The ASEAN-Japan Centre is pleased to invite applications for ImpactLink 2026, a regional capacity-building and coaching programme designed to support women-led social enterprises and impact-driven businesses across ASEAN Member States and Japan.
The programme aims to strengthen enterprises’ impact articulation, business readiness, fundraising preparedness, and regional collaboration opportunities, while fostering stronger connections within the ASEAN–Japan ecosystem. Through a structured learning and coaching journey, participants will engage with regional experts, mentors, ecosystem actors, and fellow entrepreneurs to support long-term growth and sustainable impact.
Programme Overview
Phase 1 — Capacity Building Online Workshop (August – September 2026)
Selected participants will join a series of online workshops focused on:
- Impact clarity, business sustainability, and revenue growth
- Product and market positioning and adaptation
- Pitch deck development for market engagement for future funding readiness
The workshops will combine expert presentations, practical exercises, peer learning, and interactive discussions to help Participants strengthen both impact and business readiness.
Phase 2 — Tailored Coaching (October 2026 – November 2027)
A selected group of enterprises from Phase 1 will advance to an intensive coaching phase. The tailored coaching programme will provide more focused support based on each enterprise’s growth stage, business priorities, and strategic needs.
Coaching areas include:
- Investor-ready pitch deck development
- Fundraising and partnership strategies
- Financial modelling and cash flow planning
- Data room and due diligence preparation
- Japan market entry strategies
- Online pitching session and showcase
Selected participants may also receive opportunities for exposure to relevant ecosystem networks, investors, corporate partners, or regional stakeholders where appropriate.
Capstone Event — Online Pitching and Showcase (February 2027)
A regional online showcase designed to strengthen the market and funding readiness of participating women-led social enterprises. Selected enterprises will pitch their ventures to investors, ecosystem partners, and ASEAN–Japan stakeholders, receive feedback on their investment readiness, and explore opportunities for funding, partnerships, market access, and cross-border collaboration. The event will also serve as a platform to highlight programme achievements and strengthen ASEAN–Japan entrepreneurship networks.
Who Should Apply
The programme welcomes applications from:
- Women-led impact enterprises from the 10 ASEAN Member States and Japan operating in sectors with strong relevance to the Japan market, including:
- Food and agri-based products
- Lifestyle, handicrafts, and cultural products
- Sustainable products and services
- Tourism-related services
- Women founders or CEOs with demonstrated business operations and potential for cross-border expansion between ASEAN and Japan
- Commitment and availability to participate in all workshop sessions and coaching activities throughout the programme
Programme Information
- Phase 1 Format: Online Workshops
- 8 Aug – Orientation Session (13:00-15:00 GMT+8)
- 15, 22 & 29 Aug – Full-day Workshops (10:00–17:00 GMT+8)
- Early Sept – Japan Market Session (13:00–17:00 GMT+8, TBC)
- Programme Period: September 2026 – February 2027
- Participation Fee: Free of charge
Please note that participation in Phase 1 does not automatically guarantee selection for Phase 2. Selected participants are expected to actively engage in programme sessions and activities.
How to Apply
- Application Period: 5 June- 15 July 2026
- Application Form: bit.ly/4ugk96P
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.
To learn more about the previous programme cycle and participant activities, please visit the ImpactLink programme page: https://www.asean.or.jp/en/project/impactlink
For inquiries, please contact: Dr. Preechaya Kittipaisalsilpa (preechaya@asean.or.jp) and cc info_rpa@asean.or.jp
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the application take to complete?
Applicants should allow approximately 40–60 minutes to complete the application, depending on the availability of supporting documents and business information. The application includes questions on your enterprise profile, products or services, impact model, business performance, growth plans, and interest in expanding opportunities between ASEAN and Japan.
We recommend reviewing the application requirements and preparing any relevant documents before starting the form to ensure a smooth submission process.
The “Impactlink 2026 Application Guide” below serves as a guidance for applicants regarding the questions and information required for your application. Please note that the document does not serve as the main application form. All applications must be submitted via the online application form above.
To preview the application guide, please click here: https://bit.ly/4fS1yJU
Q: Are male-led enterprises eligible to apply?
ImpactLink 2026 is specifically designed to support women-led social enterprises and impact businesses where women serve in leadership positions.
Q: Will participants receive financial support or grants?
ImpactLink is a capacity-building and coaching programme and does not provide direct grants or investment funding. However, selected participants may gain exposure to investors, ecosystem partners, corporate stakeholders, and future partnership opportunities through the programme.
Q: What is the expected time commitment for participants?
Participants are expected to actively attend online workshops, complete assignments or preparation activities where applicable, and engage in mentoring or coaching sessions throughout the programme period.
Q: Is there a participation fee?
Participation in ImpactLink 2026 is free of charge for selected participants.
Q: Does participation in Phase 1 guarantee selection for Phase 2?
Participation in Phase 1 does not automatically guarantee selection for the tailored coaching phase. Participants for Phase 2 will be selected based on engagement, readiness, business potential, and participant’s commitment to the programme.
Q: Are applicants from Timor-Leste eligible to apply for ImpactLink 2026?
In FY2026, participation in the ImpactLink Programme is limited to citizens and enterprises from the ASEAN-Japan Centre’s member states—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Japan—in line with the Centre’s current institutional framework and membership guidelines.
As Timor-Leste’s accession and corresponding arrangements with the ASEAN-Japan Centre are still in progress, we regret to inform that we are unable to accommodate applications from Timor-Leste for the FY2026 cycle.
