As a Franchisor Founder, I know about free market economics.
Personally, when it comes to franchising, it's like running a large company made up of many small independent small businesses.
Although the business model today is more refined and over regulated, there are many similar strategies like distributorships and license agreements that work nearly the same.
They work well, without a multinational conglomerate behind them, but if they do have that power base backing them up, they can work fine that way too, "with or without you" as U2 Bono might say.
Why would I bring him up in this? Well, think about it, he's learned how to make a difference in Africa, so too has Melinda Gates from the Gates Foundation.
They know that small enterprises and business style distribution is how to bring people up in the world - and that takes free market economics - and yes, they've both stated this publicly at Davos and in TED Talks for all the world to see.
Indeed, they have to do what works - because that's how you help people.
Still, recently I was challenged on this ascertain by a socialist economic thinker who stated; "Could you explain how "Free market" can operate in global economy dominated by multinationals.
What about economy of scale and preferential access to capital and resources? Free market was always a myth and never existed.
So how the free market can function if you need big infrastructure projects which cost billions in investments? You cannot crowd fund more than shiny gadget how you going to build nuclear power station or oil platform? Where did you get capital? Get real.
The people who have it all rules the rest of population doomed to servitude.
" Sure, it's simple - No Special Benefits, Political Influence for any business big or small regardless of who is friends with who, or family members.
No corruption allowed, let the free-market sort it all out.
We need large businesses to make large infrastructure, so those small businesses which have grown organically can fulfill those larger niches, competing against other businesses who've grown up large themselves.
Shiny gadgets like smart phone, computers are enablers - so they help grow smaller organic businesses merely by their immense efficiency they bring to productivity, just like a "fish finder" for a small time fisherman, or a pump for a small time farmer.
Personally, I am "VERY REAL" and I've done it, competed against large companies and small ones, without cheating and I won.
Yes, the deck was stacked against me at every turn which is why I cringe on crony capitalism, which not only causes the problems you suggest but it is a direct assimilation of the micro-managing of economics your theory portrays.
After explaining all this to my socialist online economic thinking acquaintance I stated; Let us continue to debate, because I think this lesson is not only good for you, but something the rest of the world needs to hear - we need to get those cobwebs out of their brains when it comes to economics.
In fact, I'd like to extend this invitation to discuss this topic at length to the whole world.
Contact me at your convenience.