Designing a circular economy program for small businesses required a careful balance. The program needed enough structure to guide participants through a clear process, but enough flexibility to respond to businesses at different stages of readiness, operating across different sectors and facing different pressures. With funding confirmed later than expected, the program shifted quickly from a strong idea to an immediate delivery challenge: a delivery partner to appoint, the model to refine, and the right mix of participants to recruit, without losing the strategic intent that shaped the original proposal.
The expression of interest process tested an important assumption: that local businesses were ready to explore circular economy not as an abstract concept, but as something connected to their own operations, costs and future opportunities. Twelve businesses came forward, representing a diverse mix of industries, business models and sizes. The smaller cohort allowed for deeper engagement, stronger relationships and more tailored support. Council also examined its own practices, with Visitor Services and Procurement participating as internal business units. Following a competitive process, Coreo was appointed as the delivery partner for its specialist circular economy knowledge and experience working with businesses.
The program launched in September 2024 with a full-day event that brought participants together, connected them with the people supporting the program, and grounded the work in both Council ' s strategic objectives and the local business context. Presentations from Council ' s Business Development and Waste teams and Coreo framed the program from economic development, sustainability and circular economy perspectives. Participants also heard from Wildlife Coast Cruises, already taking practical action in this space.
From there, Coreo worked with each business to develop tailored action plans, identifying circular activities or projects they would progress during the implementation phase. Most businesses developed several actions, reflecting the range of opportunities within their operations. The program concluded with an in-person closing event, where participants shared what they had achieved, the challenges they encountered and the lessons they would
The program launched in September 2024 with a full-day event that brought participants together, connected them with the people supporting the program, and grounded the work in both Council ' s strategic objectives and the local business context.
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