African SMEs and startups working to embed circular-economy principles have a compelling opportunity to gain recognition and support through the 2026 Business Awards by the EU CERC. These awards are aimed at businesses whose products or services embrace reuse, resource efficiency, and innovation, helping you build visibility and credibility in sustainability circles.
The EU CERC, co-funded by the European Commission and the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and managed by Sitra (Finland) together with Enabel (Belgium) is designed to boost circular-economy policies and business models across the globe.
The Business Awards component specifically invites micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to demonstrate how their operations embrace circular economy frameworks, this includes waste-to-resource flows, remanufacturing, circular design, material recovery, or business models that extend product life-cycles. By participating, African entrepreneurs can:
- Increase their visibility among international networks of funders, partners and policymakers
- Access tailored exchange opportunities, coaching and potentially prize funding (up to €10,000)
- Position their business model as part of a growing global movement toward circular economy, which may unlock new markets and partnerships
Benefits
- Prize fund (up to €10,000) plus participation at the annual World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) event and tailored coaching.
- Dedicated visibility: finalists and winners receive promotion through EU CERC channels and partner networks
- Access to peer-learning and an international platform to benchmark your circular business model
- Networking with other circular-economy actors, including from Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia
Eligibility
- A business (registered entity) operating in the circular economy or moving toward circular-economy practices
- Micro, small or medium-size enterprise (MSME) — typically defined by staff size, turnover or balance-sheet thresholds
- The business should have an existing model or pilot with measurable circular impact (e.g., reuse rate, resource efficiency, waste reduction)
- For the 2026 edition, two tracks are emphasised:
- A Young Woman Entrepreneur Award targeted at a circular-economy company led by a woman founder/CEO.
- A Sectoral Award for an MSME in the electronics & ICT sector demonstrating a circular business model.
- Businesses from eligible partner countries (including many in Africa) are invited.
- Applicants must adhere to the submission guidelines and deadlines specified by Enabel (Business Lab manager) and EU CERC.
Duration
- Application window: open now (for 2026), see “How to Apply” below.
- Assessment and selection follow submission; winners announced at WCEF event (date to be confirmed).
- Once selected, winners engage in coaching and visibility activities through the EU CERC’s Business Lab.
Deadline
- The official call for the 2026 Business Awards by EU CERC was opened on 3 November 2025.
- Ensure to check the specific deadline for your region or track on the official site (submission may close a few months after launch).
Tips or FAQs: Guidance for Applicants
Tip 1: Demonstrate real circular-economy impact
Quantify your business’s circular practices, what proportion of materials are reused, what waste streams are avoided, how is product/service extending life-cycles? Avoid vague statements like “we are green” without metrics.
Tip 2: Align with the correct track
If you are a woman founder, highlight leadership role and link your application to the Young Woman Entrepreneur Award. If your business is in electronics or ICT, emphasise the sectoral award track. Non-compliance might mean your application goes to the general track.
Tip 3: Provide business viability and scalability
While your circular model may be innovative, judges will also look for business potential, sustainability, and possibility to scale. Show revenues, growth trajectory, partnerships, or market proof.
Tip 4: Prepare a strong pitch and documentation
Have a concise summary of your business, a clear problem/solution statement, visual materials (images, prototypes), and data supporting how you are circular. Proof of registration and financials may also help.
Tip 5: Avoid common mistakes
- Submitting a business model that is purely conceptual with no operational track record
- Over-emphasising “we are sustainable” without backing data
- Missing eligibility criteria (wrong size, wrong sector, wrong founder profile)
- Late application or incomplete form, always aim to submit ahead of time
Tip 6: Leverage the award experience beyond winning
Even if you are shortlisted, the process gives you exposure. Use the feedback, refine your model, and engage with the network. Think of this as a stepping stone, not just a prize.
How to Apply
- Visit the official call page for the Circular Business Awards: https://www.sitra.fi/en/eu-cerc/circular-awards-by-the-eu-cerc/
- Read the application guidelines carefully — check eligibility, required materials, submission format and deadline.
- Prepare your application packet: business profile, circular-economy metrics, leadership details, sector/track alignment, supporting documents.
- Submit the form through the designated portal managed by Enabel (link provided in the call).
- Monitor communications from EU CERC / Enabel for shortlisting, follow-up questions or interview phases.
