The Yunus Environment Hub has announced that applications are now open for Cohort 2 of the CirculaRise Accelerator, a structured programme designed to support growth-stage social businesses in Kenya that are developing circular economy solutions. The application window is open from June to August 2026, with selection and onboarding activities expected to begin shortly thereafter. The initiative is implemented under the organisation’s broader mission to scale social business models that address environmental challenges while promoting inclusive economic growth. Program Overview and Strategic Focus The CirculaRise Accelerator is designed to strengthen enterprises operating within or transitioning toward circular economy models. The programme supports businesses in aligning three core dimensions: Economic viability Environmental responsibility Social impact The accelerator operates under a flexible implementation framework that adapts to local ecosystem needs while maintaining a consistent methodology across countries. In Kenya, the programme is supported by the WE4D initiative, which focuses on women’s employment and green transformation, funded by the German government and the IKEA Foundation, and implemented by GIZ. The Kenyan cohort places particular emphasis on: Scaling circular economy innovations Strengthening SME resilience Expanding women’s economic participation and leadership Key Development Challenge in Kenya The programme is responding to growing environmental and structural economic pressures in Kenya, including: Increasing waste generation linked to consumption patterns Resource depletion across key economic sectors Limited infrastructure for sustainable production and recycling systems Despite growing awareness of sustainability challenges, many social businesses in Kenya continue to face operational constraints such as: Limited access to finance and investment Insufficient technical and operational expertise Restricted access to markets and distribution channels Difficulty balancing social impact with financial sustainability Women entrepreneurs, in particular, face disproportionate barriers, including reduced access to capital, lower visibility in markets, and limited participation in high-growth business ecosystems. Accelerator Model and Delivery Approach The CirculaRise Accelerator is structured as a six-month hybrid programme combining in-person engagement and virtual coaching. It is designed to provide tailored, hands-on support to participating businesses. Key delivery components include: 10 personalised coaching sessions (5 on-site, 5 virtual) Two 3-day immersive training sessions on circular economy and gender-responsive business growth Local expert-led coaching across multiple Kenyan regions Structured SME Loop methodology applied to business development Investor readiness and scaling preparation Each participating business is required to assign two representatives, typically founders or CEOs. At least one participant must be directly involved in strategic decision-making to ensure effective implementation of circular strategies within the organisation. Program Structure and Timeline The accelerator follows a structured timeline from mid-2026 through early 2027: Application period: June to August 2026 Selection results: Rolling basis during application window Programme kick-off: August 2026 Training and coaching phase: July to December 2026 Graduation ceremony: December 2026 to January 2027 The programme concludes with a graduation pitch event in Nairobi, where participating businesses present to investors, including a Tier-1 Kenyan financial institution and other ecosystem partners. Core Programme Components The CirculaRise Accelerator integrates three core pillars of support: Coaching and Capacity Building Business model strengthening Circular economy implementation guidance Gender-responsive growth strategy development Investor readiness preparation Training and Technical Support Two intensive 3-day training workshops Topics covering business analysis and improvement planning Expert facilitation by local Kenyan specialists Capital Access and Visibility Graduation pitch day with investor engagement Access to alumni networks and global circular economy platforms Exposure through events and international conferences Eligibility Criteria for Participation To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet specific requirements designed to ensure readiness and impact potential: Registered legal entity in Kenya Operational for at least three years SME employing between 10 and 250 staff Active in or transitioning toward circular economy practices Demonstrated social impact orientation Women-led, women-owned, women-managed, or actively supporting women’s economic participation The programme is particularly targeted at businesses that are positioned to scale sustainable and inclusive solutions within Kenya’s emerging green economy. Stakeholder Participation and Ecosystem Engagement The accelerator also engages multiple ecosystem actors beyond participating businesses. Participants benefit from: Structured training and coaching sessions Peer learning and networking opportunities Access to investors and business partners Funders and investors gain: Exposure to validated circular economy solutions Opportunities to engage with impact-driven SMEs Access to investment-ready enterprises Partners and ecosystem actors: Collaboration with circular economy innovators Knowledge exchange on sustainable business models Opportunities for co-creation and scaling of solutions Programme Significance and Impact Direction The CirculaRise Accelerator represents a targeted intervention aimed at accelerating Kenya’s transition toward a socially inclusive circular economy. By combining technical assistance, gender-focused development strategies, and investment readiness support, the programme seeks to strengthen the capacity of social businesses to deliver measurable environmental and social impact while maintaining financial sustainability. It further reinforces the role of women entrepreneurs as key drivers of innovation within the green economy, positioning them at the centre of circular transformation efforts. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.