – using pricing, product design, or delivery models that expand access to underserved markets.
Challenge Awards
The Pan-African Innovation Challenge will recognize enterprises whose innovations demonstrate the strongest potential to accelerate the growth of scalable optical businesses across Africa, with a clear commitment to affordability, serving, or showing strong intent to serve, low- to middle-income customers through low-cost eyeglasses and access-driven models that reach underserved markets. Selected semi-finalists and finalists will receive catalytic capital and access to the Optical Enterprise Growth Hub community and resources.
First Prize
- $50,000 grant to implement the proposed scaling innovation, and
- Eligibility for up to $50,000 in subordinated debt financing, contingent on successful due diligence and agreement on final investment terms
Second Prize
- $30,000 grant to support implementation of the proposed scaling innovation
Third Prize
- $20,000 grant to support implementation of the proposed scaling innovation
Submission Materials
Applications for the Pan-African Innovation Challenge are submitted through an online Google Form. The application is designed to be straightforward and focused on the information needed to evaluate both your enterprise and the innovation you propose to test or implement.
The form should take approximately 30–40 minutes to complete. Applicants will be asked to provide concise responses describing their enterprise, leadership team, proposed scaling innovation, and a brief financial snapshot. Optional supporting materials may also be uploaded if available.
Method of Application
Kindly click on Start Your Application to fill out your resume on the company website.
