Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs) now have a fresh opportunity to design and run impactful circular economy programmes, with funding of up to €50,000 available under the Circular Economy Innovation Cluster (CEIC).
The programme is led by Climate KIC in collaboration with SecondMuse in Bengaluru and GrowthAfrica in Nairobi, with support from the IKEA Foundation.
With the April 6, 2026 deadline fast approaching, organisations are being urged to apply early.
What is the CEIC Programme?
The Circular Economy Innovation Cluster (CEIC) is a multi-year initiative designed to help ESOs integrate sustainability and social impact into their entrepreneurship programmes.
The focus areas include:
- Circular economy and sustainable business models
- Climate innovation and green solutions
- Gender equity in leadership
- ESG integration in entrepreneurship support
The programme builds on lessons from previous cohorts (2023–2025) and aims to strengthen climate-positive entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Incubators, accelerators, and organisations supporting entrepreneurs
- Both for-profit and non-profit entities
- Organisations with strong interest in sustainability and climate innovation
Programme Structure
- Masterclasses (April – July 2026)
Participants will receive:
- Training on circular economy principles
- Tools to integrate social impact
- Networking opportunities and partnership building
- Guidance on proposal development
- Grant Funding
- Up to €50,000 per organisation or consortium
- Funding to design and implement circular economy programmes
- Preference for collaborative (consortium) applications
Why This Matters
The programme offers ESOs a chance to:
- Transition into sustainable and impact-driven models
- Strengthen climate innovation ecosystems
- Build strategic partnerships across regions
- Access both funding and technical expertise
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility
- Register for masterclasses
- Participate and build partnerships
- Develop and submit a grant proposal
- Implement the programme upon selection
Key Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak or unclear sustainability strategy
- Ignoring collaboration opportunities
- Lack of gender balance in leadership
- Skipping masterclass participation
Conclusion
The CEIC programme presents a rare opportunity for ESOs to secure funding while building future-focused, sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems. With limited time before the deadline, organisations are encouraged to act quickly and position themselves for both funding and long-term impact. HERE
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