Circular Economy Accelerator Grant
Zero Waste Scotland can offer small amounts of grant finance as a means of supporting projects aligned to our goal of rewiring Scotland’s economic system and accelerating the transition to a circular economy in Scotland.
Through our ongoing work to stimulate, develop and support strategic opportunities, Circular Economy Accelerator Grants are available to enable earlier stage or developmental projects that require support to reach a point of commercial viability or investment readiness – including Research & Development (R&D) and trials/pilots.
We will consider investing in projects that are able to demonstrate a strong strategic fit with our Corporate Plan Objectives. Suitable projects must offer the potential to deliver at scale, be replicated across high impact sectors, industry and place and ultimately deliver benefits that can be measured beyond an individual organisation.
For further detail regarding the aims, strategic objectives and criteria please see below.
Grant aim
The aim of the grant is to support projects that demonstrate the potential to contribute to the accelerated adoption of circular economy practices and a strengthening of the conditions required to deliver Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.
To be considered suitable for funding, a project must align with the grant’s aims and strategic objectives and meet the criteria requirements set out within the guidance document below. All projects will be assessed against these criteria.
Strategic objectives
Zero Waste Scotland’s Corporate Plan objectives are:
- Helping people care
- Making circularity easier
- Doing more where it matters most
- Improve infrastructure
The strategic objectives set out below have been developed in alignment with these corporate objectives and are intended to contribute directly to their delivery.
Projects must align with at least one of these strategic objectives:
- Increase the capacity, and capability of Scotland's supply chains in high impact sectors, industry and places by enabling circular economy practices, sustainable growth and improving long term resilience.
- Identify and address gaps in the infrastructure required to enable circular practice, create economic opportunities, and maximises the value retained from materials across Scotland’s economy.
- Undertake research and development activities to strengthen the investment readiness of organisations operating in Scotland and projects which explore or enable greater adoption of circular practice at a strategic level.
- Drive lasting behavioural change across high impact sectors, industry and places, increasing awareness and enabling the adoption of circular economy practices.
Applications that do not meet the organisational, project location or Fair Work First requirements will not be progressed. Applicants may request grant funding between £10,000 and £75,000. Applications seeking higher grant values can be considered, subject to further discussion and enhanced evidence requirements proportionate to the funding requested.
How to apply?
Applying for the Circular Economy Accelerator Grant involves two stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2. The step-by-step application process is explained below.
Stage 1 application process
Review criteria requirements: It is highly recommended that you read the criteria requirements within the guidance document below.
Complete a Stage 1 application form: If, after reading this guidance, you believe your project meets the criteria, please complete a Stage 1 application form which can be downloaded below.
Submit your Stage 1 application form: Submit your completed Stage 1 application form to grants@zerowastescotland.org.uk.
Application acknowledgement: You will receive an acknowledgement email. Your Stage 1 application form will be reviewed at the next Stage 1 assessment panel.
Outcome of Stage 1 application: You will receive an outcome letter confirming the result of your Stage 1 application, normally within 15 working days.
Stage 2 application process
Complete a Stage 2 application form: If you receive an outcome letter confirming that your Stage 1 application form was successful, you will be invited to submit a Stage 2 application form.
Submit your Stage 2 application form: Submit your completed Stage 2 application form to grants@zerowastescotland.org.uk.
Outcome of Stage 2 application: Your Stage 2 application form will go to the next Stage 2 monthly assessment panel. You will receive a letter confirming the outcome and next steps.
Grant offer: If you receive an outcome letter confirming that your Stage 2 application form was successful, you will receive an offer of grant.
For full details on the eligibility requirements and FAQs, please refer to our Guidance document below in the Downloads section.
Get in touch
For any queries, please email grants@zerowastescotland.org.uk. If you have any questions about the eligibility of your application or the application process, which is not covered in the guidance, we encourage you to get in touch with our team as soon as possible.
Please note that Stage 2 guidance has been provided for information only, Stage 2 applications will be issued by invite only after a successful Stage 1 application.