The 2024 NextCycle Washington Circular Accelerator is an initiative designed to promote a circular economy in Washington State by supporting projects that focus on waste prevention, reuse, repair, recycling, organics management, and the development of products using otherwise wasted materials. The program aims to nurture businesses, community-based organizations, and other entities involved in waste management and circular economy efforts, providing technical assistance, business planning, and investment-readiness support.
The application period runs from September 23, 2024, to November 4, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline through the NextCycle Washington Online Portal. Eligible projects should already have some traction; feasibility studies and ideation stage projects are not considered. The program accepts various entities, including for-profit businesses, nonprofits, universities, tribal nations, and public-private partnerships. However, projects must be based in Washington or focus on addressing the circular economy within the state.
Selected projects will participate in a six-month accelerator program from January to June 2025, which includes one-on-one consulting, mentorship, workshops, and a multi-day Accelerator Academy. The program culminates in a showcase pitch competition in May 2025, where teams can present their projects to potential investors and partners. Up to 14 projects will be chosen based on criteria such as the feasibility of the concept, environmental and economic impact, community engagement, and the ability to address environmental justice.
Evaluation focuses on the project's potential for impact on Washington’s circular economy, with scoring based on criteria including the project's vision, team experience, market opportunity, scalability, and environmental benefits. Additionally, projects that involve or benefit overburdened and under-resourced communities receive preference.
Applicants will be notified of their status by mid-December 2024, and selected teams must commit to actively participating in the program. For guidance, two virtual application parties and one-on-one office hours are offered during the application period, along with resources to assist applicants in preparing their submissions.
