Circular Enterprise Resources

As part of our ongoing initiative to support businesses in the recycling and reuse sector, the City of Austin is pleased to provide this Circular Enterprise Resource Guide. The guide provides information on local programs, services, resources, community groups and regulations relevant to you as a zero waste entrepreneur.

Circular design resources

Circular Berlin Toolbox	A collection of free tools for circular design, impact analysis, circular and social business models and more.
Circular Design Guide	Find methods, case studies and other resources that help you design for circularity.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation	The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is an international charity, committed to the creation of a circular economy that tackles some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Driven by design, a circular economy eliminates waste and pollution, keeps products and materials in use, and regenerates natural systems, creating benefits for society, the environment, and the economy.

Equity-centered resources

DivInc	DivInc is a nonprofit that works to make the startup ecosystem more diverse, equitable and inclusive. They connect underrepresented entrepreneurs to resources and mentors through their programs and partnerships. Programs include a 12-week startup accelerator, alumni program and Startup Sistas (for Black and Brown women founders).
JUST	JUST is a social venture that invests in hard-working, low-income entrepreneurs. JUST offers microloans to free entrepreneurs from the cycle of debt.

Funding opportunities

Competition-based

Austin Fast Start	A pitch competition with different industry targets each quarter. The top pitch(es) win an unrestricted cash prize, among other opportunities. Hosted in partnership between the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department and the Austin Young Chamber, with support from 3 Day Startup.
Philanthropitch	Philanthropitch is a social impact fast-pitch competition for nonprofits, funded by Notley. Nonprofits can learn how to break out of the cycle of traditional philanthropy.
[Re]Verse Pitch Competition	An annual City of Austin social innovation challenge where entrepreneurs create a new social enterprise using byproduct materials from another local business to compete for a cash prize. Competitors receive help from mentors and advisors.

General

Central Texas Angel Network	CTAN is a member network of accredited local angel investors that mentors and invests in early-stage entrepreneurs and start ups. CTAN offers monthly open office hours, and is one of the top five most active angel networks in the United States.
The City of Austin's Bright Green Futures School Grants	Interested in partnering and/or piloting your business idea with a local school? This grant offers up to $3,000 for Austin-area schools to start sustainability projects. Applications are accepted yearly between August and September.
City of Austin Business Expansion Program	The Economic Development Department has a Business Expansion Program. It offers discretionary incentives for businesses that are expanding, relocating or creating jobs in Austin.
City of Austin Family Business Loan Program (expansion loan)	The Family Business Loan Program is a public-private partnership between the City of Austin, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and private lenders. It offers low-interest loans to qualified small businesses that are creating new jobs.
City of Austin Veteran Business Loan Initiative	The Veteran Business Loan is part of the Family Business Loan Program. It offers a low-interest rate loan and low borrower equity requirements to help create or expand a business.
Food + City	Food+City is a nonprofit that supports innovative startups providing better food to more people with less waste. They offer networking opportunities, mentorship and funding. They also host the Food+City Startup Challenge, a global competition dedicated to innovation in the food supply chain.
Foodshed Investors	Austin Foodshed Investors is an investor network and impact accelerator. They help local sustainable food companies raise capital, work with experts and meet investors.
JUST	JUST is a social venture that invests in hard-working, low-income entrepreneurs. JUST offers microloans to free entrepreneurs from the cycle of debt.
Nonprofit community lenders	Several local nonprofits make loans. They include LiftFund, ACCION, BiGAustin, PeopleFund, BCL of Texas, Capital CDC and Central Texas CDC.
Notley	Notley is a social impact investment company that operates as an engine for social good. They offer seed capital and grants to social impact organizations. They also run programs like NotleyEDU, Philanthropitch, Women@Austin, The Center for Social Innovation and Catalyst Games.
Philanthropitch	Philanthropitch is a social impact fast-pitch competition for nonprofits, funded by Notley. Nonprofits can learn how to break out of the cycle of traditional philanthropy.
[Re]Verse Pitch Competition	An annual City of Austin social innovation challenge where entrepreneurs create a new social enterprise using byproduct materials from another local business to compete for a cash prize. Competitors receive help from mentors and advisors.
SWAN Impact Network	SWAN funds early-stage, for-profit companies that are helping make the world better.
Zero Waste Business Rebate	Austin businesses can earn up to $1,800 in rebates from the City to increase or improve recycling, composting or other zero waste programs.

Government resources | City of Austin

Doing business with the City

Austin Energy Small Business Outreach Program	Austin Energy offers rebates and discounts to help businesses save energy.
City of Austin's Small and Minority Business Resources Department	The Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) promotes access and equity to socially and economically disadvantaged minority and women-owned small businesses (MBE/WBE/DBE) participating on City of Austin contracts.
Small Business Resource Guide	Find rebates, grants and resources for small businesses in this directory managed by the City's Small Business Program.

