On 10 May 2023, the EESC hosted the event Financing local circular economy initiatives: an event for financiers and project developers organised by ACR+ in cooperation with the two Horizon Europe projects Deciso and Hoop.

These two projects address the issue of investment costs for circular economy initiatives by providing project development assistance, including the development of financing solutions and business plans for local circular economy initiatives with the ultimate aim of leveraging further public and private investment.

The workshop on 10 May 2023 was designed as a platform to exchange advice, share good practices and foster cooperation between financiers and project developers.

Target audience

• public authorities
• private investors
• innovative solution providers
• project developers

Key topics for discussion

• What funding opportunities are there for circular economy initiatives?
• How can public authorities attract innovative solutions to solve their local challenges?
• How can we engage private investors to bridge the huge public funding gap?

The afternoon session was an opportunity for project developers to pitch their ideas. The workshop was followed by a matchmaking and networking session to bring projects and investors together.