Core Cohort - Advice
An invitation to participate in mock board meetings with representatives from relevant institutions, corporations, and investors that can help scale their solutions and startups.
Scaling Solutions for People and the Planet
A three-year initiative that will support 165 entrepreneurs across Southern Europe, the UK, and the US who are making a positive environmental, social, and economic impact in their communities.
The program will focus on fostering a community of visionary leaders who can drive systemic change through innovation and collaboration.
In partnership with Sage Foundation, each year, the program will support 12-13 early-stage and underrepresented startups based in the US through its Annual Core Cohort offering tailored mentoring, Sage’s product support, grants, and strategic training.
An additional 14-16 US-based formation-stage startups will join the Annual Community Cohort and have access to various resources, including a curated digital platform, asynchronous tools, and visibility through Village Capital’s website and social channels.
All participating startups will receive two years of post-program support to strengthen their impact and scale their solutions.
The Sage Impact Entrepreneurship program is dedicated to accelerating the growth of innovative startups that address the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time. Over the next three years, we aim to support entrepreneurs facing disproportionate barriers to growth and scale to multiply their positive impact.
Coming to the end of what will most likely be the hottest year on record, global temperatures are perilously close to surpassing the 1.5°C threshold that would limit the most extreme consequences of climate change and are projected to increase to 3.2°C above pre-industrial levels by 2030. The World Resources Institute warns that a 3-degree temperature increase could have dramatic consequences, expose 600 million people to flooding, and cut food production by half, with rural and lower-income communities likely to experience the most severe outcomes.
The need for global action on climate change is undeniable, and frontline solutions are urgently needed to address the effects of spiking climate calamities facing both specific communities as well as global ecosystems. Businesses have a crucial role in combating climate change and fostering social equity by leveraging their resources, innovation, and influence to drive systemic change. By collaborating with entrepreneurs and investing in innovative solutions, businesses can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across industries. These innovations not only reduce emissions but also stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the green economy.
Eligible startups must have:
Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity, including B Corp-certified companies.
Headquarters or operations in the US.
Market-based solutions that directly tackle the following verticals:
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
A minimum viable product (MVP) and have raised less than USD 1.5M in equity.
At least one full-time founder based in the US.
Meaningful customer or business validation (not limited to revenue, but can also be successful pilot studies, number of users, and/or strategic partnerships).
Note: Startups are encouraged to apply even if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. Applicants will be assessed based on their stage of maturity and the eligibility criteria to determine placement in either the Core or Community Cohort. All selected participants will be notified of their cohort placement upon selection.
An invitation to participate in mock board meetings with representatives from relevant institutions, corporations, and investors that can help scale their solutions and startups.
Four interactive workshops tailored to help their startup identify early milestones and prepare them for the next round of capital (if relevant).
Access to one-to-one coaching with an investment analyst focused on building a financial model, identifying unit economics, and using financial metrics to drive their business and investor diligence.
The top two Core Cohort peer-selected startups will receive USD 50K in grant capital, and the next two highest-ranked startups will receive USD 25K each from Sage Foundation to further scale their solutions. The remaining Core Cohort startups will receive USD 10K in grant capital for milestone support.
Ability to meet with and receive mentorship from potential strategic partners, customers, and other founders, as well as mentors and founders within the climate and sustainability space.
Ability to network and receive mentorship from prominent US investors and business leaders.
Startups will receive a stipend to cover travel-related expenses for one team member associated with the Program Summit in Atlanta, GA, US.
Join a community of support and a suite of investment-readiness resources, including a curated digital platform, asynchronous tools, and visibility through Village Capital’s website and social channels.
The Core and Community cohorts will benefit from exposure to Village Capital’s program website and other communications collateral.
All participating startups will receive two years of post-program support to enhance their impact and scale their solutions.
Virtual Sprint Week: March 10-13, 2025
Virtual Workshop 1: April 1-3, 2025
Virtual Workshop 2: April 29-May 1, 2025
Virtual Workshop 3: May 20-22, 2025
In-Person Program Summit: June 3-5, 2025
Virtual Workshop 1: March 18, 2025
Virtual Workshop 2: April 8, 2025
Virtual Workshop 3: May 6, 2025
Virtual Workshop 4: June 10, 2025