
Impact Stories
Leveraging technology to ensure independent micro merchants thrive in Latin America
MEET BOLSIYO Small and micro merchants represent the beating heart of Latin America’s economy. They provide local communities – often…
Established in 2015, TRANSFORM was a joint initiative led by Unilever, the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Global Research and Technology Department (GRTD), 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.
TRANSFORM brought public and private sector organisations together, combining resources, expertise and networks to support locally led innovation. Through this approach, we worked alongside impact enterprises and researchers 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 delivered its vision, and its legacy continues. We’ve captured our insights and learnings in an open-access playbook. We hope the TRANSFORM model lives on through others who adapt it, apply it and take its impact further.
enterprise & research projects supported
provided in grant funding and business support
people reached
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
MEET BOLSIYO Small and micro merchants represent the beating heart of Latin America’s economy. They provide local communities – often…

Impact Stories
MEET JAMES According to James, many people working in the arts see the creative industries as a route to both…

Impact Stories
Transform helped SJP to expand its water and hygiene component, enabling lower-cost access to WASH services in the wake of…

Impact Stories
TRANSFORM is supporting Bhumijo with support to roll out a programme to install hand-touchless toilet and handwashing facilities in healthcare…
TRANSFORM's impact enterprises are tackling some of the world's most pressing development challenges in an inclusive, sustainable and innovative way.

Transforming of Production Palm Sugar in Myanmar (ToPPS) SNV tested an innovative business model to improve palm sugar processing through…

Atypical Advantage is an online platform connecting people with disabilities with career opportunities. In India, there are over 70 million…

There is high youth unemployment in Kenya, meaning young people often struggle to build up the skills and experience needed…

Every day, about half a million kilograms of plastic waste is dumped in Nairobi, Kenya. Plastic waste in Kenya often…

Without™ extracts valuable materials from multi-layered plastic waste (MLP) and upcycles them into premium products, while providing dignified employment to…

Safe disposal of human waste is a serious health challenge for many in low-income communities. Dhaka is the only city…

Rural India faces various challenges, including a lack of connectivity and poor infrastructure, limited access to energy and a high…

In Bangladesh, around 87,000 tonnes of single-use plastics are generated annually, of which 35% are non-biodegradable and difficult-to-recycle sachets. Meanwhile,…