Circular Business and Market Development Grants

The Circular Business and Market Development Grant program aims to assist businesses, local authorities, industry groups, not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises and research institutions to accelerate transition to a more circular economy.

How much money is available?

Up to $100,000 (GST exclusive) per project.

Who can apply?

Applications will be accepted from:

• businesses
• local government
• industry associations
• not-for-profit organisations
• social enterprises
• research institutions.

That are seeking to:

• design, apply and scale-up innovative circular economy business models, solutions and practices 
• produce, manufacture, sell or promote South Australian recycled content, refurbished or repaired products. 

All applicants must be legally constituted entities.

Collaborative applications that demonstrate a strong partnership approach between industry associations, not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises, research institutions and/or representatives from targeted market segments or connecting relevant supply chain and end users are encouraged. 

First Nations organisations are encouraged to apply, or partner with an eligible applicant for project delivery.

What will we fund?

Eligible activities must meet and contribute to the objectives of South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2020-2025 and provide a measurable economic, environmental and/or social benefit to South Australia.

Eligible projects must clearly demonstrate the need for government funding and support at least one of the 3 focus areas: 

Focus area 1: Circular economy business models, solutions and practices that prioritise circular design, waste avoidance and reduction, reuse, repair and repurposing

Identify, design, apply and/or scale-up innovative circular economy business models, solutions and practices. 

This may include, but is not limited to:

• design-led changes to achieve circular outcomes 
• implementation, trial, demonstration and scale up of circular economy business models, solutions and practices
• business case, feasibility studies, market research and analysis on achieving circular outcomes, including product stewardship schemes or extended producer responsibility
• support collaboration and capacity building activities, including training and development.

Focus area 2: Refurbished/repaired and/or recycled content products

Validate and improve the transparency, quality and performance of local refurbished/repaired or recycled-content products. 

This may include, but is not limited to:

• product quality testing with accredited testing organisations 
• improve and/or develop product technical specifications and/or standards
• certification or accreditation processes linked to the product standards or specifications 
• development of environmental declarations (such as EPDs) or ecolabels based on Australian (preferred)/international standards and independent verification 
• laboratory testing, field trials and demonstration for product mixes and/or performance etc that validate products, ensuring that they meet market requirements
• implementation of national framework for recycled-content traceability  
• support education, training and awareness raising activities.

Focus area 3: Market development

Develop new markets or expand existing markets for circular economy business models, solutions and practices, or refurbished/repaired or recycled-content products. 

This may include, but is not limited to:

• communication and promotional activities that increase awareness and knowledge/understanding of its performance and benefits 
• business case, market analysis, market development and implementation plans 
• engagement activities that will connect suppliers with potential end markets
• development of circular procurement strategies, policies, targets, specifications, model practices, reporting and systems that encourages circular procurement models or increases and improve market demand for the use of refurbished/repaired and/or recycled-content products, including across supply chains
• market research identifying specific industry and/or market development barriers and opportunities for emerging and priority waste streams (as listed below). 

What WON’T we fund?

Funding will not be provided for:

• projects that are not consistent with the objectives of South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2020-2025 or the Circular Business and Market Development Grants Program
• retrospective activities, that is, projects and project components that are completed prior to submitting a funding application, or are likely to commence prior to signing a funding agreement with Green Industries SA 
• projects that have received full funding for the same activities from other sources
• projects that focus on water and energy (these may be co-benefits)
• projects that do not clearly demonstrate a need for government support 
• general organisational administration or operating costs, such as electricity, water and other utilities costs 
• staff costs that are not directly related to project delivery
• travel expenses  
• capital purchases (such as infrastructure or equipment)
• equipment purchasing or leasing, unless it is for product testing and validation
• lease or purchase of land
• government permit, licensing and approval costs
• contingency costs
• standards testing for packaging, including alternatives to single-use plastics. 

When does it close?