About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
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.
How to apply