Upaya Social Ventures

Dignified jobs are characterized by their safety, stability, inclusivity, and the sense of fulfillment they offer. For those enduring extreme poverty, a dignified job represents an opportunity to shift their focus from mere survival to future planning. The impact of this transformation extends to the jobholders, their families, and the communities they are part of.
Small and burgeoning businesses, such as Upaya’s portfolio partners, play a significant role in generating over 60% of India's new jobs. However, they often find themselves in the "missing middle" category, facing challenges in raising capital. They are too substantial for microfinance loans yet not quite sizable enough to attract traditional funders.
Upaya’s pioneering model consolidates philanthropic resources into a pool of recoverable grants, which are then channeled as loans to businesses focused on job creation.