VV Venture - 2026 Application

Program Overview
The VV Venture – AI for Impact Program is a 6-month virtual global program for women purpose-driven entrepreneurs to advance their leadership and AI knowledge.

What You Will Gain: 
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. 

Learning Journey Overview:

• 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. 

Eligibility Criteria:
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. 

• A solid business foundation (minimum 5 years in operation) with a commitment to strengthen venture. 
• A purpose-driven, for-profit enterprise that delivers measurable social and environmental impact directly through its products and services. 
• Demonstrated leadership commitment to making a positive impact and a desire to pay it forward.
• A clear interest and intention to leverage AI and digital tools to strengthen operations, enhance customer engagement, or improve decision-making.  

Program Expectations
Participants are expected to commit to the following: 

• Attend all virtual sessions from July 2026 to December 2026. Participants can expect to dedicate approximately 5-7 hours per month across sessions and exercises. Selected participants will receive a detailed syllabus outlining dates, times, and topics.
• Complete needs assessment pre-program and 4 impact surveys including a mid and post-program, 12-month, and a 24-month survey.
• Global Engagement: Be open to peer learning and cross-cultural collaboration, and willing and interested in engaging with a global network of women entrepreneurs.