Village Capital, in partnership with Sage Foundation, has launched the second year of the Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program, a multi-year initiative supporting early-stage entrepreneurs who are driving social, environmental, and economic impact. The 2026 program will empower a total of 165 startups across Europe and the United States, providing tailored mentorship, resources, and post-program support to accelerate their growth and scalability. About the Program The Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program focuses on cultivating a community of visionary entrepreneurs capable of creating systemic change through innovation, collaboration, and strategic action. The 2026 program will support 12 early-stage, under-resourced startups from Europe—including the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain—through the Annual Core Cohort. Participants will receive customised mentoring, access to Sage product support, grant funding, and specialised training to strengthen their capacity to scale solutions effectively. An additional 15 startups will join the Community Cohort, benefiting from a curated digital platform, asynchronous tools, and exposure through Village Capital’s website and social media channels. All participants will have access to two years of post-program support to sustain and expand their impact. Program Purpose and Problem Statement The initiative addresses urgent social and environmental challenges, particularly the escalating impacts of climate change in Europe. Since 1980, extreme weather, rising temperatures, and pollution have caused over 240,000 deaths and €730 billion in economic losses, with air pollution alone costing the EU an estimated €600 billion annually. Vulnerable communities face disproportionate risks, underscoring the urgent need for innovative, community-focused solutions. The program recognises that businesses play a critical role in driving sustainability and social equity. By leveraging entrepreneurial innovation and collaboration, startups can accelerate the adoption of environmentally responsible practices, reduce emissions, stimulate economic growth, create green jobs, and address systemic social challenges. Eligibility Criteria Eligible startups must: Be legally incorporated for profit, including B Corp-certified companies. Operate or be headquartered in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, or the UK, preferably near Sage offices in Newcastle, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Barcelona, or Lisbon. Provide market-based solutions within key verticals, including: Clean energy transition Biodiversity and nature-based solutions Smart mobility and sustainable infrastructure Sustainable supply chain and manufacturing Circular resource solutions Climate-resilient health and wellness Disaster-resilient housing and community planning Climate finance and insurance innovation Environmental justice and social equity Data analytics and climate intelligence Green and inclusive economy and job growth Sustainable agriculture and food systems Have a minimum viable product (MVP) and less than USD 1.5M in equity raised. Include at least one full-time founder based in Europe. Demonstrate meaningful customer or business validation, such as revenue, pilot studies, user engagement, or strategic partnerships. Startups are encouraged to apply even if all criteria are not fully met. Cohort placement (Core or Community) will be determined based on maturity stage and eligibility. Program Benefits Core Cohort: Advice: Participate in mock board meetings with potential investors, institutions, and corporate partners. Learning: Attend four interactive workshops to set early milestones and prepare for future capital raises. Financial Coaching: One-to-one sessions with investment analysts to refine financial models, understand unit economics, and improve investor readiness. Funding: Receive USD 10K in milestone grants, with additional USD 50K and USD 25K awards for top-ranked startups. Mentorship: Access mentorship from founders, strategic partners, and sustainability experts. Networking: Connect with prominent US investors and business leaders. Travel Stipend: Support for one team member to attend the Program Summit in London, UK. Product Support: Tailored Sage product assistance (details to be confirmed). Both Cohorts: Community Support: Access to a digital platform, asynchronous tools, and networking opportunities. Exposure: Visibility through Village Capital’s website and communications channels. Post-Program Support: Two years of guidance to enhance impact and scale solutions. Program Timeline Applications Open: 4 November 2025 Applications Close: 5 January 2026 Selection Period: January–February 2026 Cohort Announced: March 2026 Core Cohort Program Dates: Virtual Sprint Week (24–27 March), Virtual Workshops (April–May 2026), Program Summit (11–12 June, London, UK) Community Cohort Program Dates: Workshops TBC, culminating in the Program Summit About Village Capital and Sage Foundation Village Capital and Sage Foundation are committed to empowering early-stage entrepreneurs to scale solutions that drive measurable social and environmental change. Since the program’s first year, 56 entrepreneurs received mentorship and resources to grow their ventures. In 2026, the program will continue fostering innovation across Europe, the UK, and the US, providing founders with the tools, connections, and guidance needed to address pressing global challenges. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.