Do you have a business idea that could reduce or redefine consumption?
This free 18-month programme supports those who are passionate about creating circular solutions to improve their communities.
Repurpose and Recycle
Repurposing & Redistributing existing resources like using used bicycle parts to build low-cost bikes and make cycling more accessible or updating old laptops and computers to offer affordable technology to schoolchildren
Redistribute
Redistribution of surplus or waste products through re-usage or resale extends the product life by second-hand use. This could be through reusing vintage furniture, reselling equipment, redistributing surplus food to homeless shelters or even turning food waste into compost to grow food.
Repair and Maintain
Designing products that last and can be easily repaired, reused or maintained. For example, smartphones that allow users to repair defective parts or upgrade their camera resolution.
Rent over Buying
Leasing and renting products so that the provider is in charge of their maintenance, repair and recycling, while the user still benefits from the product, such as renting tools for home DIY.
Share with Communities
Community Sharing through initiatives like tool libraries, and children’s toy libraries to reduce consumption and foster community connections.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Going circular
Our current system is not sustainable for businesses, people or the planet.
Circular economy is a powerful model of principles and activities that aim to keep the value of resources, materials, components, and products for as long as possible in the economy.
The circular model aims to redefine growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits that build economic, natural, and social capital.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Mission
The UK is taking a leading role in ‘green enterprise,’ which introduces new opportunities for business development. However, the climate sector has high barriers to entry, with a lack of business support to socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
The Circular Start Up seeks to address the lack of inclusion in environmental entrepreneurship in London, by helping aspiring entrepreneurs to launch circular economy solutions to waste and consumption.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Who we're supporting
It’s our ambition to increase diversity in both the entrepreneurship and climate space. This programme has therefore prioritised applications from a minority ethnic or disadvantaged background, with low or moderate incomes, under-employed and without university degrees.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Who we're supporting
The Circular Start Up seeks applicants:
✔️ Driven to create circular solutions
✔️ Based in London (ideally Islington, Camden, Tower Hamlets, Newham, or Hackney)
✔️ Aged 18+
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What you receive
1:1 Mentoring
Learn with professionals and expert workshops to help you succeed.
Peer Support
Grow with your peers and exchange knowledge to develop your product or service.
Networking
Access a network of climate-focused organisations and entrepreneurs.
1:1 Coaching
Receive guidance along your programme journey and ensure your needs are met.
Workspace
Access an impact-driven coworking space in Central London.
Confidence
Build individual self-confidence, in business and beyond.
Community
Drive change and gain community cohesion through circular solutions.
Resilience
Build entrepreneurial resilience to overcome challenges.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Timeline
1
↓
Applications open
1
Applications open
Optional idea-generation workshops, drop-in clinics and 1:1 calls available to support applicants.
2
↓
Applications close
2
Applications close
Applications are reviewed and those who most closely fit the programme criteria will be accepted.
3
↓
PRE-INCUBATION
3
PRE-INCUBATION
Turn your idea into a business model.
|
Duration: 3 months Participants: 50 Time: 3 hours a week aprox. |
✔️10 peer-to-peer sessions ✔️ 1:1 coaching sessions ✔️ 7 online business support modules |
The stronger business ideas will be selected for the next stage.
4
↓
INCUBATION
4
INCUBATION
Test your product or service.
|
Duration: 6 months Participants: 30 Time: 3 hours a week aprox. |
✔️ 8 business and circular economy workshops ✔️ 8 peer-to-peer sessions ✔️ Expert mentoring and advice ✔️ Business registration support |
This stage will conclude with a final pitching event.
5
↓
ALUMNI
5
ALUMNI
Sell and seek funding.
|
Duration: 6 months Participants: 30 Time: 1 hour a week aprox. |
✔️ 3 peer-to-peer sessions ✔️ Mentoring ✔️ Networking event |
1
Applications open
Optional idea-generation workshops, drop-in clinics and 1:1 calls available to support applicants.
2
Applications close
Applications are reviewed and those who most closely fit the programme criteria will be accepted.
3
PRE-INCUBATION
Turn your idea into a business model.
|
Duration: 3 months Participants: 50 Time: 3 hours a week aprox. |
✔️10 peer-to-peer sessions ✔️ 1:1 coaching sessions ✔️ 7 online business support modules |
The stronger business ideas will be selected for the next stage.
4
INCUBATION
Test your product or service.
|
Duration: 6 months Participants: 30 Time: 3 hours a week aprox. |
✔️ 8 business and circular economy workshops ✔️ 8 peer-to-peer sessions ✔️ Expert mentoring and advice ✔️ Business registration support |
This stage will conclude with a final pitching event.
5
ALUMNI
Sell and seek funding.
|
Duration: 6 months Participants: 30 Time: 1 hour a week aprox. |
✔️ 3 peer-to-peer sessions ✔️ Mentoring ✔️ Networking event |
The Circular Start Up has a zero equity and fees policy. This means there will be no fees associated with your participation in this programme, and your project will remain totally yours.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Our impact so far
With support from:
Partner:
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