Application Deadline: November 7th, 2021
Circular economy is increasingly gaining traction as an approach to promote sustainability-oriented innovation and to accelerate resource sustainability in African cities. It is certain that the world can no longer afford the negative and limiting impacts resulting from the linear economy, hence the vital need to move towards a circular economy – a system that emphasizes a closed-loop material flow. Businesses are vital to leading this circular transition.
As part of their ACE Africa project which is supported by the Embassy of Finland to South Africa, SU LaunchLab and ICLEI Africa are hosting an event in the form of a pitch competition where existing businesses and business ideas from across Africa that contribute to the circular economy will be showcased.
Eligibility criteria
If your idea or business is suitable for the Showcase you will fit the following criteria for either category:
| Existing Business | Idea |
| You are operating in Africa, with a preference for South AfricaYour business contributes to the circular economy Rethink, reduce, reuse, regenerate, recoverYour business reduces the environmental impact of consumption and production Your business focuses on climate, food, or healthYou have an MVP and/or are sellingYou have at least one full-time team memberYou have been working on your venture for more than 6 monthsYou are willing to become an ACE Africa Entrepreneur and enter one of SU LL’s incubation programs | You are situated in AfricaYour idea is intended to contribute to the circular economy Rethink, reduce, reuse, regenerate, recoverYour idea is intended to reduce the environmental impact of consumption and production Your idea focuses on circular economy in the area of climate, food, or healthYou are willing to become an ACE Africa Entrepreneur and enter one of SU LL’s incubation programs |
Prizes
Finalists stand the chance to win:
| Place | Existing Business | Idea |
| 1 | R 25 000 prize A spot in an SU LL incubation program1 hour mentoring session with SU LL incubation team | R 5 000 prize1 hour mentoring session with SU LL incubation team1 hour customer discovery workshop with the other Idea-winners |
| 2 | R 15 000 prizeA spot in an SU LL incubation program | 1 hour customer discovery workshop with other Idea-winners |
| 3 | R 10 000 prizeA spot in an SU LL incubation program | 1 hour customer discovery workshop with other Idea-winners |
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the ACE Africa Circular Business Showcase 2021