Go Circular – Support for the successful applicants to the Circular Wallonia call for projects
Context
Launched by the Wallonia Public Service as part of the Circular Wallonia strategy, the Go Circular call for projects aims to stimulate the development of circular economy projects in Wallonia, whether this involves launching a new circular activity, developing an existing business model or implementing a circular procurement approach.
Open to Walloon businesses, economic non-profit organisations (ASBLs) and cooperatives, the call combines financial support (ranging from €20,000 to €80,000 depending on the category) with structured support for successful applicants over a two-year period. Selected projects are categorised according to their level of maturity (Starter, Transition, Diversification, Growth). To provide this support, the SPW draws on a consortium of circular economy experts comprising ICEDD, Möbius and IDEA Consult.
Objectives
Beyond mere financial support, the support programme aims to maximise the chances of success and the long-term viability of the winning projects. The aim is to help each project leader overcome the technical, organisational, commercial and regulatory obstacles encountered in implementing their initiative, and to embed circularity sustainably at the heart of their business model. The support programme also pursues a collective objective: to connect the winning projects, foster synergies within Wallonia’s circular economy ecosystem, and capitalise on the lessons learnt in order to inspire other businesses.
Execution
- Tailored support for successful applicants: needs assessment, methodological support and bespoke expertise throughout the project
- Provision of thematic expertise in the circular economy (eco-design, reuse, repair, reconditioning, remanufacturing, recycling), in line with the Lansink scale
- Group activities: meetings between award winners, pitch sessions, thematic round-table discussions on common challenges (logistics, market appeal, seasonality, profitability of pilot projects, standardisation)
- Networking opportunities for award winners with relevant stakeholders and initiatives within the Walloon circular economy ecosystem
- Contribution to knowledge capture and dissemination via the ‘Go Learn’ compendium, bringing together lessons learnt, obstacles, solutions and practical tools designed to spread best practice
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