Impact Stories
Connecting women in urban informal settlements with stable and decent cleaning jobs
In Kenya, the World Bank estimates that 74% of women are in vulnerable employment, meaning they are least likely to have formal…
For over a decade, TRANSFORM changed lives by tackling global challenges through innovative enterprise
About TRANSFORM
Established in 2015, TRANSFORM was a joint initiative led by Unilever, the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and EY. Together, we set out to help impact entrepreneurs test and scale commercially self-sustaining, market-driven solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
We built TRANSFORM on the principles of public-private collaboration and reciprocity, combining resources, expertise and networks to support locally led innovation. Through this approach, we worked alongside impact enterprises to create value for communities, entrepreneurs and partners alike.
Over the course of the initiative, we supported over 160 impact enterprise and research projects across 19 countries in Asia and Africa, reaching more than 21 million people.
The initiative came to an end in 2026 having exceeded its original ambition, but we have captured insights and lessons in our open-access playbook. We hope the TRANSFORM model lives on through others who adapt it, apply it and take its impact further.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
Future of Work
Raise Living Standards
Protect & Regenerate Nature
Waste-Free World
Digital health
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enterprise & research projects supported
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provided in grant funding and business support
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people reached
Project resources
Whether you're a donor, enterprise, business, investor or simply want to learn more, explore our collection of insights, tools, case studies and learning resources.
Impact Stories
Future of Work: In Images – Shani
MEET SHANI At just 18 years old, Shani stepped into the food business after her mother’s passing. The responsibility of…
Impact Stories
Future of Work: In Images – Purity
MEET PURITY Having unexpectedly discovered her talent after finishing school, Purity has built a business that provides her sole source…
Impact Stories
TRANSFORM: Our Portfolio
TRANSFORM unites corporates, donors, investors and academics to support visionary impact enterprises. Working together, they test and scale new solutions…
Enterprise projects
TRANSFORM's impact enterprises are tackling some of the world's most pressing development challenges in an inclusive, sustainable and innovative way.
Folia Water
Globally, 1.2 million people die each year from drinking dirty water. Low-income communities cannot afford costly water appliances that provide…
Association of Green Champions (AGC)
The agricultural industry in Kenya employs more than 40% of the total population and 70% of the rural population, but…
Taka Taka Solutions
Kenya is currently stuck in an unsustainable linear economy – from consumption to disposal at dumpsites. This system pollutes the…
Conceptos Plasticos
Of the 700,500 tonnes of plastic containers and packaging introduced into Colombia’s domestic market each year, only 3% is recycled….
Terra Ecopreneurs
Karnataka is India’s largest coffee-producing state, with thousands of tribal and marginal farmers cultivating coffee and other spices under challenging…
WITHOUT by Ashaya
Without™ extracts valuable materials from multi-layered plastic waste (MLP) and upcycles them into premium products, while providing dignified employment to…
Waste4Change
The supply chain of recyclables is long, disorganised and informal and the number of transactions can be overwhelming. Waste collectors…
Busara
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data shows that most plastic waste in Asia is either incinerated or…