Implemented by
In cooperation with
© Vivita Philippines / CJ Duque
The Cordillera Administrative Region faces urgent challenges from growing plastic waste, which threatens our unique environment and the development of sustainable business practices. At the same time, our youth and young entrepreneurs need viable, future-ready economic opportunities.
Circle Works is all about nurturing a fresh generation of young entrepreneurs who are passionate about sustainability. We're helping them find that sweet spot where they can care for people, protect the planet, and still achieve great profit, guided by the principle of the triple bottom line. We blend modern circular economy strategies with practical tools for building circular, opportunity-rich businesses that turn waste into value.
Circle Works is an incubation and acceleration program that equips young innovators in the Cordilleras with the skills, mentorship, and seed funding to launch profitable green ventures. We help founders design circular business models that cut waste, unlock new revenue streams, and build resilience, proving that circularity is not just good for the planet, but also good for business.
Repair Café gatherings in local communities and Circular Economy learning sessions with partners across the Cordilleras use simple fixing, mending, and shared stories as a starting point for conversations about circularity, helping neighbors and students connect, reflect on everyday choices, and imagine greener local futures together.
Seed Funding
We provide substantial early-stage funding to help ventures launch and grow, offering PHP 600,000 in incubation investment for each of 14 selected teams and PHP 1,000,000 in acceleration funding for each of the top five startups.
up to 14 local teams
Top 5 regional startups
Youth aged 16-35 in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Aspiring entrepreneurs, grassroots innovators, and startup enthusiasts
Students, community leaders, and members of women-led MSMEs.
Anyone passionate about solving plastic waste and building a sustainable future for the Cordilleras.
Funded by a €60 million grant from the European Union (EU), the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership is a priority programme under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and is led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It aims to link European and Filipino partners from the private sector and local governments to accelerate the country’s transition to a greener economy while sustaining economic growth.
This initiative is done under the EU-PH Green Economy: Green Business, Infrastructure, and Finance implemented by Expertise France, co-led by the Department of Trade and Industry, and co-implemented with GGGI Philippines and a consortium of partners dedicated to regional innovation and sustainability.
As a creativity accelerator for youth, Vivita leads the program, providing makerspace resources and expertise in youth incubation.
The Technological Consortium for Awareness, Readiness, and Advancement of Knowledge in Innovation. Led by the University of the Cordilleras, TARAKI leads regional stakeholder coordination and co-facilitates design thinking workshops
A sustainability and ESG-focused firm, Ampersand leads the integration of ESG principles, materiality mapping, and impact reporting for all incubated ventures.
The grant manager for this European Union-funded project.
Phase 1
Phase 3
Phase 5
Have an idea to tackle plastic waste? Ready to build a green-tech future for the Cordilleras? We want to hear from you.
For inquiries, please contact: circleworks@vivita.ph
DISCLAIMER: This website was created and maintained with support of the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership. This programme is funded by the European Union, co-led by the Department of Trade and Industry, and implemented by Expertise France.
The contents of this website are the sole responsibility of Vivita Philippines and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union and programme partners.
