The eBay Circular Fashion Fund is back and this year, they are going global. eBay are looking to invest in businesses that push the boundaries of technology and services to drive circular fashion forward. Winners from the UK will be in with a chance of securing up to £50k in funding and will advance to pitch their business model to eBay’s global leadership team.
This is an opportunity to be awarded “eBay Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year” and receive an additional investment of up to $300k. In partnership with the British Fashion Council (BFC) eBay are spotlighting businesses that are changing the way people shop and think about circular fashion, through customer experience, circular inventory and social commerce.
What is circular fashion?
Imagine fashion as a cycle, where pieces are continuously rehomed, repurposed, and recycled rather than going to landfill. As circular fashion increases in not only popularity but also importance for the planet, innovative technological advancements are vital. That’s where the eBay Circular Fashion Fund comes in and supports business sellers.
Who should enter?
The eBay Circular Fashion Fund supports innovative businesses that use technology and services to change customer behaviour within the fashion industry. eBay are looking for forward-thinking solutions which will develop the way we think about fashion’s circular economy.
- The applicant’s company should be based in the United Kingdom and registered with Companies House (not sole trader) and can be a charity, social enterprise or registered company.
- Applicants should be trading for a minimum of 6 months and a max of 6 years.
What will selected applicants receive?
- Up to £50,000 in funding to expand your business
- A chance to gain a $300,000 investment
- A bespoke mentorship programme with industry experts
- Exclusive networking opportunities
How does the judging process work?
- Applications open Wednesday the 16th of October 2024 and the closing date will be Friday the 15th of November 2024.
- eBay will contact you if you have been shortlisted by Wednesday the 27th of November 2024
- The next process will be to pitch your proposals to a panel committee consisting of industry experts and eBay leadership on Thursday 5th December 2024.
- From the week commencing Monday 24 March 2025, each market winner will have the exciting opportunity to pitch directly to our global leadership team.
- Winners will have the chance to secure additional investment, bringing their business to the next level.
Evaluation Criteria
- The ability to leverage emerging technologies to create products or services which advances fashion’s circular economy
- Have a unique value proposition that has game-changing advantages over other alternatives
- The business model is commercially viable and economically desirable
- The business not only addresses a need but also solves a problem
- Has an immediate and longer-term impact on people and the planet
- Quality and completeness of application form
- Businesses selected for global assessment will be reviewed against their team, traction of their business, and thesis
