The annual Circular Business Awards by the EU CERC recognise and celebrate best practices in the circular economy as implemented and promoted by businesses.
The Circular Business Awards by the EU CERC are an annual recognition targeted at enterprises in countries eligible for ODA support (see country list below). The award is part of the annual Circular Awards by the EU CERC which also includes a separate Policy Implementation Award.
Each year, two circular business prizes will be awarded: one for a circular business in a specific sector and one for a young woman entrepreneur on any sector. In 2026, the sector will be Electronics & ICT.
The EU CERC will award these two annual prizes to a company and a person who are inspiring examples promoting circular business models. In both cases, the company must be micro-, small or medium size; based in an EU partner country; and active for at least three years. In addition to these, the young female entrepreneur prize is aimed at companies that are (co-)founded and still (co-)led by a young female entrepreneur who is currently not older than 35 years.
A jury nominated by the EU CERC will judge the participating initiatives based on a set of criteria. These include the type of circular business model and the reduction of resource use, along with aspects of innovation and links to the EU markets. The winners will be announced at the World Circular Economy Forum 2026. Both winners will be invited to participate in WCEF2026 to receive the award including tailored EU CERC exchange, coaching, visibility and promotion of a value of EUR 10,000.
The WCEF is a landmark event of the year that brings together business leaders, policymakers and experts to present the world’s best circular economy solutions. The 2026 event will take place in India in autumn 2026.
Check out the rules of the business awards!
Key dates
- Call for applications opens on Monday 3 November 2025.
- The deadline for submitting applications is Sunday 7 December 2025 at 23:59 CET (UTC+1).
- Jury evaluates the applications in January and February 2026.
- Jury interviews the shortlisted candidates during March and April 2026.
- Enabel informs the winners in May 2026.
- Winners are announced at WCEF2026.
