Entrepreneurs/start-up organizations, small businesses, established corporations, social enterprises, community-based organizations or nonprofits, trade organizations, Tribal nations and organizations, universities, or research teams. Community-based organizations operating under fiscal sponsorship by another organization are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Out-of-state organizations are eligible, but the proposed project or venture must be located and directly address the circular economy in King County, WA.

Upstream Projects: which prevent waste or improve and expand rescue, reuse and repair of material and organic streams within Washington.

Downstream Projects: which improve, innovate, or expand recycling, recovery and end uses of material and organic streams within Washington.

Any project that directly or indirectly improves waste prevention, material reuse/repair/recovery/recycling, organics management, and product development using otherwise wasted materials.

Projects may focus on any material that is otherwise wasted or where there is a proposed higher, better use of materials according to the waste hierarchy. Eligible waste streams include pre-consumer, post-commercial, post-consumer, industrial, and agricultural waste streams or by-products.

Expenses must be directly related to the project. The following expenses are eligible for reimbursement:

• Consulting Assistance/Legal Services

• Equipment Purchase, Rental, Lease

• Marketing/Collateral

• Market Feasibility Analysis

• Project Related Event(s)

• Project Related Salary/Labor

• Prototyping/Lab Testing/R&D

• Supplies/Materials

Applications must be submitted online through the online submission portal. Submissions are due on or before September 19, 2025, at 11:59pm PT.

Please read the information packet for more details about applying. Evaluation criteria and a scoring rubric are included in the packet.