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CirculaRise Accelerator

Enabling and Scaling Circular Social Businesses
The CirculaRise Accelerator supports growth stage social businesses to develop and scale inclusive circular solutions. Through our CirculaRise Accelerator Framework, we guide entrepreneurs in bridging the gap between economic viability, environmental responsibility and social impact and enable them to implement validated circular social business models.
We are accepting applications to our 2025 Germany cohort! The application deadline is 5th May 2025.
The Problem
We are facing a complex environmental crisis driven by unsustainable consumption, resource depletion, and rising waste production. A fundamental shift in business practices is urgently needed. Transitioning to a circular economy is essential, but to be effective and equitable, it must also be inclusive.
Circular social businesses are at the forefront of this transition, combining entrepreneurial drive with a mission to create social and environmental impact alongside profit. But even as key drivers of change, many face persistent barriers: limited resources, difficulty reaching customers, and the challenge of balancing impact with financial sustainability.
Our Solution
The CirculaRise Accelerator empowers circular social businesses to lead the transition to a more sustainable economy. We support entrepreneurs to innovate within the circular economy, measure and communicate their impact, and secure the strategic partnerships needed to implement and scale their solutions.
Key Components of the CirculaRise Accelerator
12-Month Support
- 6 months accelerator program of structured coaching and training
- 6 months of on-demand support tailored to your needs
- Life-long community with access to ongoing opportunities
Blended Learning
- Group trainings and expert-led masterclasses
- Personalised coaching and learning journey
- Peer-to-peer exchange and collaborative learning
Knowledge, Network and Visibility
- Practical toolboxes, publications, and reports
- Access to a growing alumni and partner network
- Networking events and demo day
.
Who Can Participate and Collaborate in the Accelerator?



Circular Social Businesses
- Join training sessions and expert-led masterclasses
- Receive personalised coaching and tailored support
- Learn from peers and network with partners, customers, and investors
Funders and Investors
- Discover circular social businesses with tested solutions
- Explore impact-proven investment opportunities
- Co-develop investment approaches suited for holistic impact
Partners
- Collaborate with circular innovators and social entrepreneurs
- Engage in knowledge exchange and ecosystem building
- Co-create and scale inclusive circular solutions
Are you an investor or would like to partner up to drive forward the socio-ecological transformation in Germany? Get in touch with us to engage in knowledge exchange, co-create circular social solutions and formats, and become part of a wider social and environmental impact network.
Now Accepting Applications: CirculaRise Accelerator Cohort in Germany
We are now accepting applications for our next CirculaRise Accelerator cohort in Germany! This fully funded 6-month program is designed for growth-stage social businesses with circular solutions that are ready to scale.
- Application deadline: 5 May 2025
- Program kickoff: 12 June 2025
Over the course of six months, selected teams will receive personalised coaching, attend expert-led trainings, and engage in peer learning with like-minded entrepreneurs. The program is designed to help you strengthen your circular strategy, improve customer readiness, and scale your impact—while staying grounded in financial sustainability.
Applications close
5 May 2025
Application results
Beginning of June
Kickoff
12 June 2025
Training & coaching
June - November 2025
Demo Day
Early December 2025
On-demand support
January - May 2026
Final networking event
The program takes place online, with two in-person events: the kickoff event in June and the Demo Day in December. An on-demand 6-month support phase is available after the core program, tailored to your evolving needs.
Eligibility:
- Registered in Germany
- Circular or transitioning toward circularity
- Committed to social, environmental, and economic impact
- Two team members available to participate (8–10 hours/month in total)
CirculaRise Accelerator Alumni
Get to know the circular social businesses we have supported in Germany.

- Sector: Sustainable Agriculture and Processing
- Location: Oberhaching, Germany
- Circular strategy: Circular Value Chain and Resource Recovery & Recycling

- Sector: Software Development, Waste Management
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Circular strategy: Product Life Extension and Resource Recovery & Recycling

- Sector: Interior Design
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Circular strategy: Product Life Extension and Resource Recovery & Recycling

- Sector: Retail, Fashion and Design
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Circular strategy: Circular Value Chain

- Sector: Waste Management
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Circular strategy: Resource Recovery & Recycling

- Sector: Fashion and Design
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Circular strategy: Circular Value Chain & Product-as-a-Service

- Sector: Waste Management
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Circular strategy: Product Life Extension and Resource Recovery & Recycling
Get to know the circular social businesses we have supported in Kenya.
- Sector: Basic Services, Water & Sanitation
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Circular strategy: Circular Value Chain and Product Life Extension
- Sector: Agribusiness
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Circular strategy: Circular Value Chain
- Sector: Agribusiness
- Location: Nyeri, Kenya
- Circular strategy: Resource Recovery & Recycling and Product Life Extension
- Sector: Manufacturing & Retail
- Location: Laikipia, Kenya
- Circular strategy: Circular Value Chain
- Sector: Manufacturing & Retail
- Location: Taita Taveta, Kenya
- Circular strategy: Resource Recovery & Recycling
- Sector: Manufacturing & Retail
- Location: Machakos, Kenya
- Circular strategy: Circular Value Chain
- Sector: Hospitality & Tourism
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Circular strategy: Circular Value Chain and Resource Recovery & Recycling