ACEBA Circular Economy Business Support Programmes

Apply Now for the First Intake! Application Deadline: 16 November 2026

See below the application forms 

Businesses across Southeast Asia are increasingly using circular economy approaches to reduce costs, improve resilience, create new products and services, access new markets and finance and stay abreast of changing markets and policy environments The ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA), with the support from the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme, is launching two business support programmes in both Indonesia and the Philippines to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) create practical business value and growth with circular economy.

These programmes are designed for SMEs at different business development and circular transition stages.

• The Circular Business Transition Programme targets mature SMEs with established products and markets, that have not yet engaged with circular economy, yet would be expected to do so to stay ahead of changing market requirements and policies. The aim is to renew business development and growth, inspired and driven by circularity building on established business strengths.
• The Circular Solution Accelerator Programme targets start-ups that have a demonstrated circular solution, but not yet scaled this to commercial level. The aim is to unlock and accelerate market-driven business growth, driven by the scaling up of their demonstrated circular solutions.   

Both programmes will run in the two countries with parallel national cohorts during November 2026 – May 2027.

The programmes preferentially target SMEs working in following priority sectors: agri-food  processing, automotive, building and construction, electronics, furniture and homewares, hospitality and tourism, leather and footwear, and textile and garments.

Circular Business Transition Programme

For mature SMEs with established products and markets  seeking renewal and growth through circularity

The SME Circular Business Transition Programme supports established small and medium-sized enterprises to identify, develop and prepare practical circular economy opportunities for their products, activities and business.

The programme is delivered through  one-to-one mentoring: participating companies (mentees) will work with experienced national business professionals (mentors) to assess where they are today, identify relevant opportunities, prioritise solutions and prepare an action plan for implementation. The mentoring will be supported by succinct webinars to introduce and operationalise circular economy for business, and guidance by international circular economy experts.

What the Transition Programme helps companies do?

Participating SMEs will be supported to:

• Understand opportunities and risks circular economy may present for their business
• Identify practical ways to reduce material, energy, water and waste use and associated costs
• Explore new circular products, services, business processes or business models
• Prioritise quick wins and longer-term circular growth opportunities
• Build a practical action plan for implementation
• Connect with relevant business networks, partners and support organisations
• Showcase their circular business journey and achievements

Who should participate?

This programme is best suited for established SMEs in Indonesia and the Philippines that:

• Have an established business track record with mature product or service offerings and operations
• Are operating in establish or growing markets
• Want to renew, strengthen or grow their business through circularity
• Are interested in improving resource efficiency, reducing waste or developing circular products and services
• Can commit senior management time to the mentoring process

Learn More and Apply 

Circular Business Transition Programme

• Download the Circular Business Transition Programme Concept Note
• Fill-in and Submit the Application Form 

Circular Solutions Accelerator

For start-ups that have a circular solution that is ready to scale

The Circular Solutions Accelerator supports start-ups that  have a circular economy solution that is already proven (e.g. through tested prototypes or alike) with evidence of market validation, circularity impact and commercial potential.

The accelerator programme helps promising circular start-ups to move beyond early adoption and prepare for wider market uptake, strategic partnerships, investment and scale.

The programme is delivered through one-to-one mentoring: participating start-ups (mentees) will work with experienced national business development professionals (mentors) to review and further refine and focus their circular solution, the go-to-market and scaling strategies, and business and partnership plans. The mentoring will be supported by succinct webinars to covering the business acceleration cycle and guidance by international circular economy experts.

What the Accelerator Programme helps companies do?

Participating start-ups will be supported to:

• Diagnose barriers preventing their circular solution from scaling
• Refine and improve their circular impact and value proposition
• Strengthen their business model and growth strategy
• Identify priority customer segments, markets and business partners
• Prepare for commercial partnerships and investor conversations

Who should participate?

This programme is best suited for start-ups that:

• Have a circular economy solution that is already validated by early adopting customers or end-users
• Are ready to scale up their solution as a commercial enterprise
• Demonstrate commercial traction or strong market potential
• Need business partnerships and resources to scale
• Have a management team ready to engage actively in the accelerator process

Learn More and Apply 

Circular Solutions Accelerator Programme

• Download the Circular Solutions Accelerator Programme Concept Note
• Fill-in and Submit the Application Form

Benefits for participating companies

Companies selected for the programmes will gain practical, business-focused support to help them translate circular economy opportunities into action.

Key benefits include:

• Tailored mentoring from experienced business leaders and circular economy experts
• Practical tools and templates to guide business planning and implementation
• Improved resource efficiency and potential cost savings
• Clearer circular value proposition for customers, investors and partners
• Stronger business models for circular products, services or processes
• Access to networks of chambers, business associations, experts and potential partners
• Greater visibility as part of a regional ASEAN circular economy initiative, supported by EU partners

Companies will benefit from the Programme if they commit senior management time to the programme and are ready to share with the mentors the necessary details about their business. They should have the organisational and financial strengths ready to implement the decisions taken during the programme. Benefits would accrue only if companies embark on an implementation plan.      

Which Programme Is Right for You?

For more information contact: 

Regional

• Sanjoy Sanyal, Expert, SWITCH Asia Policy Support Component, [email protected]
• Rene Van Berkel, co-convenor, ACEBA, [email protected]  and [email protected]

Indonesia

• Basrie Kamba, senior national expert, ACEBA [email protected]
• Farhan Aqil Syauqi, national expert, ACEBA, [email protected]

Philippines

• Gil Gonzales, co-convenor, ACEBA, [email protected]
• Grace Santos, national expert, ACEBA, [email protected]