C-VoUCHER is the first pan-European initiative, funded by the European Commission, fully adopting circular economy principles to transform linear value chains ('cradle to waste') into circular models ('cradle to cradle'®).

For the period 2018 to 2020, C-VoUCHER has earmarked € 4.2 million for European SMEs through four open calls: € 1.4 million as direct vouchers to companies to be spent on technology implementation; and € 2.8 million on additional services.

The Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade offers an annual Turning Waste into Resources award to inspiring projects that search for a novel use of secondary raw materials with the aim of saving resources and the environment. The award is open to manufacturing and construction companies, schools as well as municipalities. Projects can be submitted in the following categories:

The “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation” (EPAnEK) Operational Programme pivotal strategic objective is to enhance the competitiveness and extroversion of enterprises, to facilitate transition to quality entrepreneurship with innovation and the growth of domestic added value as the cutting edge.

A handy energy manual for the Slovenian market, including a methodology for conducting energy audits in industry and buildings.

National environmental protection programmes in Slovenia aimed at helping the private and public sectors improve their energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources.

Eko fund offers subsidised loans for the following types of project: 

UCM is the main French-speaking employers’ organisation in Belgium, involved in defending the self-employed and business leaders. UCM offers a diverse range of services to SMEs, from business development to HR management and social services. Ten years ago, they created an eco-design unit, which accompanies businesses in incorporating ecodesign in their processes. They are mainly active in Brussels region, and in Wallonia. They offer three types of support:

On the basis of a long-term arrangement with the German Development Bank (KfW), SID Bank funds SME projects that fall into one of the following categories:

Priority 3 of the Smart Growth Operational Programme provides support for SME projects implementing technological innovation.

Priority axis 3: Increasing SMEs competitiveness; implementation and commercialisation of product and process innovation.  

Through this programme, it is possible to:

• Purchase modern machinery and production equipment to enable market entry for new or improved products or services by the SME sector
• Introduce innovative products
• Obtain a loan, surety, guarantee, capital for SME development

Budget allocation: € 305.2 million

Priority axis: Innovative and competitive economy.
The programme co-finances the implementation of innovative investments for SMEs in the Lodz region. 

Total EU contribution: € 274 835 401