VV Venture: AI for Impact is the social entrepreneurship track of the Vital Voices Global Fellowship, run by Vital Voices Global Partnership. The 2026 edition is a six-month, fully virtual program running from July to December 2026 for 35 women entrepreneurs drawn from 29 countries. The first phase, July through September, works through the Vital Voices Leadership Journey curriculum in live sessions, small-group discussions, and guest talks.
The second phase, October through December, turns to applied artificial intelligence, alternating expert-led AI workshops with Makers Space sessions on ethical AI integration, operational efficiency, customer engagement, and decision-making. FedEx Corp. is the program’s primary financial supporter. Fellows who finish join the wider Vital Voices network of more than 49,000 changemakers in 195 countries.
Benefits & funding
- Six months of programming at no cost to participants; Vital Voices covers all program costs.
- The Vital Voices Leadership Journey curriculum, built on more than 25 years of the organization’s global leadership work.
- Applied AI training in the second phase: expert-led workshops alternating with Makers Space sessions on ethical AI integration, operational efficiency, customer engagement, and decision-making.
- A cohort of 35 women social entrepreneurs from 29 countries, with bi-weekly sessions and peer exchanges.
- A certificate of completion for fellows who meet all program requirements.
- Entry to the Vital Voices Global Network of more than 49,000 changemakers across 195 countries.
Eligibility
- Identify as a woman and be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Proficiency in English; all sessions and materials are delivered in English.
- Hold a key decision-making role in a legally registered, for-profit, purpose-driven business that advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Non-profit organizations are not eligible.
- The business generates at least USD 100,000 in annual revenue, employs at least three full-time paid staff or the equivalent, and has been operating for at least two years.
- Show clear business growth and impact potential, such as wider market reach, rising revenue, larger operations, or stronger social outcomes.
- Commit to leading the business with no near-term exit plans, and to the fellowship’s leadership and SDG goals.
- Open to applicants of any nationality; the 2026 cohort spans 29 countries.
- Alumni of other Vital Voices programs may apply. Anyone who has completed the Vital Voices Global Fellowship public leadership program (VV Engage) cannot apply to VV Venture.
- Commit an average of 4 to 6 hours a month; virtual sessions run 60 to 90 minutes and are usually held between 8:00 and 11:00 US Eastern time.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Experience required
≥ 2 yrs
Gender requirement
Female
Age requirement
≥ 18 yrs
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Application process
- 1Watch the program page for the annual application window; the 2026 cycle closed on May 21, 2026.
- 2Complete the online application form, which takes about 45 minutes and can be saved and resumed.
- 3Shortlisted candidates are invited to a virtual interview of about 30 minutes.
- 4Applicants are notified of final decisions before the cohort begins, and selected fellows confirm full participation.
Program timeline
May 21, 2026
Application deadline for the 2026 cohort (now closed)
Program begins with the leadership phase
July 2026
Leadership phase ends
September 2026
AI phase begins, with expert workshops and Makers Space sessions
October 2026
Program concludes
December 2026
Next cycle expected to open; Vital Voices has not yet published dates
Early 2027