In the Pacific Northwest, there’s collaboration brewing between private companies, public government agencies and community-based organizations that want to build a circular economy.
About a year and a half into its efforts of co-designing its programs (and launching one), NextCycle Washington, a statewide circular economy initiative, is recruiting for its inaugural Renew Seed Grant. Through this program early-stage projects can be granted up to $10,000, technical support and growth planning, and facilitated networking and matchmaking.
The initiative’s mission is to develop local economies that reduce waste, keep materials in use longer and regenerate natural systems. It’s doing that through an accelerator and this seed grant, aimed at a wide range of entities. If a Washington-based business, nonprofit, university, trade organization or tribal government has a project idea with the potential to contribute toward zero-waste goals and greenhouse gas reductions, they are welcome to apply. And it’s a plus if projects have a focus on equity and environmental justice.