Program Details

The Circular Accelerator Program provides…

Upstream Projects: Businesses and projects that prevent waste or improve and expand reuse and repair within Washington.

NextCycle Washington recognizes that upstream solutions have the greatest potential to create beneficial climate and other environmental outcomes that contribute to building a strong circular economy.  However, business models focused on these solutions are nascent and require support and acceleration. By targeting these businesses and projects, NextCycle Washington is committed to catalyzing the growth of the reuse and repair market. 

Examples

Note these are example projects that have taken part in other NextCycle Programs in North America. NextCycle Washington is just launching and will have local project examples starting in 2023.

Downstream Projects: Projects that improve, innovate, or expand material and organic recycling, recovery and end uses.

Research shows that in Washington there are nearly 4 million tons of recoverable recyclables and organics that currently are disposed of. Targeting these materials and reaching zero waste goals through recycling and composting could lead to 75,000 jobs and over $32 billion in economic output.  This also translates to over 5 million tons of reduced CO2, which is equivalent of taking over 1 million cars off the road each year.

Examples

Note these are example projects that have taken part in other NextCycle Programs in North America. NextCycle Washington is just launching and will have local project examples starting in 2023.

• Developing growth plan fundamentals through a multi-day intensive Project Workshop Series

• One-on-one consulting with experienced mentors and subject matter experts to improve and refine business models and project plans

• Attending facilitated networking opportunities to foster collaborations and partnerships

• Engaging with community voices to ensure equitable outcomes and generate grassroots support

• Identifying funding pathways

• Introducing participants to potential investors

• Refining pitch deck to help secure project funding

• Recognition and publicity

• Businesses, entrepreneurs, universities, non-profits, community-based organizations or tribal governments that have investable project ideas with the potential to contribute towards zero waste goals, greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and equitable outcomes while stimulating the circular economy.

• Cross sector partnerships and existing end markets from out-of-state are eligible to apply.

• Applicants from communities that have been overburdened, under-resourced, or under-represented are encouraged to apply.

• Late-stage startup, early growth, and mature stage projects will be considered. See eligibility for more information.

• Projects must either utilize materials that are otherwise disposed of, provide a higher better use of materials, or focus on waste prevention.

• Project leads do not need to be headquartered in Washington at the time of application, but to be accepted, the project or business idea must be implemented and based in Washington.

• Projects must show the potential to be financially sustainable. 

• Projects must consider social equity and community impacts, especially with respect to overburdened communities.

• Projects must consider GHG reduction potential.

• Projects must demonstrate a measurable and/or scalable impact to Washington’s waste diversion/zero waste goals.

• Foundational research and feasibility studies are not eligible. Pilot projects may be considered eligible.

The Upstream and Downstream track applications will open in June 2022 and will be open for six weeks. Track programming will take place between August 2022 and February 2023.

• Sign up – join the mailing list to receive updates

• Reach out – contact us at nextcyclewa@recycle.com. If you have any questions

• Start scoping your project or business plan – reach out to potential project partners or community partners to make your team even stronger.

Timeline