eBay is collaborating with the British Fashion Council to launch a £100,000 Circular Fashion Fund for a second year running.
Following on from the success of last year’s scheme, the Fund will offer up to six £25,000 grants to small businesses, social enterprises and charities which specialise in fashion technology.
Alongside the grant, and supported by the environmental charity Hubbub who will act in an advisory role, the six finalists will also receive a six-week mentoring programme, with opportunities to showcase their circular fashion solutions to a wider audience.
The judging criteria for the competition, for which applications are open for until October 20, includes innovation, circularity, scalability and sustainability.
“The UK fashion industry is at the forefront of innovation driving to make circularity the future of fashion. At eBay, we’ve seen first the start-ups and small businesses are a significant driving force behind this ambition for change,” said eBay Global GM of fashion Kirsty Keoghan.
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“Following the hugely successful first year of the Fund, we’re committed to identifying and scaling more UK businesses to help make the change we all want to see.”
British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush added: “We are excited to announce our renewed partnership eBay after a successful year.”
“We aim to support and assist businesses preparing for positive change by embracing innovation, which is fundamental to our mission.”
“We firmly believe that everyone has a role to play in building a brighter future for the fashion industry and aiding the growth of companies that are accelerating the circular economy in fashion is key to this.”
“We look forward to continue to champion the remarkable advances which are being made in industry.”
