Deadline Date: January 05, 2026
us on fostering a community of visionary leaders who can drive systemic change through innovation and collaboration.
The focus areas of the program are 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, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.
At the conclusion of the program, the top two Core Cohort peer-selected startups will receive USD 50,000 in grant capital, while the next two highest-ranked startups will receive USD 25,000 each from Sage Foundation to further scale their solutions. The remaining Core Cohort participants will each receive USD 10,000 in grant capital to support operational development and sustainability.
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. Eligible startups must be legally incorporated as a for-profit entity, including but not limited to B Corp-certified companies, and must have headquarters or operations in the United States.
Applicants should present market-based solutions addressing the identified verticals and must have a minimum viable product (MVP), having raised less than USD 1.5 million in equity. Each startup must include at least one full-time founder based in the US and demonstrate meaningful customer or business validation, which may include revenue, successful pilot studies, user traction, or strategic partnerships.
For more information, visit Village Capital.
