Circular Economy Accelerator grants
Last Updated: 13 Oct 2026
Contents
Support provided by
Zero Waste Scotland
What does this involve?
Zero Waste Scotland’s Circular Economy Accelerator grant supports projects contributing to or enabling the circular economy in Scotland. Grant funding of between £10,000 to £75,000 is available and aimed at projects with the potential to create wider, lasting change beyond an individual organisation.
Funding can support earlier stage and developmental projects that need help to become commercially viable or ready for investment. This can include research and development, trials and pilot projects.
Projects should have the potential to create wider, lasting change. This could include projects that can be scaled up or replicated across Scotland's impact sectors, industries or places, with benefits that extend beyond a single organisation.
Projects must support at least one of the grant's strategic objectives, which you can learn more on Zero Waste Scotland’s website in the link below.
Grant funding above £75,000 may be considered following discussion with Zero Waste Scotland and will require additional evidence.
You'll need to be able to cover the costs upfront, then claim it back afterwards through the grant.
Am I eligible?
Yes, if you're an eligible organisation that wants to help grow the circular economy and meets all the criteria.
Eligible organisations include:
- small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are registered with Companies House and meet the UK government’s definition of an SME
- large organisations
- registered third sector organisations that meet the UK government’s definition of an SME – these could be
- legally constituted organisations
- registered charities
- foundations
- trusts
- social enterprises
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- cooperatives
- public sector bodies and organisations such as councils and academic institutions
Your organisation can be headquartered outside of Scotland, but the project receiving funding must be based permanently in Scotland, and the majority of its activity must take place in Scotland.
You must demonstrate that the project will deliver benefits that can be measured beyond an individual organisation.
You cannot use this funding to cover the following costs:
- business-as-usual costs
- the purchase of moveable infrastructure such as motor vehicles, trailers and bicycles
- accountancy fees and legal fees
- bank or financial charges
- staff travel and expenses
- insurance
- depreciation
- project activity not based in Scotland
- costs that have been incurred outwith the contract period
- recoverable VAT
- land & building costs (purchase of)
What does this cost?
It is free to apply for this service.
Who is this for?
Organisations based permanently in Scotland, with the majority of their project activity taking place in Scotland.
How long does this take?
Applications are welcomed on an ongoing basis, so you can apply at any time. You'll be advised of the current processing times when you submit your application.
Important information
There is currently no cut-off date for the funding.
Next steps
Visit the Zero Waste Scotland website for more information, access detailed guidance and to find out more.
Support provided by
Zero Waste Scotland