Calling all small business champions of the circular economy 

Launched in 2021, the Small Business Champions Initiative celebrates organisations that empower small businesses to participate and succeed in global trade. This year, the organisers – the  International Chamber of Commerce, International Trade Centre and World Trade Organization’s Informal Working Group on Micro-, Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises, in partnership with United Nations Trade and Development – will recognise concepts and initiatives that help small businesses embrace the circular economy. 

Along with the recognition, the winners will be invited to Geneva for an award ceremony on 27 June 2025. The International Trade Centre will additionally award each winner US$4,000 prize money to support the development or further scaling of their winning project and issue an award certificate. 

What are we looking for and who can participate? 

• Small businesses, enterprises, industry associations, chambers of commerce and non-governmental organisations leading initiatives such as awareness-raising campaigns, competitions, capacity building, training, mentoring and networking programmes related to the circular economy 

• Small businesses engaged in the circular economy with innovative business concepts that reduce, prevent or repurpose waste 

All proposals must have a clear link to international trade and include an action plan (see past competitions for reference). 

Submit your proposal   

Proposals should be submitted through this form by 28 March 2025. The winning proposals will be jointly selected by representatives from the competition organisers. For additional information, consult this guide. 

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