Plans and studies

Austin Community Climate Plan	This plan lays out energy, transportation, waste and industrial sector action plans to meet the City’s goal of reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner. An updated version of the plan, expected later in 2021, centers racial equity and proposes new goals and strategies for our city.
Austin’s Community Diversion Study (2015)	The community diversion study is a study of residential and business activities in Austin to keep material out of the landfill. The study found that Austin’s community-wide diversion rate in 2015 was approximately 42%.
Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan	Imagine Austin is the City’s 30-year comprehensive plan for its future.
The Recycling and Reuse‐related Economy of Austin (updated 2020)	This report shows the economic impact and jobs that are supported by recycling and reuse-related activity in the Austin area as of 2019.
Zero Waste Master Plan	This plan outlines how the City will reach its goal of zero waste goal of 90% diversion from landfill or incineration by 2040.

Zero waste ordinances

Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance	This ordinance requires construction projects with 5,000 square feet or more of new, remodeled or added floor area to reuse or recycle at least 50% of construction debris or dispose of less than 2.5 lbs. of material per square foot of floor area. Commercial and multifamily demolition projects of all sizes must also meet ordinance requirements.
Hauler Licensing	All private haulers that collect, remove or transport waste, recycling and/or organics/compost within the City of Austin for a fee, and companies that haul as part of their job, must get a private hauler license. The City maintains an online list of licensed haulers.
Special Events Ordinance	The Special Events Ordinance applies to events in Austin. Event organizers must meet ordinance requirements, which include submitting a waste management plan. Larger events also need to document how they plan to reduce and divert waste onsite.
Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO)	The City of Austin requires all commercial and multifamily properties to provide convenient access to recycling to residents, employees and commercial tenants. Food service businesses must also put an organics diversion program in place. The goal is for those who work or live in these places to have access to convenient recycling or organics diversion. All properties must submit a recycling or organics plan each year to show they are meeting the URO requirements. All properties and businesses must provide signs and education to residents, commercial tenants and employees.

Government and academic resources | Other

Capital Area Council of Governments Solid Waste Planning	CAPCOG is the state regional planning agency for Planning Region 12 and responsible for solid waste management issues in Central Texas. They provide technical help to local governments and solid waste professionals.
Environmental Protection Agency Sustainable Materials Management	The EPA has a tool that estimates impacts to the environment from purchasing and/or manufacturing materials that contain recycled content.
The Governor's Small Business Resource Portal	The Texas Economic Development Office has an online resource database featuring business advice, funding sources and more.
Study on the Economic Impacts of Recycling by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality	TCEQ conducted a study on the current and potential economic impacts of recycling. It includes an estimate of state and local revenue that might be lost if recyclable materials are not recycled.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality	TCEQ is the state agency responsible for most recycling-related regulations including landfill permits, electronics recycling and hazardous waste laws. Find information on area landfills, MSW data, recycling resources and waste management guidelines on their website.
Texas Department of Transportation Roadway Recycled Materials Summaries	TxDOT has research available for 12 recycled materials that could be used in road construction.
The University of Texas at Austin Materials Lab	The Materials Lab at the School of Architecture has an academic material collection with over 28,000 material samples. The collection is searchable online by materials with recycled content or other sustainable features. The lab welcomes visitors and is open to the public.

Networking and promotion

Austin’s Circular Story	Austin’s Circular Economy Story is an interactive map that shows local businesses using circular practices.
Austin Green Business Leaders	The Austin Green Business Leaders program highlights businesses that protect the environment and improve our community.
Austin Energy Green Building	Austin Energy Green Building offers resources for building sustainable residential and commercial projects. AEGB provides green building ratings, consulting services, workshops and more.
Austin Regional Manufacturer’s Association	ARMA is a trade association that acts as the voice of manufacturing in the Austin area. They serve the manufacturing community through advocacy, workforce development and networking.
Austin Reuse Directory	The Austin Reuse Directory is a search tool to help extend the life of everyday items. Find where to donate, resell or buy used or upcycled items, plus locate rental and/or repair services.
Zero Waste Block Leaders	Block Leaders help spread the word about recycling, composting and zero waste to their neighbors.

Nonprofit resources

Cascade Alliance	The Cascade Alliance provides free consulting services to nonprofits. They help organizations create revenue-generating social enterprises thru reuse or recycling. The program is run by St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County.
Nonprofit Austin at Austin Community College	Nonprofit Austin provides professional development services for mission-driven people and organizations. They offer certificate programs, educational resources and special events for nonprofit leaders.

Real estate

Austin Chamber of Commerce	The Austin Chamber of Commerce may provide connections to local commercial/industrial real estate resources and has access to property databases for companies seeking space in the Austin region. The chamber’s website provides a sampling of featured properties.
The City's Brownfields Revitalization Office	The City's Brownfields Revitalization Office helps businesses clean up hazardous land. Programs include grant funding for free environmental site assessments, lead-based paint and asbestos surveys and abatement, and a flexible loan program with low interest for environmental property cleanups.
City-owned property for sale or lease	This site lists City property for sale or open lease solicitation.

