Sage Impact Entrepreneurship: Scaling Solutions for People and the Planet 2026

About the Program

The program focuses on fostering a community of visionary leaders who can drive systemic change through innovation and collaboration.  

In partnership with Sage Foundation, this year's program will support 12-13 early-stage and under-resourced 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 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.

Problem Statement

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. Following the success of the first year of the program, we aim to continue supporting entrepreneurs at the intersection of sustainability and impact to scale their solutions over the next two years.

2024 was the hottest year on record and the first time global temperatures rose more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the threshold set by the Paris Agreement. They are projected to increase to 3.2°C above pre-industrial levels by 2030, and the World Resources Institute warns that a 3-degree temperature increase could have dramatic consequences, exposing 600 million people to flooding and cutting food production in 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 escalating climate calamities facing both specific communities and 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 purpose-led 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.

Who Should Apply?

Eligible startups must have: 

• Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity, including,  but not limited to, 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

  • Green and Inclusive Economy and Job Growth

  • Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems  

• 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.