What is a circular business idea?

A circular business lowers demand for virgin resources by reducing or recirculating materials within the supply chain. Circular processes include reduction, reuse and repair, redistribution, reconditioning, and recycling. Examples of circular business models:

What stage of venture can apply?

The Project Zero Incubator accepts ventures across all stages of the start-up journey, from a lightbulb idea to an already-operating small business.

Where does my venture have to be located?

To be eligible, your venture’s operations must be based in Canada. The program is run virtually.

How long does the incubator run for?

The incubator runs from July through December.

What time commitment does the program require?

Project Zero requires a time commitment of approximately 12 hours per month. This includes participation in 2-hour virtual sessions every 2 weeks, monthly coaching calls, and approximately 4 hours per month for assignments, readings, and miscellaneous communications.

How much does it cost to participate?

This program is free for all accepted participants.

INCUBATOR

Build, launch, and grow your start-up within the circular economy.

Meet our Ventures

FAQ

WE SUPPORT INNOVATORS WHOSE SOLUTIONS LEAD THE WAY TOWARD A REGENERATIVE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN CANADA.

Project Zero’s free business incubator program offers a foundation of entrepreneurial skills, circular economy expertise, ongoing mentorship, and access to a network of like-minded organizations and leaders.

APPLICATIONS OPEN APRIL 21, 2026.

For the first time, the Project Zero Incubator is going nationwide. Ventures from across Canada can apply to the program starting April 21. Sign up for our newsletter below to get notified when applications launch.

GET NOTIFIED

OUR IMPACT

107+

Ventures INCUBATED

$24M

revenue generated

175+

GREEN JOBS CREATED

2,650

EVENT ATTENDEES

115

COMMUNITIES IMPACTED

The Incubator supports Canada-based entrepreneurs operating within the circular economy.

Waste to resource

(e.g., upcycling)

Product life extension

(e.g., repair services)

Sharing economy

(e.g., container sharing)

Product as a service

(e.g., leasing equipment)

Circular
connectors

(e.g., network or hub)

Clean technology

(e.g., energy)

Credit: Sustain Grooming, 2024 Cohort

HOW IT WORKS

APRIL

Applications open on April 21, 2026.

MAY

Our team will host a virtual info session on May 20 to answer your questions.

JULY

Each venture is matched with a business coach, meeting monthly to provide mentorship, facilitate connections, and jump hurdles.

Ventures participate in monthly virtual sessions hosted by industry experts, covering entrepreneurship and sustainability fundamentals.

In tandem with sessions, ventures complete assignments that build towards a comprehensive business plan.

DECEMBER

Ventures compete in the final pitch event, presenting to an audience of investors, industry experts, and media.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING

Build a foundation of entrepreneurial skills through virtual sessions and assignments, culminating in a complete business plan and investor-ready pitch by the end of the program.

TAILORED SUPPORT

Receive support and connections tailored for whatever phase you’re in, meeting you where you’re at in your start-up journey.

ACCESS TO EXPERTS

Build your network and receive one-on-one feedback from experts in the circular economy, the entrepreneurial space, and more.

ONGOING MENTORSHIP

Meet regularly with your assigned business coach to brainstorm, hurdle jump, and receive feedback.

MEET OUR VENTURES

2025
COHORT

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2024 COHORT

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PROGRAM PARTNERS

WITH A BACKGROUND IN BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY, I HAD ZERO KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO START A BUSINESS. THE SESSIONS HELPED ME WALK AWAY WITH A POLISHED BUSINESS PLAN READY FOR ACTION. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PROJECT ZERO FOR ANYONE THAT HAS LIMITED KNOWLEDGE OF THE BUSINESS WORLD, OR JUST NEEDS THAT EXTRA PUSH TO GET STARTED."

- Meaghan McDonald, Founder and CEO, Salt Legacy

2020 Incubator Program Participant

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CIRCULAR ECONOMY ESSENTIALS - LAUNCHING THIS SPRING. JOIN WAITLIST!