CIE’s Circular Economy Challenge

With funding from the BECU Green Equity Initiative, the Circular Economy Challenge will be open to applicants starting new businesses in rural communities on the North Peninsula (Clallam and Jefferson Counties), in the Skagit Valley (Skagit and Island Counties), on the Palouse (Whitman, Garfield, Columbia, and Asotin Counties) and in the Columbia Basin (Benton, Franklin, Grant, and Adams Counties). 

The competition is designed to diversify local economies, build business leadership in local communities, grow a constituency that supports conservation and sustainable natural resource use, and ultimately contribute to a new vision of sustainable community and economic development in rural Washington.

Here’s How it Works:

  • March-May: Attend a Circular Ideation workshop to learn about the Circular Economy and the Circular Economy Challenge. Submit your application by the end of April.

  • June-August: Up to 20 applicants will be invited to complete Start Simple (June), Start Lean (July) and Start Green (August). 

  • August-October: Work with your mentors and business advisors to validate your business model Submit your Start Simple feasibility plan and Start Lean Canvas for evaluation by your business advisor. Practice your pitch at one of our pitch clinics. Receive a $500 “momentum grant” for completing the training and pitch practice. 

  • November:  Attend the Circular Economy Fast Pitch to pitch your business to a panel of independent judges and a chance to win startup funding of up to $10,000. 

Triple Win: Economic, Social and Environmental

Your business concept will be judged not only on whether it will be financially viable but also on how it will reduce the waste stream, keep revenue local, and develop local business leadership and community self-determination.

The Circular Economy Challenge will build entrepreneurial and small business development capacity. More people will have an opportunity to start a small business that survives and grows, contributes to their financial self-sufficiency, and improves the health and well-being of their community. 

Applicants must submit a completed application by no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, May 24, 2024.