Growing social businesses with a program designed especially for job-creating, impact-driven, early-stage entrepreneurs
About The Accelerator
The Dignified Jobs Accelerator grew out of Upaya’s experience making impact-first investments in the “missing middle.” We know that attracting the right kind of capital to grow both impact and financial success could be challenging for early-stage businesses.
Our accelerator takes a comprehensive approach to building investment-readiness capacity for each member of the cohort, going beyond pitch decks and investor connections to truly build a business model and narrative that is attractive to investors. We help entrepreneurs scale their businesses as well as their impact, using our unique insights and network.
The applications for the Circular Innovation Cohort are now closed. You can learn more about the program here.
What To Expect
Through the Dignified Jobs Accelerator, Upaya’s business, finance, and impact expertise, investor network, and dedicated team are made available to a select group of early-stage social entrepreneurs committed to creating dignified jobs for people in extreme poverty.
Customized Support
in a small group setting, including one-on-one consulting
Real-world Insights
from industry leaders delivered through interactive workshops
Modular Structure
to prepare you for all aspects of investment readiness
Sector-specific
cohorts foster meaningful relationships with peers
STAY IN THE LOOP
Don’t miss the next opportunity to join the Dignified Jobs Accelerator program!
Our Testimonials
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![Meenakshi Gupta, Founder of Helper4U]()
Upaya's accelerator taught us how to get our business processes and financial modelling in place, and how to begin preparing for the coming days with leadership skills and HR recruitment.
Meenakshi Gupta Jain (2017)
Founder, Helper4U -
![Varun Arora, Founder of THOA]()
It was one of the most value-add programs! We were guided on topics most relevant to the business and then got enough space and time to reflect and implement. The diligent follow-up made a world of difference! All of us in the cohort can actually work together on so many things in the future because we are all working towards creating impact where it’s needed the most.
Varun Arora (2020)
Founder, The House of Artisans -
![Sonali Sharma, Founder Nugu Handmade]()
This has been an incredible learning experience for me. Loved Upaya's personalised and detail-oriented approach towards its cohort members. Today, I am more confident about my organisation’s financial model and strategy and can say that we are investor ready due to this program.
Sonali Sharma (2019)
Founder, Nugu Handmade -
![Sourodip Ghosh, Founder Karghewale]()
The finance sessions were the most helpful. We had already been looking at the business from a traditional unit economics angel, but now understand how considering making the customer a unit can be so insightful.
Sourodip Ghosh (2023)
Co-founder, Karghewale -
![Sharayu Lande, Founder of BKS]()
The overall program was very structured and entirely aligned towards growth and mentoring of founders. The Upaya & YSB team organised the entire program very well and were very approachable whenever we needed their help or suggestions. All the sessions were very equipped with required contents. Also the in-person workshops with all the founders, was very helpful.
Sharayu Lande (2022)
Founder, Bharat Krushi Seva
Who Is Eligible
We look for entrepreneurs running early-stage businesses in India that create dignified jobs and livelihood opportunities for people in extreme poverty. Each cohort is centered around a theme or sector that allows us to further customize our program content to meet the unique needs of each group of entrepreneurs.
We are conscious of creating an enabling ecosystem for women entrepreneurs and strongly encourage women-led businesses to apply.
Outreach Partners
We are pleased to partner with these prestigious organizations in India’s social entrepreneurial ecosystem.