Social impact accelerators and incubators

Austin Technology Incubator (ATI)	ATI helps co-design and pilot circular economy technology and business model innovations. ATI connects entrepreneurs with academia, industry, and government.
Concordia University Incubator for Innovation and Impact	The Incubator offers resources for social impact entrepreneurs, like professor and student support. They also have co-working and meeting space.
Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs (JBTVL) at the University of Texas	JBTVL is an accelerator that matches early-stage Austin startups with graduate student teams. Each semester, JBTVL showcases the startups to the community and investors.
The University of Texas at Austin Global Sustainability Leadership Institute	An academic center at The McCombs School of Business that acts as UT-Austin’s hub for innovation in social and environmental impact. The Institute’s work focuses on corporate sustainability, impact entrepreneurship, and sustainable finance. Students and the community can enjoy experiential learning programs, courses, events, and research.

Sourcing materials

Materials recovery facilities (MRFs)

Balcones Resources	Balcones handles about 60% of the City of Austin’s residential recycling. They accept residential and business recycling from throughout Central Texas at their Materials Recovery Facilities in Austin and Taylor.
Texas Disposal Systems	Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) handles about 40% of the City of Austin’s residential recycling. They accept residential and business recycling from throughout Central Texas at their Materials Recovery Facility. TDS also owns and operates a landfill, composting operation and construction and demolition recycling facility.

Used materials

Austin Materials Marketplace	This online tool can help source local, reusable or recyclable materials for your business. Scrap wood, furniture, textiles or pallets are some of the materials that may be available.
Austin Reuse Directory	The Austin Reuse Directory is a search tool to help extend the life of everyday items. Find where to donate, resell or buy used or upcycled items, plus locate rental and repair services.
City of Austin Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center	Residents can drop off certain items to be recycled, reused or safely discarded. Free reused items are also available, such as ReBlend recycled paint and mulch. Some services have a fee. Appointments are required.
Recycling Demand Mapping in Texas	In 2017, the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR), the City of Austin and the Southeast Recycling Development Council (SERDC) found over 125 businesses in Texas that process or use recycled feedstock.
Surplus property sales	Local secondhand materials may save you money, and reduce your carbon footprint and packaging waste. Consider surplus property stores or auctions (UT, county, state) or see what's available on the Austin Materials Marketplace before buying new. Local businesses may also have the material you need coming out as a byproduct.
US Environmental Protecction Agency (EPA) Recycled Content (ReCon) Tool	This tool estimates impacts to the environment from purchasing and/or manufacturing materials.

Spaces

Event and co-working spaces

Austin Public Library	All Austin Public Library locations have free meeting rooms groups can reserve, Wi-Fi, videoconferencing and computers. A mobile hotspot can be borrowed with a library card at any library location. The Central Library downtown also offers rentable event space and small meeting rooms.
Impact Hub Austin	Impact Hub Austin is a global coworking community for social impact entrepreneurs. The Austin center offers shared workspace, events and programs. All company types and individuals are welcome.
Vesper	Vesper is a nonprofit event space that hosts both community and private events. Discounts may be available for public events with a community benefit. The space holds 300 people.

Makerspaces

ACC Fashion Incubator	Austin Community College’s Fashion Incubator prepares aspiring designers and established entrepreneurs for success. Funded in part by the City of Austin, the 7,500-square-foot facility offers career-technical training, transferable credits, a residency program, leasable space and more.
Asmbly	Asmbly is the largest nonprofit makerspace in Austin, TX. Members can access equipment for woodworking, soldering, sewing, welding, CNC, 3D Printing and more.
CRAFT	CRAFT is a walk-in arts and crafts room for adults. CRAFT also offers workshops, venue rentals for events and meetings and weekly and monthly coworking (you don’t need to be an artist).
make+SHift	make+SHift is a makerspace offering design classes, design education and CNC services to turn help turn business ideas into products.
Pecan Street	Pecan Street offers programs for start-ups, including subsidized product testing and development support, field demos, consulting and prototype fabrication.

Start-up coaching and training

City of Austin business coaching	The City’s Small Business Program offers free, confidential business coaching. Coaches can help review business or marketing plans and assess financial readiness. Businesses must complete the free BizAid class first.
Economic Growth Business Incubator	EGBI provides training and coaching to new and existing business owners seeking to grow their business.
Huston-Tillotson University Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation	CEI offers classes for small-business owners, workshops and one-week startup “boot camps." Entrepreneurs can use free space at the center for up to eight months and get free consultation.
SCORE	SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. They are dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, they have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs. SCORE is a nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Texas State University Small Business Development Center	Texas State SBDC offers no-cost business advising, research services and low-cost trainings.