CleanStart supports low-income households and micro-entrepreneurs to jump-start their access to clean energy through microfinance. It encourages greater financing choices for poor people, supported by high-quality technologies and services, and enabling ecosystems for energy and financial service providers to achieve scale and impact.

The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is investing US$26m over six years (2012–17) in six countries in Asia and Africa to create a clean energy future for 2.5 million people.