Vital Voices (VV) Innovation Fund AI for Impact 2026: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for Social Change – Applications Open

Application Deadline: May 21, 2026

About Vital Voices Global Partnership and the VV Venture – AI for Impact Program
For more than 28 years, investment in women leaders solving the world’s greatest challenges has been carried out by Vital Voices Global Partnership. “Venture catalysts” is what we are called identifying those with a bold vision for change and partnering with them to make that vision a reality. Their impact is scaled and accelerated by us through long-term investments to expand the skills, connections, capacity, and visibility of women leaders. Early support was provided by Vital Voices for leaders who went on to become Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, U.S. Youth Poet Laureates, prime ministers, and breakthrough social entrepreneurs. Since its founding in 1997, direct support has been given by Vital Voices to more than 49,000 women change makers across 195 countries, and the most powerful global network of women leaders who are daring to reimagine a more equitable world for all has been built. To learn more about our work, a visit to our website here can be made.

Program Overview
A 6-month virtual global program is offered by the VV Venture – AI for Impact Program for women purpose-driven entrepreneurs, aimed at advancing their leadership and AI knowledge.

What You Will Gain:
By taking part in the program, the following benefits are gained by participants:

• Leadership Growth: Completion of the Vital Voices Leadership Journey curriculum will be achieved by participants, which is based on learnings gathered from over 25 years of work with leaders from across the world.
• AI Learning: Confidence in understanding AI and in applying practical tools to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and improve decision-making will be built.
• A Global Peer Network: A global cohort of 35 women social entrepreneurs will be joined a lasting community founded on shared learning and collaboration. After completion of the program, the Vital Voices Global Network of 49,000 women change makers across 195 countries will also be joined by participants.

Learning Journey Overview: From July through December 2026, the 6-month program runs, with bi-weekly virtual sessions held, each lasting between 90–120 minutes, typically on weekday mornings at US EST.

Two phases are included in the program:

Phase 1: Vital Voices Leadership Journey (VVLJ) (July – September)
At the start of the program, engagement in the Vital Voices Leadership Journey is undertaken by participants  an immersive experience centered around VVLJ’s five core leadership practices. Through dynamic sessions, deepening of leadership skills is done by participants, participation in small-group discussions is carried out, and insights from guest speakers across the Vital Voices global network are gained.

Phase 2: AI Integration & Application (October – December)
Beginning in October, a shift into hands-on AI learning is made by the program, alternating between AI Workshops and Makers Space sessions. Expert-led training focused on decision-making, operational efficiency, and customer engagement is provided by the Workshops. Complementing this, dedicated time to apply these tools within their own ventures is offered by the Makers Space to participants  encouraging experimentation, peer collaboration, and practical learning through discussions and sessions with cohort members and guest speakers.

Eligibility Criteria:
For consideration to be given to applicants, all of the following requirements must be met:

• Age: 18 years old by June 2026
• Gender Identity: identifies as a woman
• Language: Proficiency in English is required
• Program History: Not currently participating in, or having recently graduated from, another Vital Voices leadership program within the past year.
• Stage of Business: A registered, for-profit purpose-driven business with a minimum of 5 years of consistent operations and demonstrated market traction must be operated.
• Social Impact Mission: A for-profit venture that integrates social impact into its core mission must be owned and led addressing community needs, environmental sustainability, economic inclusion, or other pressing societal challenges.
• Leadership Role: Service as a key decision-maker within the business (e.g., founder, co-founder, CEO, or executive leader) is required, with the authority to implement strategic changes and drive innovation.
• No technical background is required.

Application Instructions

Approximately 30 minutes will be required to complete this application. At any time, your answers can be saved and a return to the application can be made. To do this, the “Save and Continue Later” box that appears at the top right corner of the application in each section should be clicked, and your email address must be provided. An email with a personal link that can be used to return to your application will then be received by you. In order to help you prepare for filling out the application, a PDF version of the application questions can be viewed. The VV Venture Questions can be viewed HERE, and more information about the program can be found on our website. Lastly, a required 2-minute video submission at the end of the application will be needed. The questions and instructions listed in the attached PDFs can be found there. By the person applying for the program, the application must be completed, and in English it must be completed. If selected, please note that your invitation is NON-TRANSFERABLE and may not be transferred to another owner or employee of the business or organization. Only the selected applicant is eligible to participate. Please note that the use of AI can be utilized to enhance efficiency in drafting and refining application responses; however, its use must be guided by ethical principles to ensure the integrity of the responses and must avoid any falsification or misleading information. Our full AI policy can be reviewed here. If any questions or challenges with the application are experienced, please send an email to VVVenture@vitalvoices.org with the subject line: 2026 VV Venture Application.

Organization/business and personal information is required to be shared by this application. Only by Vital Voices Global Partnership staff, trainers, and our funders for the purpose of evaluating your application, program design, and program reporting will the information you share be used. As confidential, any information shared will be treated, and in a secure database it will be stored. Providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our network and ensuring that program selection criteria is based on individuals’ abilities and qualifications is a commitment held by Vital Voices. Fresh ideas, thinking, and approaches are brought by women from different backgrounds, which makes the way work is conducted more effective and efficient. Consistent with this principle, it is therefore Vital Voices’ policy not to directly or indirectly discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or pregnancy/maternity. Engagement with women leaders across sectors who are substantially in line with this non-discrimination policy is sought by Vital Voices.

What Defines a Strong Applicant:

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

Program Expectations
By participants, the following commitments are expected to be made:

• Attendance at all virtual sessions from July 2026 to December 2026. Approximately 5–7 hours per month across sessions and exercises should be dedicated by participants. A detailed syllabus outlining dates, times, and topics will be received by selected participants.
• Completion of a needs assessment pre-program and 4 impact surveys including a mid and post-program, 12-month, and a 24-month survey.
• Global Engagement: Openness to peer learning and cross-cultural collaboration is required, as well as willingness and interest in engaging with a global network of women entrepreneurs.
• By June 30, 2026, all applicants will be notified about final decisions. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the Vital Voices (VV) Venture – AI for Impact Program