Public Call for Strengthening the Role of Women in the Circular Economy – Circular Awards (Republic of Serbia)

The initiative represents a significant step towards a gender-inclusive economic transformation, enabling women to be leaders in Serbia’s progress towards a more sustainable economy

Aims

• The aim of this call is to empower women in the business sector by encouraging the development of new and innovative solutions and business models that promote the principles and values of the circular economy in practice. Through this call, financial and professional support will be provided to women in strengthening their businesses on the path toward economic and environmental sustainability.

Priority Challenges

• Priority Challenges Supported by This Call:
  • Empowering the role of women in applying the principles and values of the circular economy through funding and networking.
  • Introducing innovations in traditional industries such as the textile industry, agriculture, construction, tourism, and service sectors.
  • Developing new circular business models that enable more efficient use of materials and reduce waste generation.

Funding Information

• Circular awards valued up to 20,000 USD (in RSD equivalent) will be granted following the signing of the Award Contract between UNDP and the award recipients, according to the following schedule:
  • The first tranche, amounting to 60% of the total Circular Award value, will be disbursed after the signing of the Contract between UNDP and the applicants, and upon submission of an Operational Plan.
  • The second tranche, amounting to 40% of the total Circular Award value, will be disbursed following a Mid-term Progress Report and the implementation of activities in the first 6 months.
• Recipients of the funds are not required to co-finance their projects, as the planned two payments will advance cover the implementation of activities according to the timeline outlined in the application.
• The funded innovative solutions and business models must be implemented within 12 months of the contract signing.
• Only one award can be granted per application. A total of up to 10 circular awards will be granted.

Eligible Projects

• Projects can include:
  • Development of New Circular Products and Services:
    • Creating innovative sustainable products that use renewable or recycled materials.
    • Improving existing products to extend their lifespan, facilitate repairs, or enable multiple uses.
    • Developing services based on circular principles, such as “pay-per-use” models, rental instead of purchase, and product exchange systems.
    • Introducing environmentally friendly packaging and redesigning products for easier recycling or reuse.
  • Proof of Concept, Prototype Development, and Digitalization:
    • Development of new technologies and processes for more efficient resource use.
    • Design of pilot projects and prototypes that enhance sustainability in manufacturing, service sectors, or supply chains.
    • Introduction of digital and smart solutions for material tracking, blockchain for circular processes, resource exchange platforms, and smart resource management.
  • Business Models for the Circular Economy:
    • Development of new circular supply chains that reduce waste and increase resource use efficiency.
    • Introduction of circular financial models, such as joint investments, crowdfunding for circular initiatives, and support models for small producers.
    • Creating business networks and partnerships for the circular economy that include small producers, artisans, and local communities.
• This list is only an illustration of possible projects and does not represent a limitation for applications.

Eligibility Criteria

• The call particularly encourages applications from:
  • Micro, small, and medium-sized limited liability companies (LLC) where women are owners or have at least a 51% ownership stake,
  • Sole proprietorships owned by women,
  • Cooperatives where women make up at least two-thirds of the members,
  • Registered agricultural holdings led by women,
  • Startups founded by women that are developing innovative solutions in the field of the circular economy,
  • All legal entities with the status of social entrepreneurship where women have at least two-thirds ownership or where at least two-thirds of the leadership positions are held by women.
• All applicants must be registered in the Republic of Serbia no later than the opening of this call, in accordance with national legislation
• Applicants can apply for this public call either independently or in a consortium.
• The main applicant is also the main beneficiary of the funds under this call. In the case of a consortium, the cooperation between partners must be formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding or a Consortium Agreement, which must be signed and submitted with the application.
• Each individual entity can participate in only one application for this public call, either independently or as the main applicant or a partner in the consortium.

For more information, visit UNDP.