CirculaRise Accelerator - Yunus Environment Hub

Enriched – · Found: 2026-03-13 17:22

12-month blended program supporting growth-stage social businesses designing and scaling circular solutions using 6-stage consultancy framework. Includes group training, coaching, masterclasses, financial readiness support and access to funding. Benefits NGOs and mission-driven entities building circular plastic value chains.

Source: https://yunusenvironmenthub.com/circularise/

Funding Details

Funder

Yunus Environment Hub

Funding Goal

The CirculaRise Accelerator is a fully funded 6-month accelerator program for established social businesses with circular solutions that are ready to scale. The program provides structured coaching and training, personalized learning journeys, peer-to-peer exchange, expert-led masterclasses, access to partner/investor networks, toolboxes and publications, and a 6-month on-demand support phase after the core program. Programs are currently running in Germany and Kenya.

Funding Amount

Fully funded program (no financial grant to participants, but all program costs covered by Yunus Environment Hub). Program support, coaching, and training are provided free of charge to selected participants.

Deadline

2026-04-15 (Fixed)

How to Apply

Apply online via Microsoft Forms: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=2y-lhGU3NEuXGnFOgus-PqENaA-GYYZNsUr37Adm_NVUOUlSQ1AxRVUwNFlSVVFGME9YTVBPSTFJQS4u. Program details: https://yeh-circularise.notion.site. Contact: circularise@yunuseh.com. Application deadline: April 15, 2026. Kick-off: June 17, 2026.

Target Region

Germany (primary program), Kenya (second program)

Contact

circularise@yunuseh.com

Official Page

https://yunusenvironmenthub.com/circularise-accelerator/

Last Checked

2026-03-15 09:52

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Must be a registered social business in Germany (for the Germany program) or Kenya (for the Kenya program)
• Must be an established social business ready to scale — not concept-stage or early-stage startups

Project Scope

• Must have a circular or transitioning-toward-circular business model
• Must demonstrate commitment to both social and environmental impact

Required Documents

• Apply via the online application form by April 15, 2026 (Germany cohort)

Constraints

• Two team members must be available for the program (8-10 hours/month total time commitment)
• Program is fully funded — no participation fee, but no cash grant to participants
• Program takes place online with two in-person events: kick-off (June 17, 2026) and Demo Day (Fall 2026)

Summary

The CirculaRise Accelerator, run by Yunus Environment Hub (part of Muhammad Yunus's global social business ecosystem), is a fully funded 6-month accelerator program designed specifically for established social businesses building circular economy solutions. The program bridges the gap between economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social impact — a distinguishing feature being its explicit focus on social justice and 'just transition' principles within circular economy strategy. Selected participants receive structured coaching sessions, personalized learning journeys, expert-led masterclasses, peer exchange opportunities, and access to a growing network of investors, partners, and alumni. Following the 6-month core program, participants receive an additional 6 months of on-demand support. The program also offers visibility through a Demo Day event. The Germany program (current cohort starting June 2026) is open for applications until April 15, 2026, and requires participants to be registered in Germany. For organizations working on plastic waste value chains, the program is directly relevant — past alumni have included waste management businesses (ContainerGrid, Shit2Power, Repair Circle). However, eligibility is currently limited to Germany-registered entities. For the Kenya program, organizations working in circular economy in East Africa may also find this relevant. The program provides no direct financial grant but delivers significant capacity-building and investor access value for circular social businesses.

Historical Context

Previous cohorts in Germany featured social businesses including ContainerGrid (waste management logistics), Shit2Power (wastewater recycling), and Repair Circle (e-waste reduction). Program has expanded from Germany to include a Kenya cohort. Yunus Environment Hub is part of the Yunus Family network (Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus's social business ecosystem).

Sources

• https://yunusenvironmenthub.com/circularise/
• https://yunusenvironmenthub.com/circularise-accelerator/

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