Why the Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program 2026 Is Your Best Opportunity to Scale Climate and Social Impact Solutions

About the Program

The Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program is a transformative multi-year initiative created by Village Capital in partnership with the Sage Foundation. Launched to address the urgent challenges of climate change, social inequities, and environmental degradation, the sage impact entrepreneurship program empowers early-stage startups across Europe, the UK, and the United States.

Over three years, the sage impact entrepreneurship program will support 165 purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are developing innovative, scalable solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. The program fosters a community of visionary leaders committed to accelerating systemic change and delivering measurable impact across multiple sectors.

What sets the sage impact entrepreneurship program apart is its commitment to long-term success: all participating startups receive two years of post-program support, ensuring continuity, sustained access to resources, and the foundation for lasting impact.

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Eligibility Requirements

The sage impact entrepreneurship program seeks early-stage startups with a developed minimum viable product (MVP) that demonstrate innovation, market validation, and significant growth potential. Even if you don’t meet all criteria, you’re encouraged to apply.

Core Eligibility Criteria

Legal Structure: Your startup must be a for-profit entity, including B Corp-certified companies.

Stage & Funding: You must have developed an MVP and raised less than USD 1.5 million in equity funding.

Team Location: At least one full-time founder must be located in an eligible region—the UK, Europe, or the United States.

Market Validation: Your startup must demonstrate meaningful customer or business validation through revenue, pilot studies, user numbers, or strategic partnerships.

Impact Focus Areas

The sage impact entrepreneurship program supports solutions addressing at least one of these 12 market-based 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

Geographic Requirements

Europe & UK: Priority locations include the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain, with preference for companies near Sage offices in Newcastle, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Barcelona, or Lisbon.

United States: The sage impact entrepreneurship program accepts applications from startups across all U.S. states.

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Benefits

The sage impact entrepreneurship program provides comprehensive support through financial resources, strategic guidance, and powerful networking opportunities.

Financial Support (Core Cohort)

Participants in the sage impact entrepreneurship program’s Core Cohort receive substantial financial backing without sacrificing equity:

• USD 10,000 base grant for all Core Cohort startups to support milestone achievement
• USD 50,000 additional grant for the top peer-selected startup
• USD 25,000 additional grant for the second-ranked startup
• One-on-one financial coaching focused on refining business models, unit economics, and investor readiness
• Zero equity taken—founders retain complete ownership of their companies

Mentorship and Strategic Guidance

The sage impact entrepreneurship program connects you with experienced professionals who understand your journey:

• Mock board meetings with industry leaders, investors, and potential partners
• Personalized one-on-one mentorship to refine business models and growth strategies
• Four interactive capacity-building workshops designed for early-stage founders
• Guidance on identifying critical milestones and preparing for capital raises

Networking and Exposure

Both Core and Community Cohorts benefit from the sage impact entrepreneurship program’s extensive network:

• Direct connections with investors, corporate partners, and mentors in the climate and sustainability ecosystem
• Complimentary access to Sage’s products to enhance operational efficiency
• Lifelong membership in Village Capital’s global alumni network
• Visibility through Village Capital’s communication channels and platforms
• Travel stipend for Core Cohort participants to attend the in-person Program Summit

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Application Guidelines

Application Deadline

The sage impact entrepreneurship program has a unified deadline for all regions:

Application Deadline: January 5, 2026

This deadline applies to both the Europe & UK track and the United States track.

Selection Process

The sage impact entrepreneurship program evaluates applications based on:

• Startup potential and scalability
• Current development stage and traction
• Alignment with program objectives and impact focus areas
• Cohort placement (Core or Community) is determined and communicated upon acceptance

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Required Documents

To complete your application to the sage impact entrepreneurship program, prepare the following information:

• Company registration details and legal structure documentation
• MVP description and current product development stage
• Funding history (total equity raised to date)
• Evidence of market validation (revenue data, pilot results, user metrics, or partnership agreements)
• Founder team information, including location and full-time commitment status
• Clear articulation of how your solution addresses one or more of the 12 impact focus areas

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Program Structure and Duration

The sage impact entrepreneurship program operates through two distinct cohorts designed to meet entrepreneurs at their specific stage:

Core Cohort

Selected early-stage startups in the sage impact entrepreneurship program’s Core Cohort receive the most intensive support, including:

• Tailored one-on-one mentorship
• Access to Sage’s product suite
• Interactive workshops and capacity-building sessions
• Grant funding (USD 10,000 base, with additional grants available)
• Travel stipend for in-person Summit attendance

Community Cohort

The sage impact entrepreneurship program’s Community Cohort provides additional startups with:

• Digital, flexible learning environment
• Curated resources and educational materials
• Networking opportunities with program participants and alumni
• Visibility through Village Capital’s platforms

Post-Program Support

Regardless of cohort, all sage impact entrepreneurship program participants receive two years of continued support after the initial program period, including ongoing access to resources, mentorship, and the alumni network.

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Why You Should Apply

Retain Full Ownership

Unlike many accelerators, the sage impact entrepreneurship program does not take equity. You maintain complete control of your company while accessing premium resources and funding.

Access Proven Expertise

Village Capital and the Sage Foundation bring decades of combined experience supporting impact-driven startups. The sage impact entrepreneurship program’s peer-selection model and structured approach have helped hundreds of companies scale successfully.

Join a Global Movement

By participating in the sage impact entrepreneurship program, you become part of a worldwide community of entrepreneurs committed to solving climate and social challenges. This network provides lasting value through partnerships, collaborations, and shared learning.

Accelerate Your Impact

With financial support, strategic guidance, and access to corporate resources, the sage impact entrepreneurship program compresses years of growth into months, helping you achieve meaningful impact faster.

Build Investor Readiness

The sage impact entrepreneurship program’s financial coaching and workshop curriculum are specifically designed to prepare you for future fundraising rounds, with particular focus on investor diligence and sustainable business models.

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How to Apply

Applying to the sage impact entrepreneurship program is straightforward:

Step 1: Review Requirements

Carefully review the eligibility criteria to ensure your startup meets the key requirements, particularly regarding MVP development, funding cap (less than USD 1.5 million in equity), and regional location.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Portal

Select the appropriate regional portal for the sage impact entrepreneurship program:

• Europe & UK Application Portal for startups based in the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, or Spain
• US Application Portal for startups based anywhere in the United States

Step 3: Complete Your Application

Provide comprehensive information about your startup, team, impact focus, and market validation. Be specific about how your solution addresses the program’s focus areas.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Ensure your application to the sage impact entrepreneurship program is submitted by January 5, 2026. Late applications cannot be considered.

Step 5: Await Selection Notification

The sage impact entrepreneurship program team will review all applications and notify selected participants of their acceptance and cohort placement.

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Ready to Scale Your Impact?

The sage impact entrepreneurship program represents a unique opportunity to accelerate your climate or social impact startup with comprehensive support, zero equity dilution, and connection to a global community of changemakers.

With the application deadline of January 5, 2026 approaching, now is the time to prepare your application and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.

Apply today and join the sage impact entrepreneurship program—where visionary founders turn innovative solutions into lasting global impact.

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

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