Circular Austin Showcase and Accelerator Programs
Circular Austin is designed for businesses and entrepreneurs moving Austin closer to its zero waste goal. It offers two tracks to support circular entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized enterprises. Both tracks are for businesses that want to reduce waste by redesigning products, changing how people use them, or turning waste into something useful.
The Circular Austin Showcase track offers established circular economy businesses and nonprofits the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 cash prize to keep growing. The deadline to apply for the next Showcase competition is Dec. 18, 2026.
The Circular Austin Accelerator track helps entrepreneurs and newer businesses improve their circular business ideas through a program of workshops, with the potential for a $2,000 cash prize. The deadline to apply for the next Accelerator program is Nov. 13, 2026.
Click here for the 2027 Circular Accelerator application.
- Si necesita una solicitud en español, por favor comuníquese con CircularEconomy@austintexas.gov para recibir ayuda.
Circular Austin
The Circular Austin Accelerator helps local entrepreneurs and new businesses improve their circular business ideas. During the program, participants receive free expert-led training and one-on-one coaching. The program ends with a soft pitch event. The top ideas at the soft pitch will receive entry to compete for a $2,000 prize at the Circular Austin Showcase annual event.
Learn | Receive free business training and coaching from professionals. |
Connect | Network with like-minded entrepreneurs in a group setting to improve your idea. |
Impact | Increase the positive impact your idea can have on the community. |
The winner of the 2026 Circular Accelerator prize of $2,000 was Regenysys, a circular alternative to Styrofoam that can be broken down and regenerated repeatedly through a low-energy, low-waste process. Other Accelerator finalists had included Curated Thrift, R3grnd and ReImajin.It.
Accelerator application and eligibility
Applications for the Accelerator program are now open. The deadline to apply is Nov. 13, 2026. Eligible applicants for the Circular Austin Accelerator must meet these requirements:
- Must have an idea focused on the circular economy, zero waste or sustainability.
- Must have an annual revenue below $35,000.
- May not have received more than $35,000 in outside funding.
- The founder or representative must live or attend school in Austin city limits.
- Prior applicants may apply, but priority will be given to new applicants.
Scoring is based on alignment with the circular economy, community impact and the organization’s potential for growth and success in the program.
Program details
Participants should plan to do the following:
- Spend an average of four hours a week on program activities
- Attend six evening workshops taught by industry professionals
- Attend four business coaching sessions and one business engagement meeting
- Participate in additional evening activities including a program kick-off and networking session
- Present a four-minute pitch at the soft pitch event
- Provide program feedback
The workshops will cover:
- Circular principles
- Creation of a circular business canvas
- Social impact in your business
- Financial literacy
- Marketing strategies
- Storytelling and preparing a pitch
Circular Austin Showcase connects established circular economy businesses and nonprofits with potential investors in the region. Circular economy businesses provide sustainable solutions to their customers and practice zero waste within the organization.
Showcase Prize
Circular economy enterprises pitch to judges for a chance to win $10,000 in prize money.
Connect | Event attendees can network with business owners to learn more about local efforts and opportunities. |
Pitch | A pitch event hosting a diverse group of people from investor and business communities to support and inspire growth in the circular economy. |
Impact | The showcase will inspire and educate the investment community on the social, environmental and economic benefits of circular economy businesses. |
The winner of the 2026 Circular Austin Showcase grand prize of $10,000 was Pickle Envy, who creates fermented foods from local and surplus produce—preventing food waste while offering a nutritious alternative. Other Showcase finalists had included FitDel, That’s Sew Austin and Wanderlust Wine Co. Please enjoy this video on YouTube of the 2026 Showcase event!
Showcase application and eligibility
Applications for the Showcase competition are now open. The deadline to apply is Dec. 18, 2026. Businesses must be located within Austin City Limits and meet these additional requirements:
- Must be focused on the circular economy, zero waste or sustainability.
- Have been in operation for at least 12 months.
- Cannot have raised more than $500,000 in lifetime outside funding.
- Must have an annual revenue between $35,000 and $250,000, or have raised at least $100,000 to date.
- Prior applicants may apply, but priority will be given to new applicants.
Scoring is based on viability, fundability and impact on the circular economy/zero waste, economic impact and social impact.
Program details
Participants are required to attend an evening kickoff meeting and submit information requested by the stated deadlines. They will also be encouraged to attend a free, one-on-one pitch-coaching session. The winner must sign a Prize Winner Agreement before receiving funds. Participants will receive a copy of the agreement when notified about their selection.
The City of Austin supports businesses and entrepreneurs in the circular economy sector through a partnership between Austin Resource Recovery and Austin Economic Development. The City of Austin is proud to support our local circular businesses by hosting events that help Austin reduce waste, create a cleaner environment and grow the local circular economy.