As demand for purpose-driven entrepreneurship continues to rise, Sage and Village Capital have announced the second cohort of startups joining the Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program—an initiative aimed at helping early-stage ventures scale solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges.
The announcement reflects a broader shift in the startup ecosystem, where founders are increasingly focused not only on growth, but on measurable impact. Applications to the program increased by 85% year-over-year, highlighting growing demand for structured support, access to capital, and strategic guidance among early-stage entrepreneurs.
Supporting Scale in Impact Innovation
Now in its second year, the program—powered by Sage Foundation—has expanded globally, supporting 111 ventures across regions including the U.S. and Europe, with a long-term goal of backing 165 high-impact startups.
The initiative is designed to address a common challenge in impact entrepreneurship: moving from innovation to scalable execution. While many startups are developing solutions in areas such as climate resilience, water access, and sustainable production, scaling those solutions often requires access to networks, mentorship, and capital pathways that remain difficult to navigate.
Among the selected startups in the U.S. cohort are companies such as PureNanoTech, WattAir, and AquaOrganix, focusing on water access, climate resilience, and sustainable production, highlighting the program’s focus on practical, scalable solutions to environmental challenges.
Expanding Access for Underrepresented Founders
A notable aspect of this year’s cohort is the representation of underrepresented founders, with 65% of participating startups being women-led. This reflects a growing effort across the ecosystem to create more accessible pathways for entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers to funding and visibility.
For many participants, the program arrives at a critical stage of growth. Early-stage companies often require validation, mentorship, and investor readiness support to transition from pilot projects to broader market deployment.
Beyond Tools: Building Ecosystems for Growth
The program combines tailored mentoring, grant support, product access, and strategic training through its Core Cohort, alongside broader visibility and digital resources through its Community Cohort. All participating startups also receive two years of post-program support—an increasingly important factor in ensuring long-term impact.
“Through our partnership with Village Capital, we’re proud to help these entrepreneurs scale solutions that drive meaningful change,” said Helen Devanny, Vice President of Sage Foundation, highlighting the role of collaboration in extending the reach of innovation.
A Broader Shift in Entrepreneurship
The expansion of the Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program points to a wider transformation in how entrepreneurship is being defined and supported. As global challenges—from climate change to resource scarcity—become more urgent, the focus is shifting toward ventures that can combine innovation with measurable, long-term outcomes.
In this context, programs that provide not only funding but also infrastructure, mentorship, and ecosystem support are becoming critical enablers of growth.
As the initiative continues to scale, it reflects a broader trend: entrepreneurship is no longer just about building businesses—it is increasingly about building solutions that can operate at scale while addressing complex, systemic challenges.
ERP News Editorial Team
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