AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin announced the winner of the 2024 Circular Austin Showcase, a pitch competition for local circular businesses focused on reuse and zero waste. Circular business models reduce the need to extract new resources from our planet by keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible. 

The event took place Aug. 29 in partnership between Austin Resource Recovery and the Economic Development Department. 

A judging panel selected the Mosaic Workshop as this year’s winner following pitches from five finalists. Three participants from the Circular Austin Accelerator program also pitched their business ideas during the competition. Material Union took home a $2,000 prize. Scoring criteria for both categories included business viability, fundability, circular economy/zero waste impact, economic impact and local job creation, along with effectiveness of pitch delivery. In addition, all competitors gained valuable feedback from the judges. 

The Mosaic Workshop accepts the cash prize at the Circular Austin Showcase from Maddie Morgan and the judging panel. 

2024 Circular Austin Showcase finalists:

• Black Lives Veggies by Larry Franklin 
  Black Lives Veggies is a not-for-profit with a mission to diversify the local food system. They teach BIPOC communities how to plant, grow, harvest and distribute fresh veggies.
• Heron by AnnMarie Wakely 
  Heron rents and delivers anything you don't use enough to buy. They offer everything from wheelchairs to air mattresses to patio heaters.
• Mosaic Workshop by J Muzacz 
  The Mosaic Workshop teaches people of all ages and abilities the art of mosaic making. They host classes and design community-led mosaic murals using broken tile, glass and ceramics.
• Shop Slow by Mikaela Friedman 
  Shop Slow is a “slow fashion” boutique that features clothing by a collective of makers who sew custom and unique clothing. Their makers focus on using recycled materials. 
• Wanderlust Wine Co. by Sammy Lam 
  Wanderlust Wine Co. is the world's largest wine-on-tap winery. They are on a mission to change the world through wine by utilizing sustainable, recyclable and reusable packaging and practices. 

2024 Circular Austin Accelerator program finalists:  

• Aura Rainwater by Alexander Williams 
  Aura Rain is a premium water brand. They harvest rainwater and transform it into sustainable drinking water. 
• Material Union by Christa Clark
  Material Union plans to collect and sort textiles to give them a second life as new products, like pillows and insulation.
• Sleep, Never by Aaron Torres 
  Sleep, Never is a slow fashion brand that uses reclaimed materials to create made-to-order clothing. Each piece is ethically developed and manufactured in-house in Austin, Texas, with a focus on quality, fit and size inclusivity.

“Austin Resource Recovery is proud to host the fourth annual Circular Austin Showcase alongside the Economic Development Department. This event is a great way to give local businesses a platform to showcase their circular business ideas,” says Richard McHale, Director for Austin Resource Recovery. “We congratulate all the finalists. These organizations are dedicated to reusing materials and reducing waste to help Austin toward a zero waste future.” 

"The Circular Austin Showcase highlights innovative businesses that are driving sustainability and economic growth in our community," said Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. "We applaud the finalists for their commitment to reducing waste and inspiring a circular economy in Austin." 

Judges for the 2024 Circular Austin Showcase included:  

• Bart Bohn, partner in ATP and professor of Entrepreneurial Finance
• Sandy Eapen, founder of Eapen Impact
• Alina Sanchez, founder of Accelerating Purpose
• Emma Leavy, principal at Gratitude Railroad

The Circular Austin Showcase is a program created by the City of Austin’s Circular Economy Program. The event is focused on connecting local investors to circular economy entrepreneurs and business owners. The Showcase aims to help Austin reduce waste, help our planet and grow the local circular economy.  

The Circular Austin Accelerator program helps entrepreneurs improve their circular business ideas throughout a 12-week program. Participants received business training and coaching to help improve their concepts.

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About Austin Resource Recovery   
Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin. We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items and dead animals. We also sweep the streets, recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste, and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Learn more at austinrecycles.com.  

About the City of Austin Economic Development Department 
The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd. Connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on X, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.