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Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program

Supporting European startups with positive environmental, social, and economic impact.

Organizer: Sage Foundation
Deadline: January 5, 2026 (in 6 days)
Categories: Accelerator, Funding , Training & Learning
Countries: France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom
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Now in its second year, the Sage Impact Entrepreneurship program is a multi-year initiative designed to support 165 entrepreneurs across Europe and the US who are creating positive environmental, social, and economic impact. In partnership with the Sage Foundation, this year's program will assist 12 early-stage, under-resourced startups in Europe through its Core Cohort, providing tailored mentoring, Sage product support, grants, and strategic training. An additional 15 startups will join the Community Cohort, gaining access to a curated digital platform, asynchronous tools, and visibility. The program is centered on building a community of visionary leaders equipped to drive systemic change through innovation and collaboration, with all participants receiving two years of post-program support to help scale their solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Legal Structure: Must be a legally incorporated for-profit entity, which can include B Corp-certified companies.
  • Geographic Location: Headquartered or operating in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, or the UK. Preference is given to companies near Sage’s offices in Newcastle, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Barcelona, or Lisbon.
  • Market-Based Solutions: Must directly address one of 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; or Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.
  • Development Stage: Must have a minimum viable product (MVP) and have raised less than USD 1.5M in equity.
  • Team Composition: At least one full-time founder must be based in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, or the UK.
  • Business Validation: Must demonstrate meaningful customer or business validation through revenue, successful pilot studies, user numbers, or strategic partnerships.
  • Note: Startups are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet all requirements. Applicants will be assessed to determine placement in either the Core or Community Cohort, and all selected participants will be notified of their placement upon selection.

Benefits for Startups

  • Core Cohort - Advice: Invitation to participate in mock board meetings with representatives from relevant institutions, corporations, and investors.
  • Core Cohort - Continued Learning: Four interactive workshops designed to help startups identify early milestones and prepare for future capital rounds.
  • Core Cohort - Financial Analysis: Access to one-on-one coaching with an investment analyst to build a financial model, identify unit economics, and use financial metrics for business growth.
  • Core Cohort - Funding: A USD 10K grant for milestone support will be provided to all Core Cohort startups. Additionally, two peer-selected startups will receive further grant capital of USD 50K for the top-ranked and USD 25K for the second-ranked startup.
  • Core Cohort - Mentorship: Opportunities to meet with and receive mentorship from potential strategic partners, customers, fellow founders, and mentors in the climate and sustainability space.
  • Core Cohort - Networking: Ability to network with and receive mentorship from prominent US investors and business leaders.
  • Core Cohort - Travel Stipend: A stipend to cover travel-related expenses for one team member to attend the Program Summit in London, UK.
  • Core Cohort - Sage Product Support: Access to Sage products at no cost or at discounted prices to help manage back-office complexities.
  • Both Cohorts - Community Support: Membership in a supportive community with access to investment-readiness resources, including a curated digital platform and asynchronous tools.
  • Both Cohorts - Exposure: Visibility through Village Capital’s program website, social channels, and other communications collateral.
  • Both Cohorts - Post-Program Support: All participating startups will receive two years of post-program support to strengthen their impact and scale their solutions.

Program Timeline

  • Applications Open: November 4, 2025
  • Applications Close: January 5, 2026
  • Selection Period: January - February, 2026
  • Cohort Announced: March 2026
  • Core Cohort Program Dates: March-June, 2026, including Virtual Sprint Week (March 24-27), Virtual Workshop 1 (April 14-16), Virtual Workshop 2 (May 5-7), and Virtual Workshop 3 (May 26-28).
  • Community Cohort Program Dates: Four virtual workshops with dates to be confirmed for 2026.
  • In-Person Program Summit: June 11-12, 2026, in London, UK.

This initiative offers a structured pathway for impact-driven entrepreneurs to refine their business models, secure strategic support, and scale their solutions. Through a combination of expert-led training, mentorship, and financial grants, the program equips founders with the necessary tools and networks to address critical environmental and social challenges while fostering sustainable economic growth.