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The IAP approach
Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) is a challenge fund that provides grants and technical support to innovative inclusive businesses that deliver sustainable solutions for people living in poverty. The programme offers:
Financial Support
IAP supports private companies with funding between €50,000-€200,000 to scale inclusive business models that directly benefit low-income communities.
Investment Readiness Support
IAP provides investment readiness and intermediation support to facilitate investor connections.
Ecosystem Strengthening
IAP supports the development of stronger inclusive business ecosystems through local capacity building and network development. The programme trains business development providers and connects ecosystem players to create lasting support for inclusive businesses.
IAP impact by 2017-2023
39 companies
supported
2 million
people with improved access to basic goods and services
700,000
people with increased income or cost savings
€54.5 million
additional funding leveraged
€22.4 million
in increased sales revenue
92%
of customers with improved quality of life
83%
of customers reported access to a particular product or service for the first time
Themes explored to date
Clean energy
Clean energy at household and community, including improved & clean cooking
Climate Action
Climate change adaptation and mitigation
Food Security
Enhanced food security, nutrition, and (regenerative) agriculture
Empowerment
Women or Youth entrepreneurship and economic empowerment
Water
Water, or water, sanitation, and/or hygiene (including waste management)
Inclusion
Businesses in the outlined themes that have an element of financial inclusion or digitalization
IAP stories and insights
What happens after the grant ends?
What happens to inclusive businesses after grant support ends? A new long-term learning study followed 26 IAP-supported businesses two to six years after funding ended and found that most continue to operate, grow, and attract additional investment. The study highlights the importance of adaptability, technical assistance, and investment readiness in achieving long-term business success and impact.
More than the money: How IAP builds technical assistance around what companies actually need
Technical assistance is most effective when it is designed around the real needs of businesses rather than a standard package of services. Through structured assessments, field engagement, and ongoing collaboration, IAP tailors advisory support to help companies strengthen governance, improve operations, enhance market competitiveness, and become more investment-ready. The programme’s experience shows that flexibility, trust, and strong business foundations are key to creating sustainable growth and long-term impact.
From Grant to Growth: How Impact Finance is Transforming Farmers’ Lives
SOGE and HUSK are two Cambodian inclusive businesses that are helping farmers address irrigation challenges and soil degradation through innovative, climate-smart solutions. With early-stage grant funding and technical support from Innovations Against Poverty (IAP), both companies strengthened and scaled their business models. As they matured, the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) helped them become investment-ready, enabling further growth and attracting private investment. Together, these interventions demonstrate how the right support at the right time can help inclusive businesses scale their impact and improve the
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