CALL FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY CHALLENGE FUND (CECF) APPLICATION
\nPROJECT BACKGROUND
\nCatholic Relief Services (CRS), in partnership with its country-based partner, Caritas Kigoma, is implementing a 4-year project, Vitalizing Opportunities in Circular Economy and Sustainable Solutions in Lake Tanganyika (VOICES), funded by the European Union. The VOICES project aims to enhance knowledge and test circular economic practices to conserve resources, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption through recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing. The project is expected to directly benefit 119,160 people living along the shores of Lake Tanganyika by 2028, while over 2,000,000 people will benefit indirectly, with a special focus on youth and women. To achieve sustainable waste management and effectively promote the circular economy, the VOICES project is implementing a Circular Economy Challenge Fund (CECF).
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\nThe Circular Economy Challenge Fund (CECF) aims to provide technical support, Business Development Services (BDS), and financial support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that innovate and operate in the circular economy, addressing environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities for various enterprises and suppliers based on community, savings, and specific women\u2019s and youth groups.
\nThe fund also focuses on building sustainable ecosystems by fostering a culture of resource efficiency, innovation, reducing waste, and promoting inclusive growth by prioritizing women- and youth-led CE businesses.\u202f The objectives of CECF are<\/p>\n
Enhance the adoption of circular economy practices, such as plastic recycling, composting, briquette production, renewable resource use, etc.
\nEnhance the capacity and scalability of circular economy MSMEs at various stages of development through the provision of the technical, financial, and BDS support needed.
\nEncourage community participation, innovation, and development of sustainable CE, inclusive businesses contributing to environmental protection.
\nContribute to the global sustainability agenda by aligning with SDGs, particularly SDG 12 (responsible production and consumption).<\/p>\n
PURPOSE OF THE CALL FOR APPLICATION
\nCurrently, CRS, under the VOICES CECF, targets Start-up and Ideation-Stage businesses as beneficiaries for this window. This Call for Applications targets beneficiaries who meet the following criteria:
\nStart-ups \u2013 Eligibility Criteria\u00a0<\/p>\n
Recently established enterprises or individual entrepreneurs operating for at least 1 year.
\nDemonstrated innovative circular economy practices or solutions.
\nViable business plan and evidence of market demand.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Commitment to waste management and environmental conservation. \u00fc Business is women- and youth-led or founded.<\/p>\n
Ideation Stage \u2013 Eligibility Criteria<\/p>\n
Informal groups or entrepreneurs with a feasible and innovative business idea aligned with CECF priorities.
\nPotential for registration and early-stage implementation within 6\u201312 months.
\nDemonstrated entrepreneurial capacity or willingness to undergo training.
\nCommitment to sustainable and inclusive circular economy models.<\/p>\n
Only applications that meet the above eligibility requirements will be scored against the evaluation criteria described below
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\nWhat Successful Applicants Receive
\nA successfully selected business will benefit from:<\/p>\n
Financial support (Performance-based grants) does not exceed\u00a0Euros 30,000\u00a0for a startup business and\u00a0Euros 10,000\u00a0for an ideation-stage business.
\nTechnical assistance, including business development support (BDS) services.<\/p>\n
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\nKEY TIMELINE<\/p>\n
25th\u00a0March 2026: Official Launch of the Call for Funding Applications
\n15th\u00a0April 2026 (23:59 EAT): Submission Deadline
\n16th\u00a0April 2026 \u2013 30th May 2026: Review, selection, feedback, due diligence, approval processes.<\/p>\n
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