VV Venture – AI for Impact Program 2026 For Purpose-driven Women Entrepreneurs

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Applications are open for VV Venture – AI for Impact Program 2026. The 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 2 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.

VV Venture – AI for Impact Program 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.

What Defines a Strong Applicant:

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.

VV Venture – AI for Impact 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.