eBay Australia is expanding its Circular Fashion Fund (CFF) to help fashion start-ups scale circular solutions, from production to end-of-life, including rental and repair services. Applications for eBay’s CFF are open until 15 November 2024, with start-ups, small businesses, social enterprises and charities invited to apply.
Since it launched in the UK in 2022, the CFF has helped 15 businesses scale their circular solutions, including the three funding recipients of the inaugural CFF in Australia. The Australian recipients included the overall winner, Dempstah, a design practice that recycles Australian textile waste into spun yarn, and runners-up, RCYCL and The Very Good Bra.
The CFF will provide a global investment of US$1.2 million to start-ups in the global markets by the end of 2025 and over 200 hours of mentoring and networking support for applicants from industry experts.
To further amplify its impact, eBay Ventures, eBay’s venture capital arm, will select one winner from the global selection of market winners to become Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year and receive an investment of US$300,000.
eBay Australia fashion lead, Anne-Marie Cheney said, “At eBay, we’re committed to creating economic opportunity for all while driving positive change in the fashion industry. The Circular Fashion Fund exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation between companies like eBay and fashion start-ups.
“By uniting our resources and expertise, we’re scaling circular fashion businesses to help build a more sustainable future and reduce clothing going to landfill.”
The Fund will enter its second year in Australia in partnership with the Australian Fashion Council (AFC). The winner will receive a AU$100,000 cash prize, while the two runner-ups will receive AU$50,000 each. All three finalists will receive bespoke mentoring sessions, educational workshops and networking opportunities.
A judging panel of industry experts across fashion, academia, and sustainability will choose the winners including Australian Fashion Council CEO, Jaana Quaintance-James, Sendle founder and CEO, James Chin-Moody, UTS director of the centre of excellence in sustainable fashion & textiles, Dr Lisa Lake, The Growth Activists CEO, Rosanna Iaconno, Seamless general manager of industry transformation, Danielle Kent, Liandra founder, Liandra Gaykamangu, The Volte founder and CEO, Bernadetter Olivier, eBay global head of ventures and strategic partnerships, Henri Jaanimagi, eBay Australia chief marketing officer and director of category, Rebecca Newton, and eBay Australia fashion lead, Anne-Marie Cheney.