About
Upaya Social Ventures is building an inclusive economy by providing investment and support to mission-aligned businesses creating jobs for people living in the most extreme poverty. Upaya’s model seeks out and supports companies creating work that is safe, stable, inclusive, and rewarding.
Project Focus
Shell Foundation supports Upaya Social Ventures to support and accelerate at least 10 energy small-to-medium-sized enterprises that increase the incomes of micro-entrepreneurs in India as part of the Climate and Finance Innovations Alliance (ClimaFii) programme.
Insights and impact
Latest news and updates
Fostering Innovation
Micro-Entrepreneurs
India
Clean Cooking
From flame to plug: what India’s micro-food vendors tell us about the commercial future of clean cooking
New research shows how electric cooking is improving productivity, incomes, and working conditions for micro-food vendors across India.
18th March 2026
Gender
Micro-Entrepreneurs
East Africa
West Africa
Clean Cooking
Cold Storage
Smart Energy Systems
What gender-responsive financing can unlock for women entrepreneurs
A Gender Results-Based Financing pilot shows how targeted incentives can unlock income growth, resilience, and opportunity for women entrepreneurs.
08th March 2026