Call for Applications: Circular Value Program – Australia

Deadline: 11 February 2024

Applications are now open for the Circular Value Program to support entrepreneurs across regional NSW who are working on innovative startup business ideas to make a positive contribution in reducing food waste across the agriculture + food sector.

This early stage program will provide you with 1:1 coaching, access to industry mentors and experts and support you to build confidence and capabilities to launch a sustainable business venture.

The program is funded through the NSW Government’s Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund.

Circular value concepts could be

There are many areas in the agriculture and food system that need solutions to reduce, reuse or recycle waste and other byproducts. Examples include (but not limited to);
- High value food and beverage products for human consumption utilising upcycled or ingredients that would otherwise have been discarded from farming production and/or manufacturing/processing eg. spent grain from beer brewing
- Utilising byproducts and waste streams from agrifood value chains into products such as skin care, beauty and nutraceuticals
- Converting low value ingredients such as ‘ugly vegetables’ into functional food products for humans and pets
- Repurposed agrifood raw materials into sustainable packaging solutions

What’s Included?

Weekly group sessions and masterclasses, conducted virtually
Fortnightly personalised sessions including 1:1 business coaching and mentoring
Comprehensive in-person Bootcamp
Direct access to a network of mentors, experts, service providers, investors, value chain partners
Access to extensive collection of resources and tools
PR opportunities through Food Futures Company events and partners
Post-program support and pathways
Program Duration: 12 Weeks (Finishes 20 May 2024)

Outcomes

Development of your sustainable business model
Robust marketing, sales and go2market strategy
Expert at pitching your business
6-12 months growth roadmap
Expanded network of peers, customers, partners and potential investors

Impact

They love hanging out with passionate and aspiring entrepreneurs and early stage startups who are working on the big issues that matter and want to do more faster!

Reduce greenhouse gases and landfill
Innovative new food products from surplus food
Health benefits from bioactive and functional food
Lower volumes of food waste
Less packaging in landfill
Less wasted resources through supply chain from grower to consumer

Framework

12-week incubation
1 x Face to Face event
Weekly virtual masterclasses, workshops, expert and group sessions
Personalised 1:1 business coaching

Where

A hybrid model of online sessions and one in person event.

Cost

No cost to you for the program. The program has been funded by the NSW Government Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund.
Travel & Accommodation for in person event covered by the participant.

Who can apply?

The Circular Value Program is open to any individual- or team- in Regional NSW with a business idea or concept to utilise upcycled ingredients, byproducts and waste streams from the agrifood sector into high value consumer products.

You might be: