Since October 2026, ImpactLink 2026: Strengthening Impact and Readiness to Access New Markets for Women-led Social Enterprises in ASEAN officially launched its Phase 2: One-on-One Tailored Coaching.
Following the completion of Phase 1—where a cohort of 27 women social entrepreneurs engaged in full-day online capacity-building workshops on market selection, impact storytelling, pitch deck building, and navigating the Japan market—10 enterprises have been selected based on their submitted pitch deck and pitch video and have advanced to Phase 2 for intensive, tailored one-on-one business coaching.
Phase 2 provides high-touch, individual support designed around each founder’s specific stage, business priorities, and cross-border market strategy. Running from October 2026 through January 2027, the four one-on-one coaching sessions focus on sequential preparation milestones:
- Customer Segmentation, Market & Channel Selection, and Market Positioning — Defining narrow target customer segments in Japan, selecting realistic distribution channels, and establishing localized market positioning.
- Impact Story Narrative Development — Translating environmental and community impact into clear, evidence-backed narratives tailored for buyers and partners.
- Pitch Deck Development — Structuring and refining market-ready pitch decks for cross-border trade and funding opportunities.
- Pitch Presentation Practice — Live pitch, presentation delivery coaching, and Q&A practice ahead of the final showcase.
Operating across diverse sectors—including sustainable food and agriculture, specialty coffee, ethical fashion and textiles, eco-friendly handicrafts, and wellness—the 10 selected social enterprises represent high-potential impact models from across eight ASEAN Member States:
Looking Ahead: Capstone Regional Showcase in February 2027
The four-month coaching journey will culminate in the ImpactLink 2026 Capstone Pitching Showcase in February 2027. Selected founders will pitch their refined ventures directly to Japanese and ASEAN buyers, distributors, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders, opening doors for commercial partnerships, market access, and long-term regional growth.
