ABOUT PROJECT SAFFAL
SAFFAL (South Asia Finance Facility for Acceleration and Leverage) is dedicated to empowering women-led SMEs in South Asia to scale clean energy and low carbon technology solutions, driving both environmental impact and gender equity.
If you are a women-led SME building solutions to fight climate change — apply now.
SAFFAL LAUNCH VIDEO
FOCUS SECTORS
The program targets startups addressing one or more of the following key sectors:
Carbon Removal
Solutions that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it safely. Includes nature-based removal, biochar, carbon capture, and direct air capture.
Waste Management
Waste Management
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency
Fuel Switching
Fuel Switching
Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy
Agri - Tech
Agri - Tech
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Investors Connect
1Enterprises enabling women to deploy efficient appliances, building upgrades, and agricultural systems that reduce energy use and costs.
Capacity Building Accelerator Program
3Support 100 SMEs through tailored technical assistance on business development, financial literacy, and scaling strategies, making them investment-ready.
Regional Collaboration
5Facilitate cross-border learning and cooperation among donors, investors, accelerators, and government partners to advance gender-responsive clean energy and low carbon technology financing.
Ecosystem Strengthening
2Build a supportive, gender-inclusive ecosystem for women-led SMEs in clean energy and low carbon technology through acceleration, mentorship, and market access.
Blended Finance Innovation
4$6 million catalytic capital blended finance facility for women-led and impact-focused clean energy and low carbon technology enterprises.
Investors Connect
1Enterprises enabling women to deploy efficient appliances, building upgrades, and agricultural systems that reduce energy use and costs.
Capacity Building Accelerator Program
3Support 100 SMEs through tailored technical assistance on business development, financial literacy, and scaling strategies, making them investment-ready.
Regional Collaboration
5Facilitate cross-border learning and cooperation among donors, investors, accelerators, and government partners to advance gender-responsive clean energy and low carbon technology financing.
Ecosystem Strengthening
2Build a supportive, gender-inclusive ecosystem for women-led SMEs in clean energy and low carbon technology through acceleration, mentorship, and market access.
Blended Finance Innovation
4$6 million catalytic capital blended finance facility for women-led and impact-focused clean energy and low carbon technology enterprises.
Investors Connect
1Enterprises enabling women to deploy efficient appliances, building upgrades, and agricultural systems that reduce energy use and costs.
Capacity Building Accelerator Program
3Support 100 SMEs through tailored technical assistance on business development, financial literacy, and scaling strategies, making them investment-ready.
Regional Collaboration
5Facilitate cross-border learning and cooperation among donors, investors, accelerators, and government partners to advance gender-responsive clean energy and low carbon technology financing.
Ecosystem Strengthening
2Build a supportive, gender-inclusive ecosystem for women-led SMEs in clean energy and low carbon technology through acceleration, mentorship, and market access.
Blended Finance Innovation
4$6 million catalytic capital blended finance facility for women-led and impact-focused clean energy and low carbon technology enterprises.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Strategic Guidance & Mentorship, workshop on
- Product Development and Refinement
- Team and Organisation Structure
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- Negotiation Skills: Understanding Stakeholders
- Pricing Strategy
- Branding & Marketing
- Operations Management: Supply Chain & Logistics
- Term Sheet & SHA Fundamentals
- Financial Modelling
- Valuation & Deal Structuring
Engage with regional stakeholders and support ecosystem
One-on-one sessions with leading mentors to make your SME investment ready
An opportunity for investment by Massive Earth Foundation determined on a case-by-case basis
Access to Partner Funds
Strategic Partnerships for the Accelerator Program
- Complimentary credits to all selected startups from Google Cloud, Microsoft and HubSpot
- Gain access to industry experts with specialized domain knowledge, tailored to meet your specific needs and provide dedicated support.
MENTORS
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
SUPPORTED BY
SAFFAL is supported by EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Programme (EmPower). Jointly implemented by UN Women and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with support from the Governments of Germany, New Zealand, Sweden and Switzerland, EmPower is dedicated to empowering women and marginalized groups to take the lead in building climate-resilient communities.
