Deadline: May 21, 2026
Applications are open for the VV Venture – AI for Impact Program 2026. The Vital Voices (VV) Venture – AI for Impact Program is a 6-month virtual global program (July–December 2026) designed for women purpose-driven entrepreneurs to advance their leadership and AI knowledge.
Participants gain access to the Vital Voices Leadership Journey curriculum — built on 25+ years of global leadership experience — alongside practical AI training to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and improve decision-making. They also join a cohort of 35 women social entrepreneurs and, upon completion, the broader Vital Voices Global Network of 49,000 changemakers across 195 countries.
Learning Journey Overview
The 6-month program runs from July through December 2026, meeting bi-weekly in virtual sessions that last between 90-120 minutes each, typically on weekday mornings at US EST.
The program unfolds in two phases:
- Phase 1: Vital Voices Leadership Journey (VVLJ) (July – September) At the start of the program, participants will engage in the Vital Voices Leadership Journey, an immersive experience centered on VVLJ’s five core leadership practices. Through dynamic sessions, participants will deepen their leadership skills, participate in small-group discussions and gain insights from guest speakers across the Vital Voices global network.
- Phase 2: AI Integration & Application (October – December) Beginning in October, the program shifts into hands-on AI learning, alternating between AI Workshops and Makers Space sessions. The Workshops provide expert-led training focused on decision-making, operational efficiency, and customer engagement. Complementing this, the Makers Space offers participants dedicated time to apply these tools within their own ventures—encouraging experimentation, peer collaboration, and practical learning through discussions and sessions with cohort members and guest speakers.
Benefits
Through participation in the program, participants will gain:
- Leadership Growth— Participants will complete the Vital Voices Leadership Journey curriculum, based on learnings from over 25 years of working with leaders from across the world.
- AI Learning — Build confidence in understanding AI and applying practical tools to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and improve decision-making.
- A Global Peer Network — Join a global cohort of 35 women social entrepreneurs — a lasting community built on shared learning, and collaboration. After program completion, participants will also join the Vital Voices Global Network of 49,000 women change makers across 195 countries.
Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Age: 18 years old by June 2026
- Gender Identity: identifies as a woman
- Language: Proficient in English
- Program History: Not currently participating in or have recently graduated from another Vital Voices leadership program within the past year.
- Stage of Business: Operates a registered, for-profit purpose-driven business with a minimum of 5 years of consistent operations and demonstrated market traction.
- Social Impact Mission: Owns and leads a for-profit venture that integrates social impact into its core mission—addressing community needs, environmental sustainability, economic inclusion, or other pressing societal challenges.
- Leadership Role: Serve as a key decision-maker within the business (e.g., founder, co-founder, CEO, or executive leader), with the authority to implement strategic changes and drive innovation.
- No technical background is required.
Application
All applicants will be notified about final decisions by June 30, 2026. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
For more information, visit VV Venture – AI for Impact Program.
