The insights, guidelines and recommendations included in this guide are an outcome of the work done in the CCRI Community of Practice on Supporting Local Circular Businesses, where cities and regions across Europe came together to consider the challenges and opportunities in supporting local circular businesses.

It provides practical guidance, steps and tools for cities and regions interested in designing, implementing and continuously improving effective support measures, using a systemic and ecosystem-based approach.

The guide provides insights into the policy levers and support measures that cities and regions can apply to support circular businesses, and supports authorities as they move from isolated initiatives to coherent, well-aligned portfolios of measures that address both the immediate and structural barriers facing European circular businesses.

It is intended for actors in cities and regions committed to advancing the circular economy and supporting circular businesses within their areas. It is relevant for both authorities initiating new support measures and those seeking to strengthen or refine existing approaches.

This document includes:

• An overview of policy instruments that cities and regions can use to address the specific needs of circular businesses (What). 
• Key principles for designing and implementing an effective policy mix (How). 
• A roadmap with actionable recommendations and tools, organised into four phases. 
• Annexes with a practical starting point and an executive checklist.