The urgency of climate change, social inequities, and environmental degradation has never been more pronounced. Addressing these challenges requires innovative, scalable solutions driven by visionary entrepreneurs committed to creating positive social, ecological, and economic impact.

In response to this need, Village Capital, in partnership with the Sage Foundation, proudly presents the Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program 2026—a multi-year initiative designed to empower early-stage startups across Europe, the UK, and the United States. This program provides mentorship, strategic training, grant funding, and global exposure to startups tackling society’s most pressing challenges.

By fostering a community of purpose-driven entrepreneurs and equipping them with the tools to scale, the program aims to accelerate systemic change and enable sustainable, measurable impact across multiple sectors.

Program Overview

The Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program is structured around two cohorts:

1. Core Cohort: Selected early-stage startups receive intensive, tailored support, including one-on-one mentorship, access to Sage’s products, interactive workshops, and grant funding to accelerate growth.
2. Community Cohort: Additional startups participate in a digital, flexible learning environment, accessing curated resources, networking opportunities, and ongoing support while benefiting from visibility through Village Capital’s platforms.

All participating startups receive two years of post-program support, providing continuity, access to resources, and guidance to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Urgent Problem: Why This Program Matters

Environmental and Climate Challenges

Across Europe and the United States, climate change has had profound economic, social, and environmental consequences. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and pollution threaten livelihoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

• Europe: Since 1980, climate-related events have caused over 240,000 deaths and €730 billion in damages. Air pollution alone costs an estimated €600 billion annually, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
• United States: 2024 was the hottest year on record, exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Projected temperature increases of 3.2°C by 2030 could expose 600 million people to flooding and halve food production, with rural and lower-income communities facing the most severe impacts.

Social and Economic Inequities

Environmental crises often exacerbate social and economic inequities. Startups that integrate sustainability and equity can drive systemic change, create jobs, and strengthen community resilience. By supporting these ventures, the program promotes inclusive growth and empowers entrepreneurs to build scalable, measurable solutions that benefit society and the planet.

Who Should Apply

The program is designed for early-stage startups with a minimum viable product (MVP), demonstrating innovation, market validation, and growth potential.

Common Eligibility Criteria

• Legal Structure: For-profit entities, including B Corp-certified companies.
• Impact Focus: Solutions addressing at least one of the following verticals:
  • Clean Energy Transition
  • Biodiversity & Nature-Based Solutions
  • Smart Mobility & Sustainable Infrastructure
  • Sustainable Supply Chain & Manufacturing
  • Circular Resource Solutions
  • Climate-Resilient Health & Wellness
  • Disaster-Resilient Housing & Community Planning
  • Climate Finance & Insurance Innovation
  • Environmental Justice & Social Equity
  • Data Analytics & Climate Intelligence
  • Green & Inclusive Economy and Job Growth
  • Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
• Stage: MVP developed and raised less than USD 1.5M in equity.
• Team: At least one full-time founder located in the program’s eligible region.
• Validation: Demonstrated traction with customers, pilot studies, users, or strategic partnerships.

Startups that do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply. Cohort placement (Core or Community) is determined based on stage, potential impact, and alignment with program objectives.

Differentiated Programs: Europe & UK vs the United States

Sage Impact Entrepreneurship: Europe & UK

• Target Locations: UK, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain
• Core Cohort Size: 12 early-stage startups
• Community Cohort Size: 15 startups
• Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
• Program Dates:
  • Virtual Sprint Week: March 24–27, 2026
  • Virtual Workshops: April 14–16, May 5–7, May 26–28, 2026
  • In-Person Program Summit: June 11–12, 2026, London, UK
• Apply Here: Europe & UK Application

This program emphasizes regional collaboration and engagement with local ecosystems, including corporate partners, investors, and mentors from across Europe. Participants will explore sustainable solutions tailored to European market dynamics while benefiting from global exposure.

Sage Impact Entrepreneurship: United States

• Target Locations: Across the United States
• Core Cohort Size: 12–13 early-stage startups
• Community Cohort Size: 14–16 startups
• Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
• Program Dates:
  • Virtual Sprint Week: March 24–27, 2026
  • Virtual Workshops: April 14–16, May 5–7, May 26–28, 2026
  • In-Person Program Summit: June 8–9, 2026, Location TBC
• Apply Here: US Application

The U.S. program focuses on national and global sustainability challenges, leveraging innovation hubs, corporate networks, and mentorship opportunities to accelerate impact-driven solutions. Startups gain insights into regulatory frameworks, market trends, and investment readiness within the U.S. context.

Program Benefits

Core Cohort

1. Mentorship & Strategic Guidance
   • Engage with industry leaders, investors, and potential partners in mock board meetings.
   • One-on-one mentorship sessions to refine business models, financial planning, and growth strategy.
2. Capacity-Building Workshops
   • Four interactive workshops to set milestones, prepare for capital raising, and optimize operational strategy.
3. Financial & Investment Support
   • Access to financial coaching and analysis for business modeling, unit economics, and investor diligence.
   • Grant funding: USD 10,000 per startup; top peer-selected startups receive USD 50,000 and USD 25,000, respectively.
4. Networking Opportunities
   • Connect with investors, corporate partners, founders, and mentors across sustainability sectors.
5. Travel Stipends
   • Funding to attend the in-person Program Summit.
6. Product Support
   • Access to Sage’s products to enhance operational efficiency and growth (details forthcoming).

Community Cohort

• Access to a curated digital platform with asynchronous tools.
• Visibility through Village Capital’s network and communications channels.
• Two years of post-program support for scaling impact.

Both cohorts gain lifelong access to Village Capital’s alumni network, fostering collaboration, learning, and global exposure.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, startups will:

• Enhance leadership, operational, and financial skills.
• Develop strategies to scale sustainable and equitable solutions.
• Access global networks of investors, partners, and mentors.
• Join a community of high-impact entrepreneurs driving systemic change.

By combining practical tools, mentorship, and exposure, the program ensures participants are equipped to achieve long-term measurable impact.

Strategic Partners

• Village Capital – Expertise in venture acceleration and impact investing
• Sage Foundation – Championing purpose-driven entrepreneurship
• Corporate and institutional partners providing mentorship, funding, and operational guidance

These partnerships enable the program to provide a holistic ecosystem for startup growth and sustainability impact.

Application Process

Startups are encouraged to apply via the respective regional application portals:

• Europe & UK: Apply Here
• United States: Apply Here

Application Deadline for Both Regions: January 5, 2026

Selection will be based on startup potential, stage, and alignment with program objectives, with cohort placement communicated upon acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the goal of the program?
To accelerate early-stage startups providing innovative solutions to urgent environmental and social challenges.

2. Do participants need to relocate?
No. The program is primarily virtual; in-person attendance is required only for the Program Summit.

3. Is equity taken by the program?
No. Startups retain full ownership.

4. How are cohorts determined?
Placement in Core or Community Cohorts is based on startup maturity, impact potential, and alignment with program objectives.

Conclusion

The Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program 2026 is an unparalleled opportunity for early-stage startups to gain mentorship, strategic guidance, funding, and global exposure. By joining the program, entrepreneurs are empowered to create measurable environmental, social, and economic impact, scale innovative solutions, and join a network of purpose-driven leaders worldwide.

Startups across Europe, the UK, and the United States are encouraged to apply before January 5, 2026, and take the next step toward driving sustainable change.

For more opportunities, visit: opportunitiesforwomen.org/